Kalabu Secondary School’s deputy head girl Talica Traill and deputy headboy Lemeki Biukoto are balancing their school leadership roles with the challenge of preparing for the AFL Fiji under-17 national team.
Both Year 12 students, they were introduced to the sport earlier this year and have earned spots in the squad set to compete in the Pacific Cup in Australia next month.
Traill said being selected for the national team made her feel proud.
“We are proud to be part of the team and thankful to our coaches and parents for supporting us throughout this journey,” she said.
Biukoto said he was excited and grateful for the chance to represent Fiji.
“I want to thank my coaches for choosing me and my parents for their continuous support since I started playing,” he said.
The team is training hard as they prepare for the upcoming tournament. Both Traill and Biukoto are focused on doing their best.
“My goal is to help the team win and perform at my best, so I can get noticed by an Australian AFL club and possibly earn a scholarship,” Traill said.
Biukoto shared the same ambitions.
“We aim to bring the title home. I want to give everything I have and hopefully be picked up by an Australian club,” he said.
Balancing schoolwork with training can be difficult at times.
Traill said, “It’s not always easy to manage time between school and training, but I’m motivated to do well in both.”
Biukoto added, “It can be tough, but the support from my teachers and family keeps me going.”
As student leaders and national players, Traill and Biukoto set an example for their peers with their dedication on and off the field. They hope to leave a mark at the Pacific Cup and create opportunities for their future in AFL.