Grammar Gazette - Issue 2, 2023

MS JANE GOODEN DIRECTOR OF SPORT

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Making our M A RK AFL GATHERS MOMENTUM AT BGGS Sport and physical activity have been integral aspects of Girls Grammar’s broad, liberal education since its very inception, instilling in students teamwork, leadership skills and confidence, along with a plethora of physical benefits. Prior to 2021, the Queensland Girls Schools Sports Association (QGSSSA) consisted of 15 sports, which offered young women opportunities to learn and appreciate the intrinsic value of physical activity. QGSSSA is always watching the changing landscape of sports, while balancing tradition and innovation. The popularity of Australian rules football for young women was, and still is, rapidly increasing, as the AFL Women’s and women’s football codes continue to rise. With a space available in the QGSSSA summer sports schedule, the decision was made to introduce Australian rules football, to be known as Australian Football. On 12 October 2021, AFL Queensland issued a media release stating: More than 1200 girls will lace up their footy boots this week and create history as the QGSSSA kicks off their first interschool sporting competition. With that, the introduction of Australian Football into the QGSSSA sporting calendar was formally marked, increasing the number of sports to 16. THE HISTORY

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I ALWAYS REALLY WANTED TO PLAY BECAUSE MY FAMILY ARE BIG SUPPORTERS OF THE AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE. THERE WASN’T A GIRLS’ TEAM WHEN I WAS YOUNG, SO I STARTED PLAYING WITH A TEAM WITH BOYS IN IT. I WOULD HAVE PROBABLY HAD TO STOP IF THEY HADN’T STARTED GIRLS’ TEAMS— WHICH THEY LUCKILY DID. —COCO G A RTON (12B)

KICKING GOALS

The first QGSSSA season of Australian Football began as a four‑week trial competition that consisted of two skill development sessions and two centralised, modified gala days. Building on the success of this initial taste of Australian Football, the 2022 and 2023 seasons were designed with a Senior season in Term 1 and a Junior season in Term 4. After two games in a significantly rain-affected season, BGGS tied for first place. The Junior season saw BGGS enter Year 7, 8, and 9 teams, consisting of girls playing Australian Football fixtures for the very first time.

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GAZETTE • ISSUE 2, 2023 ISSUE 2, 2023

BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL