Four local girls are proving to the rest of Australia that in AFL, west is definitely best.
Roleystone’s Lyla Bloxham and Thornlie’s Eva Dixey from Darling Range Sports College, Southern River’s Bella Godecke from Court Grammar School and Kelmscott’s Ava Soper from Westfield Park Primary have been selected on the 12 and under girls’ state team for School Sport’s AFL Championships.
The girls left last week for their tour in Lavington, NSW, with competition running until Friday, August 11.
Examiner Newspapers spoke with Eva and Lyla who said they were excited to be representing their state on a national stage.
“I’m feeling really proud of myself about participating in a sport I enjoy,” Lyla said.
“Dad said to me girls can do anything boys can do and he helped me train every day,” Eva said.
Both girls were keeping a level head in the lead-up to the tour.
“My hopes for the competition are that we all work as a team and get some wins,” Eva said.
“We all try our best and win overall but mainly we should just be proud we got to play for our state,” Lyla Bloxham said.
Eva and Lyla have big plans for the future with their eyes firmly set on a coveted spot in the AFLW.
“I hope the AFLW will grow bigger so I can have footy as my fulltime job,” Eva said.
Eva also hopes to inspire other young girls to follow their dreams and “keep playing good footy”.
