All Nations triumph in culturally diverse girls talent showcase

Some of the best 14-16 year-old girls with Indigenous and multicultural backgrounds from across Victoria put their football talents on display as part of AFL Victoria’s annual All Nations (multicultural) and Kickstart (Indigenous) development program. 

The match took place at Ford Park, Bellfield on Thursday, June 29. 

Match report and notes

All Nations had the better of Kickstart in the first half of every quarter, as Kickstart was trying to claw back all day. Every time Kickstart would get it close, the siren would ring, and the next quarter began and they couldn’t get momentum going.

Kickstart got the game back within three points after three goals in quick succession in the third quarter but when the fourth quarter began it was all All Nations as they kicked three goals to zero in the final term.

There were some marvellous goals, including when Lily Brittain soccered one through from the boundary, Lyric Mendoza kicked one behind her head in what was an extraordinary effort and Saskia Williams had numerous classy finished in what was an excellent display of football all round, with some seriously good young talent coming through the ranks.

FULL MATCH REPLAY HERE AT AFLVIC.TV (sign up for free account to watch)

All Nations 2.3, 3.5, 5.8, 8.11 (59)

Kickstart 1.1, 2.3, 5.5, 5.5 (35)

All Nations goals: Laila Rabah 3, Ella Bologa 2, Saskia Williams 2, Jennifer Sawyers 1 

Kickstart goals: Skyanne Peterson 1, Lily Brittain 1, Aiesha Kolaritsch 1, Lyric Mendoza 1, Jemma Chesser 1

Best players:

All Nations:

• Laila Rabah (3 goals, was excellent in forward, assisted as well)
• Saskia Williams (2 goals, dynamic play, got the ball out of some heavy packs)
• Zoe Wright (instrumental in the ruck all day, big reason why they won)
• Ella Bologa (2 goals, solid in the forward line, kicking and setting them up)
• Harper Wild (seemed to be involved in nearly every contest)
• Jade Gundry (had some big plays in important times for her team)

Kickstart:

• Lara Churchill (dynamic, quick)
• Lily Brittain (was everywhere, played numerous roles, wonderful goal)
• Michelle Vanzuyden (crashed into every pack, was always around it, great pressure)
• Jemma Chesser (kicked a goal and had a big impact in the 3rd Q come-back)
• Ashtani Walker (was great over 4 quarters, 3 big chase down tackles)
• Skyanne Peterson (great forward, kept providing strong options)

Click here for more on the All Nations Kickstart program and girls team lists from the match. 

The Kickstart and All Nations Boys match will take place at Ford Park, Bellfield on Thursday, July 6 2023. The match will be live streamed free at aflvic.tv/afl/comps/KickstartvAllNations/2023