21 JUN 2023 AFL Girls Champions

Kolbe Catholic College is proud to announce the remarkable achievement of its Senior AFL Girls team, who emerged as the champions of the season. This victory marks a historic moment for the college, as it is the first time a female AFL team from Kolbe has won a Grand Final.

Throughout the season, the Kolbe girls showcased their determination and resilience, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the sport. The team played four regular season games, securing three wins and experiencing only one loss, a narrow defeat by a single point in the dying moments of the match. Despite facing adversity, with eight players sidelined due to injuries and two additional injuries occurring during games, the team rallied together, displaying remarkable courage and fortitude.

Under the exceptional leadership of Taylah Liberatore, who led the midfield and served as the team's captain, and with the support of Raffaela Inturrisi, the leader of the backline and assistant tactician, the Kolbe girls exhibited incredible cohesion and determination. Their consistent performance throughout the season was a testament to their hard work and dedication.

In the final, the team faced off against Marymede, a formidable opponent who had convincingly defeated them in the previous season. However, the Kolbe girls displayed tremendous improvement, which filled their coaches, Deb and Michael, with immense pride. The girls' commitment to attending lunchtime training sessions and maintaining positive attitudes proved instrumental in their progress.

The Grand Final witnessed exceptional individual performances, with standout contributions from Taylah Liberatore, Emmy Graziano, and Isabella Debricat, who scored three goals and three behinds. However, the star of the game was Anabel Tully, a Year 9 student who stepped up against more experienced players. Anabel's dominance in the ruck position and her game-breaking sprints out of contests played a pivotal role in securing victory for the team.

As the season draws to a close, the coaches express their excitement for the future and look forward to the next chapter of Kolbe Girls AFL. They also extend their heartfelt gratitude to the departing Year 12 players for their leadership, positivity, and unwavering team-first mindset. Their presence will be sorely missed, and their legacy will serve as an inspiration to future players.

This triumph serves as a testament to the talent and dedication present within Kolbe Catholic College. The AFL Girls team's historic achievement underscores the college's commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity in sports.

Michael Knight
Coach: Senior Girls AFL