Sport

Maddy’s making her mark

By Rowan Frazer

Oct 8, 2025

Maddy Price receiving her Goulburn Murray Bushrangers jersey from coach Sammy Heron.

Finley has been home to multiple Australian Rules footballers and AFL talent, and there is currently another rising star making her way.

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Maddy Price is one of several Southern Riverina women and girls playing for the Barooga Football Netball Club in the Goulburn Murray Northern Country Women’s League.

She had an outstanding season playing in the women’s under-18s.

Maddy showcased her ability as a 15 year-old, winning the 2025 Goulburn Murray Woman’s and Girls Rising Star league award against 14 women from various clubs.

Maddy was also recently selected for the prestigious under-15s V/Line Cup Goulburn Murray Bushrangers team for the second time in two years.

With girls and women’s football opportunities still at a fledgling stage in the Southern Riverina, Maddy’s talent and endeavour has repeatedly shone through.

Maddy has lived in Finley for 10 years with her parents Elyse and Sam, who both grew up in Finley.

It was at Finley Public School that Maddy’s interest in footy was sparked in 2019, as a nine year-old playing in the Paul Kelly Cup and Tony Lockett shield.

Maddy played with the school every year until 2022, and then tried out and was selected in the Southern Inland Team.

She played at the NSW Australian Football Primary All Schools Girls 12 Years Championships.

She continued playing with the school each year, as well as in represenative football for the Riverina, as there wasn’t anywhere locally she could play.

Barooga joined the Northern Country Women’s League in 2024, which gave Maddy an opportunity to play consistently in the under-18 women’s team for the Hawks.

Maddy Price playing her very first game of AFL for Finley public school at age 9.

Maddy has now played two seasons for Barooga.

She has also joined the GWS Development squad this year, training weekly on top of club football training.

Maddy added to her representative accomplishments in the V/Line Cup in Ballarat last month for the Goulburn Murray Bushrangers.

While the team lost its two games against Bendigo Pioneers and the North East Border Bushrangers, Maddy’s mother Elyse said the Finley athlete performed well.

Maddy Price with the 2025 V/Line Cup girls' team.

“Maddy was very proud, as were we, to have made the Goulburn Murray Bushrangers under-15’s V/Line team for the second year running.

“This year she played two games, and while her team was beaten in both games, Maddy was named best on ground for the first game against the Bendigo Pioneers.”

After being rewarded for her development this season, the rising star is looking towards future football opportunities, Elyse said.

“Maddy has improved out of sight since she started playing football, and owes a lot of credit to her Barooga Coach for the last two seasons, Kate Chapman.

“Her belief in Maddy this year has definitely attributed to how successful this year has been for her.

“She is hoping to secure a spot in the under-16s Bushrangers squad next year, which will be a great pathway into AFLW if this is what she chooses.

“While we’re not sure what the future holds for Maddy, for now, she is just happy to continue playing footy each week, and she has made some lifelong friends from all over NSW and Victoria in doing so.”