Deja and Ruby shine for NSW/ACT Indigenous team

Deja Barlow, front row centre (jumper #1), and Ruby Spark, back row six from left (jumper #11) with the state Indigenous Girls Team.

Two of Northern NSW’s finest young female Indigenous talents have shone in a match played between the AFL NSW/ACT Indigenous and Multicultural teams in Sydney on Sunday.

Deja Barlow (North Coast) and Ruby Spark (North West) have both participated in the state Indigenous Youth Leadership Program over the past few months, and were rewarded with selection in the Indigenous team based on their contribution to the program.

Both players were significant contributors to the Indigenous team that went down to their Multicultural counterparts 9.4 (58) to 4.4 (28).

Ruby was strong from the outset, kicking the Indigenous team’s first goal of the match and set the team on its way to a one point lead at the first break. She continued to play well, demonstrating plenty of resilience as she battled the effects of shin splints.

Deja led the efforts of the Indigenous team in the third quarter, breaking the lines on several occasions and delivering to her team mates. This was a tough quarter for the Indigenous team as the Multicultural girls upped their intensity, but Deja led from the front and almost kicked goal of the day.

Mark Leavy, AFL NSW/ACT Diversity Partner, said that both Northern NSW players were major contributors to the entire program, not just the match.

“Ruby and Deja showed great leadership throughout, especially with the younger girls, and were role models for the entire group. In the education sessions, they both made valuable contributions, sharing their own life experiences and those of their families, and this really got the conversation flowing amongst the group,” Leavy said.

“As players, both showed real maturity by seeking feedback on their own play and developed strong, collaborative relationships with the coaches.

“Ruby and Deja are the sorts of players that have the capacity to make a generational impact in terms of growing AFL at whatever level of footy they play, or role they take on in the game.”

During the camp the players had the chance to rub shoulders with, and learn from, Sydney Swans AFLW player Aliesha Newman who doubles as the AFL NSW/ACT’s Indigenous Ambassador. Aliesha’s role is to inspire young Indigenous women, a role that’s made much easier with the help of young leaders such as Deja and Ruby.

The AFL NSW/ACT Indigenous Youth Girls Leadership Program and Multicultural Girls Youth Leadership Program extends well beyond the bounds of just playing AFL. Both programs include education sessions on topics as diverse as pre-match routines, mental health and wellbeing, and road safety thanks to a longstanding partnership with Transport for NSW.