A young Fijian athlete is making her mark in Australian Rules Football (AFL).
Salote Verevalu, a former Suva Grammar School student, is now playing for the Southwest Sydney Blues in the Women’s Division One league in Australia.
She is only 17 years old but has already come a long way in the sport.
Earlier this week, AFL Fiji shared her story on Facebook.
“Salote Verevalu began her remarkable journey with AFL Fiji in 2023, showing incredible talent and dedication from the very start,” the post said.
AFL is a fast-running sport played on a large oval field.
Players kick, handball and run with the ball to score goals between tall goalposts.
It is very popular in Australia and is growing in Fiji.
Verevalu first learned the game at Albert Park in Suva, training on smaller fields.
Her hard work and skills soon caught the attention of selectors.
She was picked to join the under-15 Fiji Junior Vonu Team that competed at the U15 Oceania Cup.
Her performance stood out, and she was then chosen to be part of the under-16 South Pacific Team.
This gave her the chance to travel to Australia and play against academy teams like the Suns Academy and Lions Academy.
In 2024, she took another step forward by representing Fiji at the U17 Pacific Cup.
She showed the same passion and determination that had carried her from Albert Park to international competition.
Verevalu trains and plays on bigger fields in Sydney.
AFL Fiji said she is “a shining example that with determination and passion, anything is possible.”
Her story is inspiring many young girls in Fiji to follow their dreams in sports and never give up.
Salote Verevalu (right) tackles a Papua New Guinea opponent at Albert Park in Suva. Picture: SUPPLIED
Salote Verevalu (fifth from back row) with her the Southwest Sydney Blues team. Picture: SUPPLIED
