ISABEL Huntington was first selected in Vic Metro's youth girls' national championships team when she was 14. She hasn't looked back.
Now 17 and a year-11 student at St Michaels' Grammar in St Kilda, Huntington is Vic Metro's vice-captain, and loves the opportunities the youth carnival offers young girls around the country.
"We've had months of training leading up to it. It's a great week, the girls enjoy it thoroughly," she said.
"I really value the whole experience, not just getting on the field."
This year's championships are in Melbourne, starting Monday and finishing Friday, at the MCG, with games also played at the Olympic Park precinct, Trevor Barker Oval in Sandringham, City Oval in Coburg and Punt Road Oval in Richmond.
Every state is represented, with Tasmania and the Northern Territory entering stand-alone teams for the first time after a three-year alliance. An indigenous team, the Woomeras, are also taking part in the competition.
The girls play four days out of five, with Wednesday reserved for match reviews and recovery.
"Several of the coaches have come through the program as players themselves, so they know what we're going through," Huntington said.
"They also put time and effort into making you good people, and that's what is important, because really, football's not everything in life."
Huntington has represented Vic Metro since 2013, but missed last year with a broken leg. She is modest about her leadership role, but accepts it is acknowledgment of her experience.
"It's nice recognition for the years I've played, but really, it's just a badge, and it shouldn't stop anyone else from standing up on the field."
Huntington started her football journey following her two older brothers to Auskick, and hasn't stopped playing since.
"I was the only girl at Auskick, and then the only girl in my junior teams (East Sandringham and South Melbourne) and in the whole division."
She now plays for Melbourne University in the Victorian Women's Football League, and appreciates the opportunity the championships provide to bring knowledge and insight back to her local club.
"You can implement everything you've learnt and share it with the other girls.
"My club has a few players (in the championships) which is good, and it helps develop the team, especially the less-experienced girls," she said.
Huntington is age-ineligible for this year's draft, but is looking forward to the opportunities the AFL's new women's league will offer.
"Women's footy has been growing at an exponential rate. It's incredible," she said.
"The support we've had from the clubs – especially Richmond, as we've been training there – has been outstanding.
"It shows they're really going hard for these women's licences, and it'll be really exciting to nominate for the draft next year."
OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS WEEK:
POOL A
QUEENSLAND
Arianna Clarke: Versatile key defender/on-baller who marks well and is genuine leader
Tahlia Randall: Athletic ruck/wing who provides good attacking and defensive run
VIC COUNTRY
Emily Rylance: Ex-representative basketballer; has a good leap and is strong competitor
Georgia Walker: Half-back/midfielder; strong competitor with elite kicking skills
VIC METRO
Isabel Huntington: Two-time All-Australian at this level but missed 2015 with injury
Katherine Smith: Hard-working captain playing in fourth championships
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Beatrice Devlyn: Key-position player with speed and good endurance
Courtney Hodder: Explosive midfielder with touch rugby background
POOL B
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Arthurina Moreen: Versatile player who kicks well on both sides
Danielle Ponter: Hard-working inside player who reads the play well
NSW/ACT
Pippy Clegg: Athletic player with strong work ethic
Alyce Parker: Dual All-Australian utility who is smart and an efficient ball-user
Haneen Zrieka: Speedy and agile with strong left-foot kick
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Eloise Jones: Has returned to footy from basketball; agile and a good mark
Ashleigh Woodland: 2015 All-Australian centre half-forward with huge vertical leap
TASMANIA
Ellyse Gamble: Ruck who can push forward and kick goals
Lizzie Stokely: From a surfing background; attacks the ball with strength
WOOMERAS
Deanne Austral: Skilful defender with penetrating kick
Sharnyce Krakouer: Exciting all-rounder who uses ball to her advantage
