Hillcrest Girls Win AFL Schools Cup State Championship

The Hillcrest Years 5 and 6 Girls AFL team had a very successful 2019 season, and remained undefeated heading into the AFL Queensland Schools Cup State Finals in Maroochydore, on the Sunshine Coast. On 18 October, 2019, the Hillcrest bus was loaded with 15 nervous, but excited young girls, and plenty of family in tow for support.

The team hadn't played a game for two months heading into the tournament, but continued to work on their skills in training sessions, and entered the Semi Final vs Walkervale SS, feeling a little anxious. The 2.5 hour bus ride and the lack of recent game-play saw the Hillcrest Girls down at Quarter Time 12-0. But the team accepted the challenge, lifted and went on to win the game 45-14 after an incredible display of teamwork. There were many little red faces after the match, after the girls gave their all in the hot conditions, but it was well worth it! 

The team faced the Primary Female Division Grand Final against Kirwan SS, from Townsville, amidst gusty weather conditions. The focus of our skillful team was to outrun and out-tackle the Kirwan players, knowing the ball would be on the ground more because of the wind. They jumped the opposition early, and the result reflected their strength over Kirwan, with a convincing 38-8 final score, and the Championship Cup secured for the Hillcrest Knights.

Hillcrest's #22 Ava Usher won the Best on Ground Medal for the Grand Final match, in a display of power that you would rarely see at any level of sport. She broke from congestion and kicked the ball forward all day, with the Kirwan opposition unable to stop her. Congratulations Ava! A special mention also goes to our three Captains Sunny Lappin, Ava Usher and Taya Reeves, for driving the standards, performing so well in games and creating such a strong team spirit within the Hillcrest Knights AFL Girls team.

Thank you to our amazing AFL coach, Matthew Lappin, to the College for their commitment to growing our AFL program, to the parents for getting behind the team, and special thanks and congratulations to the players for working so hard, and getting the job done on the big stage; it was a wonderful experience for all involved!