The leadership group for our Women's team has been announced. Congratulations to Savannah Ranford (Captain), Erin Thompson-Mann (Vice-Captain) and Mikaela Polzin (Vice-Captain) on their appointments.
We looked into their football backgrounds, what inspires them and why they play for South Toowoomba Bombers, here is what they have to say:
Captain:
Name: Savannah Ranford
Nickname: Mario, Sav, Savvy
Jersey Number: 1
AFL Team: Brisbane Lions - all the way!
Vice captain in 2014, now captain of the team in 2015, Ranford, formerly a Coolaroo player, has been playing football for five years, moving to South Toowoomba Bombers in 2013 to continue her female football pathway, making 2015 her third year for South Toowoomba Bombers.
On game day, Ranford is a diverse player and can usually be found playing on ball in the midfield or running off the half back flank. Ranford's greatest achievements include captaining the women's team this year, playing at representative level and playing at the Gabba when she was a little Auskicker.
When we asked Sav why she loves South Toowoomba Bombers, she told us it is because STB is such a supportive and family orientated club that feels like a home away from home.
Ranford looks up to her dad and Allan Christensen as her role model and inspiration and lives by the quote "if it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you"
When asked what her goals were for 2015, Ranford wants to win a few games, kick 5 goals and have a fantastic time playing with the team.
Player Stats for STB since 2013 (incl 2015):
Matches Played: 21
Career Goals: 8
Times in Best: 7
First Game against: Warwick, 2013
Congratulations Savannah on your appointment as Captain for 2015. We look forward to seeing you build the women's team to great heights and wish you the best of luck in 2015!
Co Vice-Captain:
Name: Mikaela Polzin
Nickname: Mikky, Mik
Jersey Number: 10
AFL Team: Western Bulldogs
Only starting to play football half way through last season, Polzin has proved that with determination and hard work anything can pay off. Polzin has been named one of two vice-captains for 2015.
Polzin played her first game of AFL midway through the 2014 season and played mostly in the back line and along the wing. Polzin listed her greatest achievements and accomplishments as becoming a Vice captain of the team and having the chance to play in the grand final last year and being able to play alongside her older sister Tamara.
In 2015 Polzin seeks to ensure that every lady, no matter which team they play for, has the most amazing experience and season, on and off the field and is looking forward to ensuring everyone has a fair opportunity throughout the year. Aside from winning the premiership, she also sets to improve her own knowledge and continue to grow her skills so she can pass her knowledge along to other players.
We asked Polzin why hse loved STB and she said it was simple, "The opportunies are unreal and the social aspects are a big reason why I love being part of the STB team and being apart of the bombers family is an amazing opportunity as it is literally one big extended family"
Polzin looks up to Oprah Winfrey as her role model and inspiration because no matter where you start out in life, you only ever get what you put back in, so I put in two whats. Polzin lives by the quote "if life is in control you're not going fast enough"
Player Stats for STB since 2013 (incl 2015):
Matches Played: 9
Career Goals: 3
Times in Best: 3
First Game against: Warwick, 2014
Congratulations Mikaela on your appointment as co Vice-Captain for 2015. We look forward to sharing the rewarding opportunities that come your way!
Co Vice-Captain:
Name: Erin Thompson-Mann
Nickname: Ezza
Jersey Number: 21
AFL Team: Essendon Bombers - as cliche as it is
Going into her 5th year of playing football Thompson-Mann played her first 3 years with University Cougars before coming to South Toowoomba Bombers last season to continue the female football pathway. Having played many different positions, Thompson-Mann isn't picky on where she plays however is usually found playing at Centre Half Forward for the South Toowoomba Women's Team.
Having many individual accolaides, Thompson-Mann describes her greatest acheivement as making it into the DD team this year as well as being annouced as co vice-captain for 2015.
On a team level, Thompson-Mann's goals for 2015 is to get more girls of any age positively involved with playing football. On a personal level Thompson-Mann wishes to encourage women's footy as much as possible and believes the best way to do that is to lead by example and play as hard as you can to improve as much as possible.
When asked why she loves STB, Thompson-Mann replied with "I think the main reason I love STB is the close family environment as well as all the amazing support that you get from everyone. It's such a positive environment"
Thompson-Mann doesn't have one particular role model or inspiration but likes to think that she can take advice from many people as well as look up to them for inspiration but lives by the quote "Believe you can and you're half way there- Theodore Roosevelt"
Player Stats for STB since 2013 (incl 2015):
Matches Played: 12
Career Goals: 5
Times in Best: 7
First Game against: Lockyer Valley, 2014
Congratulations Erin on your appointment as Co Vice-Captain for 2015. We look forward to seeing what unfolds for you and the women's team in 2015.
Last Modified on 20/04/2015 19:47