In an exciting opportunity for Casey VFLW forward Tahlia Fellows, the number 31 will miss this week’s game to play in an Under 23 All-Stars game.

 It’s just reward for Fellows’ magnificent season to date, as Fellows will be one of seven listed VFLW players to take part in the match.

Fellows has been named on the Under 23 All-Stars team comprising the best young female footballers from Victoria, the Northern Territory and Tasmania.

The All-Stars side will face the NAB AFLW Academy Australian Under 18 side at the Swinburne Centre at 11.30AM on Sunday.

Tarkyn Lockyer will coach the Academy side, assisted by Daisy Pearce, Jacara Egan (Vic Metro) and Beau McDonald (Western Australia), while Travis Cloke will lead the All-Stars side alongside Steph Binder (North Melbourne VFLW), Sally Riley and Allana Dickie (Calder Cannons).

Fellows’ reputation as a speedy and crafty goalkicker has been enhanced in 2022, with the Demon snagging 11 goals in the 10 Casey matches this season while also featuring at the top end of the Coaches’ MVP voting leaderboard.

The recognition for a fine start to 2022 came as a shock to Fellows, but it hasn’t limited her joy over the selection.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Fellows told Casey Media. “I’m humbled to get an opportunity to play alongside some good names and see what I can do.

“I only found out a couple of weeks ago and it came as a surprise. It’s exciting being able to showcase some of the talent around women’s football these days.”

The only downfall is that the All-Stars game means Fellows will miss Casey’s Round 11 clash with Collingwood, as the previously undefeated Demons will look to rebound from its first loss of the season against a VFLW powerhouse.

But Fellows praises the club for its support and culture that has helped the forward develop and get selected in the All-Stars game.

“It’s definitely the club who has pushed this season to be really successful, particularly our coaching panel,” Fellows said. “My selection has to do with the coaching and all of the players and our professionalism with the program.

“Everyone goes above and beyond here at Casey and I’m proud to be part of it.”

The AFLW Academy v Under 23 All-Stars game will be played at the Swinburne Centre on Sunday at 11.30AM, with a live stream of the match available at www.womens.afl/talent-pathway/academy.