Vodafone Brisbane Lions membership employees Aasta O’Connor (pictured left) and Sarah Brady (right) are temporarily suspending their administrative duties next week for a shot at AFL glory.
The Lions’ two newest weapons have been selected to represent
The round robin tournament is considered the pinnacle of women’s AFL and will showcase the best female football talents from across the country.
It is a magnificent achievement for both Aasta and Sarah who have been working tirelessly not only on their football training, but in communicating with and servicing Brisbane Lions members.
Aasta, 20, has been sharpening her football skills since the age of eight and has since achieved plenty so far in her football career. The Logan Cobras ruckman was a
She was named as an All-Australian for the first time in 2006 and has been named as the team’s vice-captain for next week’s tournament.
“It’s something that I’ve never had to think about going into the National Carnival,” Aasta said of her new leadership role. “I’ve always been more focussed on my own goals but this year I feel as though there is a lot more to carry on my shoulders.”
“As vice-captain you really have to lead by example both with the football in your hands and on the sidelines.”
“It’s a great honour for me and I’m just really happy to have the opportunity.”
Despite missing out on the Grand Final by only percentage in the past two Championships, Aasta is confident that the
“This year we have a stronger side and it is the first time we have had a female senior coach (Marlo Brack)”.
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“If we were able to take our best possible side to
Aasta’s journey to
“Without the financial support from my sponsors I wouldn’t have been able to go away and play the sport that I love at the highest level of competition for women.”
Sarah, on the other hand, will be making her first appearance at the National Championships having only started to play competitive football three years ago.
The 23 year-old has won a number of awards playing with the Western Magpies in the local leagues and is looking forward to her new challenge.
“I originally just went along to training so that I could learn more from girls that are of the highest standard,” Sarah said.
“Aasta mentioned to me at work one day that it might be a good idea to train with the state squad. I’ve only been playing for three years and most of the girls that have been playing since they were little. I just wanted to learn more from them.”
“It was really exciting. I am sure that I will learn a lot more from the Carnival itself.
“We have both received fantastic support from the Lions and everyone at the club is right behind us. Hopefully Aasta and I can do the club proud.”
