STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms CLUTTERHAM (Sturt) (13:30): In South Australia when it comes to footy there is nothing we like better than saying, 'Kick a Vic.' Last Sunday, in absolutely miserable and arctic conditions at the Amaroo playing fields on the outskirts of Canberra, the South Australian under-12 girls AFL team did just that, winning the Australian School Sport footy championship for the first time ever, with a 19-9 victory over the Victorian side.

I can tell you, Deputy Speaker, that these under-12 girls can play, and, with the AFLW entering its 11th season this weekend, there is a genuine elite pathway for them to continue to play well into their 20s and 30s. The game was tough, skilful, a little heated and quite thrilling, with Victoria leading the low-scoring affair for probably 90 per cent of the match, before South Australia fired up in the last quarter to secure the come-from-behind win.

The team was made up of players from many clubs across the state, including two in particular are based in my electorate of Sturt, the might Glenunga Rams and the Athelstone Football Club. Congratulations must also go to head coach Ella Mickan, whose Mickan family pedigree combined with firm, fair and positive leadership not only steered the team to victory but ensured the girls and their freezing-cold parents had the type of experience that will keep them playing sport and coming back year after year.

Congratulation to the under-12 girls South Australian AFL team. You are champions.