By JARROD POTTER
THE south-east’s football elite have been selected for the Victorian women’s team to take on the rest of Australia next week.
Heading to Cairns from 17-22 June, Diamond Creek midfielder Katie Loynes, from Berwick, and Berwick Football Club trio Courtney Clarkson, Ellie Blackburn and Bianca Jakobsson will represent Victoria in the national championship.
Berwick coach Shaun Smith was thrilled to get three Wickers in the state side – a fantastic achievement to get three in the final 25 woman squad.
“I was really, really happy for them,” Smith said. “They tried out and got through the whole selection process and selected in the final 25 is an awesome achievement – as there are some really good players running around the league.”
Smith has been impressed with Clarkson’s last month of football – calling her one of the premier rucks of the competition this year.
“Courtney at the start of the year needed to get fitness under her belt, but her last couple of games she’s been amazing – one of the best rucks in the league,” Smith said.
“In the state team she’ll probably play as a forward and she’ll be very dangerous.”
Berwick’s rising stars – Blackburn and Jakobsson – add another line to already impressive junior resumes so far.
“They’re great talents at our club – they’re going to be around the club for quite a while yet and it’s great to see them play at the highest level,” Smith said.
“Blackers also played in the state carnival for the youth league and now the women’s team – don’t think they’re been many women who’ve done that.”
“It’s awesome for the Berwick brand to have three in the team and two of those girls are playing in the Melbourne draft game as well, so it’s been a big year for them.
Loynes, Blackburn and Jakobsson will return from the national championships to play in the Western Bulldogs versus Melbourne AFL women’s match on 29 June at the MCG.
