SHE was denied the opportunity to represent the NSW/ACT side to injury, but Jerrabomberra resident Jess Stramandinoli has beaten this set-back in being named in the All-Australian under 16s girls team.
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The Ainslie Canberra youth girls competition player was all set to play in the under 18s state team, which could have seen her make a trip to New Zealand with the under 18s All-Australians, before sustaining a back disc injury.
But she recovered in time to trial for the ACT under 16s side, and after playing well at the national championships in Sydney last month, was awarded with her under 16 All-Australian title.
And while this is literally just a title, with the All-Australian team not playing in any matches, it was a proud moment for the St Clare's student, as she was the only girl in the ACT and Queanbeyan region in the side.
"I never gave up. I always did second and third efforts, just kept kicking and tackling, and I think that's why I got picked," said Stramandinoli.
Stramandinoli has been successful in her young sporting career to date, having trained at a three day camp at the Melbourne women's academy in January, making the top 22 youth girls.
She also played in the 2013 Australia School Sports championships in Darwin, and represented NSW/ACT at the youth girls championships last year.
Her weekends are very busy this time of the year, with the 16-year old playing touch football and netball as well.
She said she was not sure where she wanted to go in sport in the future, but said she would keep playing for Ainlsie in the youth girls competition.
"I love AFL, so I'll just keep doing that, but I don't think I could really manage doing too many other sports," she said.
