At just 12 years old, AFL player Lucinda Kris is breaking down barriers as she shows her community anything is possible. Photo: Supplied.
Despite not having access to a regular footy field on her Moa Island home, a young AFL player has been selected to don maroon for the under-12 Australian Football League National Championships.
Lucinda Kris represented Queensland with wins against South Australia and the ACT, and a tough game against Victoria, last week after finding a passion for footy through AFL Cape York’s development program.
AFL Cape York game development co-ordinator Kieran Sciberras said to be selected to play at the national level was a huge achievement.
“She played for the Crusaders at the State School Championships in June and, from there, got selected to play for Queensland, which is huge,” he said.
“She’s the only player from the 44 we had go down to play at this level, and she’s probably the first one in the under-12 girls side to play for Queensland since 2022.”
Mr Sciberras said although Kris was most likely the only one who did not have regular engagement in club sport in the team, he was confident in her ability to shine on the field.
“She’s just a really hard worker, she’s coachable, and she’s a really strong leader as well,” he said.
“Our job is to give the opportunity, and it’s up to the kids to take, and it’s really rewarding for everyone involved to see Lucinda and other young people like her make the most of those opportunities to go down south and represent their community, their family, their culture, and where they’re from.”
