Not every day do you get to boast about being part of a victorious state team.
But St Joseph’s Primary Cobram student Isabelle Foster can do just that.
She was part of the under-12 Victorian team that won the National U12 AFL Championships in Lavington.
The tournament, between August 6 and 11, saw teams from around Australia compete.
For Isabelle, a passionate Essendon fan, the opportunity to represent Victoria in football was a dream come true.
“Playing footy is just what I like. Of all the sports, footy is better,” Isabelle said.
Her chance to play for the state was made even more special because it was her first entire football season, having broken her ankle in the early stages of the 2022 season.
To earn her spot representing Victoria, Isabelle joined a group of more than 200 girls in a selection process that eventually whittled the squad to 23.
When it came to the tournament, Isabelle said it a great experience but confessed that she was nervous.
“It was exciting but I was nervous at the same time,” she said.
As for coming first and holding the cup, Isabelle was ecstatic.
“It felt great, I was happy,” she said.
As for future football goals, Isabelle aims to one day play in the AFLW.
She is currently playing for Katamatite football club and Murray Felines.
Her mother, Karlee Foster, isn’t surprised that playing in the AFLW is her daughter’s ultimate goal.
“She has always been footy-mad and has always wanted to play football,” Ms Foster said.