While many readers may be familiar with Keebra Park State High School’s achievements in Rugby League, they may not know that many of this years Opens league team also featured heavily in the schools AFL side that won last months Gold Coast Secondary Schools AFL Championship.

Despite only one member of the squad ever having played AFL before, coach Ben Woolf thought it would be the perfect vehicle to engage the footy boys once the League season had finished.

“We invited the AFL out to the school to run some clinics with the grade 9 boys and from that came a suggestion that we enter some teams in this years 9 aside competition. We decided it would be a great way to encourage the boys to keep motivated, while developing kicking and catching skills along with hand, eye co-ordination that is a vital component of all ball sports.” He said. “In all 50 boys showed interest and trialled for the teams so we ended up submitting two Open age group teams.” He added.

The tournament was held at Carrara and involved schools from across the Gold Coast and Hinterland. The two Keebra sides managed to make the semi-finals where they ended up playing each other with the A side progressing through to the grand final where they beat Helensvale SHS 64-10.

“We were confident that we were good athletes and knew that while we would be a bit rusty with regards to rules and AFL specific skills, we could compete if we kept our errors to a minimum. The boys picked up the game really well and I’m sure their ability to perform at this level, surprised a few people.” He said. “Some of the boys such as Henare Wells, Jordan Kahu, Anthony Utanga and Connor Toia were also part of the Arrive Alive Cup and Touch Qld, winning sides and to be able to cross code at this level in three different sports is quite amazing.”

Outstanding players throughout the competition were, Agnatius Paasi, Josh Robertson, Paddy Hohepa, Connor Toia, Ayden Harawira and Nofoa Leapai.

The Under 15 boys side also did well losing in a tight final against Benowa SHS.

“The AFL is something we will definitely continue to do with our league sides next year as it keeps them motivated and develops those extra skills that will set them apart as league players.” Concluded Coach Woolf.

Darren Hart H.P.E

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