Peel Thunderbirds young guns to represent WA at National 15s Championships

Abi Thayer (captain), Courtney Rowley, Gracie Fenton and Bethlyn Pasco will all line-up for the Black Swans as they take on their opposing states at the national tournament in Adelaide next week, while Peel teammate Elissa Cates was also chosen for the side but won’t travel due to injury.

The Thunderbirds youth girls will take to the field for five games with their WA squad throughout the week, kicking off their carnival with a clash against the ACT at Thebarton Oval on Sunday.

Thayer’s selection as captain keeps with what has become a tradition for the Thunderbirds, who have produced the state 15s captain for the past four years as she follows in the footsteps of Sarah Verrier and Sabreena Duffy.

The young midfielder will bring a hard-nosed brand of footy to the team, while skillful winger Rowley adds pace.

Another inside midfielder, Fenton will look to use her acceleration as a weapon, while Pasco could have the chance to hit the goals as a winger rotating forward.

Their selections further validate the success of the Thunderbirds’ talent pathways, with the club’s youth girls having gone undefeated on their season so far.

Peel Thunderbirds league coach Mark Fenton said it was a proud time for the club.

“All of these girls work really hard and they’re great footy players, so we’re really proud of them,” he said.

“Especially to have Abi named as the captain after Sarah and Sabreena have had that honour the past few years – it’s nice to keep that one in house.

“Really we’re just rapt for them all.”

Following their game against the ACT, the WA girls will take on Victoria 1 and Queensland with finals fixtures to follow.

For more information on the team or School Sport WA, visit schoolsportwa.com.au/interstate/afl/girls-16s/