A new generation of Cape York Crusaders has taken the Queensland AFL State Championship by storm after meeting for the first time last week. Photo: Supplied.
While most footy teams have trained together for weeks or even years, a new generation of Cape and Torres representative players have taken the Queensland AFL State Championship by storm despite meeting each other for the first time just one day prior to the event.
AFL Cape York announced its 10-12 years boys and girls Crusaders line-up last week ahead of the footy carnival on 3-7 June, bringing together young people from across Cape York and Torres Strait communities.
Made up of students who impressed the AFL Cape York team with attendance, behaviour and commitment during the school development program earlier this year, the team converged in Cairns on 3 June to train and connect before taking the field.
AFL Cape York participation programs coordinator Jake O’Halloran said by day two, they already had a win and several goals under their belts.
“I think that’s what makes it really special, is that all these other teams that we play against, they’ve been training for six to eight weeks leading up to this carnival, and our young people come from all over and do one training session,” he said.
“That’s what the Crusader program is all about, is that they have got that raw talent of athleticism and skill.
“They don’t play AFL much in community, but they’re playing against technically the best kids in each region, and the fact that they’re competitive is incredible to watch.”
For several young people, being selected for the Crusaders team has led to opportunities including representing Queensland at the national level, selection in the Gold Coast Suns Academy and more.
“It’s an opportunity for these young people to come down from community just based off of school attendance and behaviour, which then could become something bigger,” O’Halloran said.
“Someone like Nate Jawai, who ended up making the NBA, has been a player of the Crusaders before.
“It’s all about providing support to young people and rewarding them with opportunities.”
The 2026 line-up featured three male and four female returning players, as well as 31 fresh faces chasing new opportunities.
“The team is made up of young people who are 10, 11 and 12 years old, so it’s really important to reward them with an opportunity to return if they are in a position to do the Crusader program again,” he said.
“It’s also really important for us to keep an eye out throughout the year for selecting new young people from the community.
“[Players returning] goes to show that they have a really good experience with the Crusaders, which then leads into the under-15s and under-17s program. It’s a progression, so as they get older, the opportunities don’t just stop.”
O’Halloran thanked key supporters Rio Tinto, Torres Strait Regional Authority and Hinterland Aviation for their part in supporting the young people and getting them down for opportunities.
2026 12 & under Crusaders:
Boys:
Wilfred Cook
Jyran Doughboy
Leviticus Elisala
Jayjay Henry
John Wigness
Aaron Ah Wing
Hudson Dark
Horace Baira
Vernon Michael
Tyrome Ahmat-Zitha
Tyson Matty
Khaele Peter
Tyhiem Naylor-Deeral
Wesley Gray
TJ Ling
Aiden Pensio
Thomas Brewer
Thurston Aniba
J’Varni Sabatino
Alo Anson
Girls:
Jamayah Morris-Hart
Kymarni Woibo
Akeelah Snyder-Doughboy
Taye Sagigi
April Walden
Bianca Diamond
Tyeisha Motton
Tei’Ya Lee Loban
Kristy Douglas
Gracie Cook
Relovina Kris
Addison Dunstan
Angel-Laura Bowie
Bella Hunter
Sapphira Billy
Alenka Morseu
Flora Tom
Jaylyn Nona
