St Francis College students Coopa Steele, Abby Favell and Mikayla Jones spent last week in Perth participating in the under 15s AFL national championships. 

The trio were representing their state successfully being selected to do so. 

For Coopa the honour was even bigger as he was chosen to be the captain of the boys team. 

He was able to lead the team to a bronze medal after a solid week of competitive matches that showed off many skills across the board. 

For the girls, the side was able to exceed all expectations and making it to the grand final of the competition, finishing as runners-up to Victoria. 

Prior to taking part, both Abby and Mikayla felt they stood little chance against the powerhouse state, but they were only defeated by 44 points. 

It was a top opportunity for all of the players to be recognised at a national level, with all three having aspirations to play AFL at the highest possible level. 

“This (carnival) is the first big chance to do that … it’s all part of the pathway that can lead you there,” Coopa said. 

The year 9 students all travelled with their families to the event and thanked them for their support in the competition.