New Zealand Kahu superstar, Sam Lightfoot has been announced as the inaugural Captain of the Central Shakers for the upcoming 2023 Women’s Premiership.
From Wellington, Sam is one of the pioneers for Women’s footy in Aotearoa. She started her AFL career back in 2017 playing in the Youth competition before representing the NZ Kahu Youth girls in the April of 2018.
When asked about her love for the game, it was the fast pace of AFL and the sense of community, which grabbed her.
“I’ve always been a Football (Soccer) player and have always loved the fast pace and lack of boundaries with the sport. AFL obtains the attributes I love about football but 10 times better!”
“I’ve been pretty involved over the few years I’ve been around and been lucky have great role models like Buell (Verkade) and Chelsea Young, along with the coaches like Peter Geale, Shane Goodwin, Warwick Kain, Alastair Maisey and Mick Coultard throughout the years too.”
Sam gave back to the community last year, coaching the Youth programme as well as sessions wth the Wellington based AFL New Zealand Academy.
Sam has gone on to represent the NZ Kahu, multiple times and played for the Magpies in the 2021 Women’s Premiership.
She can’t wait to run out on the footy field with the rest of the Shakers in February, 2023.
“I’m really excited for the new changes to the Women’s premiership and I’m feeling very grateful to be part of this change. Thanks AFLNZ for the opportunity and to all the coaches, teammates and the sideline crew that have made this growth possible”
