Former Narooma Lions player, Kirby Mackie, is ready to make her hometown proud as she represents the Australian Army in an Aussie Rules hit out this week.
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Mackie is one of 26 selected players in the Australian Army Aussie Rules team, taking on Navy and Airforce teams at Melbourne today and Saturday, March 20 - 23.
The Narooma product is proud of her hometown, and thanks the community for supporting her over the past years.
"It has been so good to have the Narooma Lions and the fitness centre in my life," she said.
"Coming from a small country town I feel really privileged to have made this team."
When joining the Army, Mackie thought Aussie Rules was going to be something she had to sacrifice as she made the move to Townsville in September last year.
"I thought all of my freedom would be over, I never knew opportunities like this existed," she said.
"The opportunities that are around are fantastic."
Only five months in the job, Mackie was invited to trial for the team. She ticked all the boxes and made the benchmark, she is now ready to play her best games of footy.
With a couple of former AFL Women's players on her side, Mackie is confident the Army will land on top - owning the team's 8th consecutive win.
"There are some ALFW scouts here today who might draft a few players for next year.
"Mostly I want to win, but I want to do that as part of a team and make connections for life," she said.
Mackie continues to share her passion for Aussie Rules with her 12-year-old daughter who's cheering back home.
"She loves footy, and I really want to inspire her," Mackie said.
Starting in the backline, Mackie will play through the field as needed and spend time working with the centres.
The Australian Defence Force National Championships wrap-up on Saturday, March 23.
- MORE TO COME.
