Four Australian Defence Force members have been selected to play in the inaugural AFL national women’s competition next year.
Lieutenant Clare Lawton from Townsville was selected by Greater Western Sydney, while Private Kate Lutkins from Brisbane has been chosen to play for the Brisbane Lions.
Two other ADF women – Private Heather Anderson from Darwin and Able Seaman Electronic Warfare Rhiannon Metcalfe from Canberra – will join the Adelaide Crows squad.
Acting Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs congratulated them on their selection.
“This is an exceptional achievement and the result of a lot of hard work,” VADM Griggs said.
“Such success is a testament to both the women concerned and the ADF Australian Rules Association, which has provided important mentoring and support.
“I wish Kate, Heather, Rhiannon and Clare all the best as they prepare for the 2017 season”.
AFL Commissioner and the ADF Australian Rules Women’s patron, Major General Simone Wilkie said the selection of the ADF women was an outstanding result.
“I am proud to see these four women selected in the AFLW draft and to be ranked with the best in the nation. This is a fantastic result for them individually and a watershed moment for ADF elite sportswomen to compete in a national football league,” MAJGEN Wilkie said.
ADF Australian Rules Women’s program manager and coach, Lieutenant Colonel Dani Glatz said the selection of four members reflects the depth of AFL talent amongst ADF women.
“There are hundreds of Defence women playing our national sport throughout all of the State leagues. The ADF Australian Rules Association is deeply passionate about ensuring there are opportunities for our women to achieve their full potential and supporting them in pursuing these opportunities,” LTCOL Glatz said.
“We look forward to seeing these four women making a major contribution for their respective AFL clubs and equally look forward to supporting the ADF women who follow in their footsteps in the future.”
The AFL National Women’s competition commences in February 2017.
