Cairns footy stars hit the big time in new national AFL Women's comp

Years of training and commitment has seen dreams come true for these former Cairns AFL stars.


This is the stuff footy dreams are made of.

Cairns talent Selina Goodman says she is “shocked” but “extremely proud” after being drafted by Brisbane to play in next year’s highly anticipated new national women’s AFL competition.

Fellow Cairns products Leah Kaslar (Brisbane Lions) and Tiarna Ernst (Western Bulldogs) have also been drafted. 

Goodman, a 26-year-old school teacher who plays with the Coolangatta Bluebirds in the QWAFL, was taken at pick 98 by the Lions.

Goodman relocated to the Gold Coast in January to give herself the best possible chance of being drafted.

“It feels fantastic to be drafted by the Lions but it still hasn’t really sunk in just yet,” Goodman told TropicNow.

“I’ve worked hard and was really determined to give it my best crack.

"I can’t wait for the season to get underway, it’s going to be really exciting.”

The former North Cairns Tigers player is an elite runner and highly athletic. She finished first in both a 2km time trial and beep test during player testings at the Queensland women’s AFL academy in Brisbane earlier in the year.

The Lions website described her as a “medium tall utility player who will be a trouble shooter for the team as she can play a variety of roles”.

“I’ll be happy to play in any position or role that will help the team,” she said.

“The new competition is great motivation for girls and particularly those in Cairns that have dreams of playing AFL at the highest level that if you put your mind to it and train hard then anything is possible.”

The news got even better for Cairns at the inaugural women’s draft with another former local talent, Leah Kaslar, who plays in the ruck or off halfback, also taken by the Lions at pick 31.

Kaslar, who has links to the Central Trinity Bulldogs said being drafted “makes you feel like a real AFL player” and that “it’s a dream come true to join the Lions.”

The Cairns product and keen surfer was a joint winner of the Queensland women’s best and fairest award this year after a stellar season with Coolangatta Tweed.

How the new league will work

  • Eight teams – GWS Giants, Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Fremantle, Western Bulldogs, Collingwood, Adelaide and Melbourne
  • Each club will have 25 players, including two marquee players
  • The instalment of the new competition will be played in February and March of next year
  • Players in the national women’s league will be part time athletes, but with access to the very best of training and playing facilities
  • The Brisbane Lions will be coached by Craig Starcevich
  • Matches are likely to be aired on the AFL website with further broadcast announcements still to be made