By JARROD POTTER
FROM her first kick at the state level five years ago to her last kick on Friday night, Ellie Blackburn has been an unstoppable force in Youth Girls state football.
Blackburn, 18, from Endeavour Hills, signed off on her Victorian Youth Girls time almost in fairytale fashion – her last kick, one of the last of the game itself, was a monster drop punt from the 50-metre arc, which was narrowly touched on the line as it sailed through the goals.
A goal with her last Victorian Youth Girls kick would’ve been a poetic finish to one the greatest junior women’s football careers so far, but that didn’t matter too much to Blackburn, which was thrilled to hoist the cup as Victoria Metro defeated Western Australia 6.4 (40) to 3.7 (25) and finish state junior football on a high.
“Bit emotional to finish up (Youth Girls), but going to have some good memories of it and it was a great experience overall,” Blackburn said.
“The group of girls was really good this year, we clicked from the start and going to have some good friends from that group.
“Off the field we had so much fun, but we were serious when we needed to be and it was a good balance and a great week for us.”
Listed in the best on ground in each of Victoria Metro’s four wins – against Queensland, NSW/ACT, SA/NT and Western Australia – Blackburn was recognised for her achievements, named the player of the carnival and named on a half-back flank in the championships’ All-Australian team.
“I was very shocked at that moment, did not expect it at all, but it was a good surprise,” Blackburn said.
“Probably was (her favourite Youth Girls championship victory) this year as we fought harder than any other year and felt a lot better.”
Blackburn was impressed with the team’s work – seeing off an early barrage from the Western Australians to take the trophy – a relief for the team to maintain Victoria’s unbeaten record at the carnival.
“Overwhelmed with excitement – it was a great feeling – very emotional, but we were all so excited and so relieved that we achieved everything we set out to do six months ago,” Blackburn said.
Not content with being named the best youth player in the country and playing four games in five days, Blackburn donned the Beaconsfield colours to help her Eagles’ South East Juniors Youth Girls team defeat Scoresby 7.5 (47) to 6.7 (43) – with Blackburn kicking six goals of her own.
Also part of the victorious Victoria Metro team from the local South East Juniors teams were Karly Tapner, Georgia Fisher, Lauren Hojnacki, Hayley Wildes and Pippa Attard.
The next challenge for Blackburn was last night’s (Wednesday’s) AFL Women’s Draft with the Berwick News going to print before the draft was held at 7.30pm.
