More than 80 players from across the region converged on Weipa last week to battle for bragging rights in the 2024 AFL Cape York Crusader Cup. Photo: Supplied.
Some players spent more than 500 kilometres on the road for a game of football when five teams took to the paddock in the AFL Cape York Crusader Cup in Weipa last week.
Western Cape College and St Joseph’s Parish School fielded teams and had the home ground advantage when they welcomed visiting players from Napranum, Aurukun, Mapoon and Lockhart River.
AFL Cape York game development team member Matt Mellahn praised the skill and commitment of the more than 80 players who laced up their boots, especially the teams from Lockhart River and Aurukun, who made 550km and 400km round trips to battle for the Crusader Cup.
“They do all the in-school stuff, the skill stuff, and a lot of them come down to play in the Tuesday night matches [in Weipa] and they have shown they are moving forward with their AFL,” he said.
“Every team had at least one person that did something special on the day.
“It’s good for Lockhart to play in the Crusader Cup; they’ve got their school program next term, so to come in and have a hit kind of extends their footy season.”
When the dust settled on the paddock, Western Cape College held the Crusader Cup aloft, with individual awards going to:
Most Valuable Player: Yarrin (Western Cape College)
Most Valuable Player: Lala-Sue (St Joseph’s Parish School)
Best Team Individual: Astin (Western Cape College)
Best Team Individual: Drew (St Joseph’s Parish School)
Best Team Individual: Toby (St Joseph’s Parish School)
Best Team Individual: Vincent (Aurukun)
Best Team Individual: Abraham (Lockhart River)
Best Team Individual: Marques (Old Mapoon)
