EMILY Bennett is kicking goals this year.
The Year 10 Mater Dei College student was chosen in the West Perth Football Club’s colts team this year and was recently selected in the State Academy 16s team, which is the pathway for elite female youth players to progress into the State 18s Academy and AFLW league.
Bennett began playing football when she was selected in the Mater Dei College Hawks AFL Academy in Year 9 and responded quickly to the training, working her way up the ranks and into the senior girls team by the end of the year.
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READ NOWShe said being selected in the State Academy was “such a surprise”.
“I’ve enjoyed the sport so much since I started last year and to think about where I am now is unbelievable,” she said.
“The AFL Academy at the college has helped me to take my game further and I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to develop my skills.
“My dream now is to make the most of this opportunity and work my way into the AFLW league.”
The school’s football director Luke Hendricks said it had been great watching Bennett develop over the past year and a half.
“She has shown the way for all our students within the Girls Academy,” he said.
“It was only around this time last year she first picked up a football.
“I have no doubt if she continues to work hard she’ll achieve big things.”
Applications to the Mater Dei College Hawks AFL Academy are now open for males and females in years 7-11.
Contact enrolments@mdc.wa.edu.au.