Queensland reigns supreme in golden era in women’s sport
WELCOME to the golden era of women’s sport in Queensland.
In the past 12 months, the Heat, Sunshine Coast Lightning, Brisbane Broncos and Townsville Fire women have all been crowned champions, while the Queensland Reds and Lions finished as grand finalists and the always impressive Queensland Firebirds were semi-finalists.
Meanwhile, the Brisbane Roar women will tonight make a claim for back-to-back premierships when they meet Adelaide United in their last game of the regular season, with a chance to nab the 2018/19 championship still ahead.
The base was set years ago by teams like the Firebirds, the Roar and WNBL side the Fire.
But now, with the growth of women’s rugby league, rugby union and AFLW, plus the continuing popularity of soccer and cricket, our female athletes are setting the standard across the nation.
Throw in Ash Barty and Kim Birrell’s recent success at the Australian Open, and the Queenslanders look unstoppable.
Heat all-rounder Grace Harris said her team’s victory on Saturday was made better by the fact that they are an integral part in the rise of women’s sport — and because they took the trophy from Sydney.
“I love the fact that we got the trophy out of Sydney for the first time since the WBBL started,” she said.
“It caps off our season. It makes it all worth it.
“It’s been a privilege to be part of the success in women’s sport.”
For the likes of Roar goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold and two-time AFLW grand finalist Shannon Campbell, this latest achievement from a Queensland women’s sporting team only drives them further to achieve their own goals.
“To see the development in women’s sport, especially in Queensland, it’s crazy,” Arnold said ahead of tonight’s match against Adelaide. It would mean a lot (to win a second Premier’s Plate).
“With the injuries and illness we’ve had this season, it would be really rewarding for a team like us … it’s something that we deserve. That’s exactly what we play for.”
Campbell agreed.
“Hopefully we can go one better this year and follow in the footsteps of the Brisbane Heat girls, the Lightning girls and the Broncos girls,” she said ahead of the Lions’ Sunday season-opener.
“They’ve been phenomenal for women in sport and hopefully we can continue their legacy.”
Category: | The Courier Mail
