McFarlane thrilled with Medal honour

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Brianna McFarlane of the Western Bulldogs celebrates a goal during the round three AFLW match between Western Bulldogs and West Coast Eagles at Mission Whitten Oval, on September 12, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

COMPLETING the journey from Yamba to the AFL Women’s competition has seen Brianna McFarlane recognised with a special AFL North Coast honour.

The Best & Fairest player each year in the Youth Girls 13s age group will now be presented with the Brianna McFarlane Medal.

Brianna started playing for the then Lower Clarence Eagles while she was at Yamba Public School but moved to soccer when she was no longer allowed to play alongside the boys.

Not long after leaving school and heading north, she started playing again for Coolangatta and soon was selected by the Brisbane Lions in the 2018 Rookie Draft. Injuries stopped her from making her AFLW debut while at the Lions but with determination she moved to Melbourne where her talent was recognised by the Western Bulldogs.

McFarlane played 12 games and kicked seven goals for the Bulldogs.

She said she was thrilled with having a medal in her name in the League where she started playing.

“It’s a tremendous honour for the League to name the Youth Girls 13s Best & Fairest award after me,” McFarlane said.

“I understand that the 13s is now the youngest competitive age group for girls to develop their footy skills.

“I look forward to seeing which player wins the medal this year and each year after that.”