The star of Shannon Campbell continues to rise, with the 17-year-old Sunshine Coast product receiving back-to-back All-Australian honours for her performances in the Under-18 Youth Girls Nationals earlier this month.
Campbell, who models her game after Brisbane Lions defender Joel Patfull, was a standout in defence for the Queensland team with her elite kicking skills often turning defence into attack.
She was rarely beaten, and was a big reason the team was able to finish in third place.
She’s clearly proud of both her individual performance and the team’s efforts throughout the tournament.
"I’m definitely proud of being named All-Australian for the second year in a row," Campbell said.
"I thought I played really well for the carnival and I played my role in a wonderful Queensland team."
Queensland Coach Craig Starvevich was glowing in his praise of Campbell’s performances.
"Shannon was an absolute delight to coach and a real talent," he said.
"She played key defence for Queensland and took many marks, a lot of those contested.
"She is often prepared to leave her opponent to attack the ball to rebound."
Starcevich said she’s a great trainer who is always on hand to help drive drills and strategies set by the coaching staff, and believes she has the ability to succeed in her AFL career.
"She definitely has the ability and temperament to take her football a long way.
With several reports indicating a woman’s AFL league may become a reality by 2020, Campbell says she is definitely keen to continue her AFL career.
" I definitely want to continue playing AFL and hopefully I’ll be able to play in the women’s AFL league when it starts up," she said.
After her performance at the Nationals, few would back against her.
By Chris Medhurst
Three Queenslanders in total recieved All-Australian honors...
Queenslanders Tayla Harris, Beth Pinchin and Shannon Campbell were given the game’s ultimate honour when named as members of the All-Australian team at the recent Australian Youth Girls National Championships in Canberra.
Playing ruck and occasional forward and midfielder, Zillmere’s Tayla Harris made the All-Australian cut for an incredible fourth time.
Tayla started the week with force and was a dominant figure against both Vic Country and Vic Metro. A huge gaol against Country from right on 50 was a highlight of the carnival.
A great mark and elite kick, she is arguably the best and most athletic young tall in the Country.
Broadbeach Cats Beth Pinchin solid and consistent performance earned her a first time All-Australian berth.
Terrific in backline aerial contests, the Queensland Vice-Captain is rarely beaten and her calm nature and leadership skills were a great influence on the team.
Second time All-Australian Shannon Campbell from Nambour and Hinterland played a key role in defence for the Queensland team.
Good, hands above her head and elite kicking are the hallmarks of Shannon’s game and she humbled many an opponent with her contested marking and attack on the ball.
All three girls are part of the new wave of talented Queensland female players who are determined to bring to an end the dominance of traditional AFL states in female football.
http://www.aflq.com.au/index.php?id=5&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=2774&tx_ttnews[backPid]=4&cHash=7fde7ca5cd
Last Modified on 24/09/2014 11:20