As a youngster Nelson Bay’s Pippa Smyth chose to play netball because there was little else available for women’s sport.
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Three years ago the 180cm tall, 22-year-old centre half back made the switch to AFL and she has not looked back.
Today Smyth is a key member of the Greater Western Sydney squad and an inspiration to the growing number of young girls participating in the sport.
“I am passionate about the game and enjoy coming back to the Bay to help out,” Smyth said during a coaching clinic conducted at Dick Burwell Oval on Monday night.
The Nelson Bay Junior AFL Club has an unprecedented three girls teams in this year’s competition – under 12s, under 14s and under 17s.
Committee member Penny Blyth said all three teams looked set to contest the semi-finals which begin next weekend.
“The under 12s are defending champions and leading the competition while both the 14s and 17s are expected to finish in the top two. We are grateful for the visit from Pippa who is such a fantastic role model for our girls.”
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