The Auburn Giants are proud of the their Western Sydney roots. Around 60-70 per cent of the team are from a Muslim background, but when they step onto AFL’s spiritual home at the MCG they want to challenge more than just religious pre-conceptions.
It’s the first time a predominantly Muslim female team has had that honour, but the Giants are hoping it’s not just a one-off.
The teams coach Christian Kunde told SBS Online: “Particularly with the women's Soccer World Cup going on at the moment it’s pretty fair to say that women's sport is underrated and it shouldn't be. “
The team boasts Polynesians, Asians and players with European backgrounds.
Mandy Fung’s parents arrived in Australia from Hong Kong in the 1970’s. She told SBS it’s a home away from home:
“I came down on a Saturday for a training session and I never left and that was it simple as that. Great team fantastic girls, and the spirit is always there so I've just not been able to stray,“ she said.
Foundation player Jenan Elrishe has been with the club for 5 years and she loves its inclusivity:
“It doesn't matter where you’re from, we just like to have fun we're all here to have fun and play our game,” she said.
The majority of the side are students and have to juggle work and study commitments to stay on the team. But it’s more than just a sporting commitment.
Marwa Ismail told SBS she loves both all aspects of being involved.
“We get along so well so it is beautiful coming down with the girls, but then as well there's the physical aspect where we're running and learning new skills and drills so it is really good,” she said.
The team say they’ll find a way to get some on-field selfies taken when they play their exhibition match on Sunday, but they’re hoping their date with destiny will have a much bigger impact for women’s sport than that.
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