Kaniva’s Zoe Hawker proved her talent crosses both borders and state lines this month after being named in the South Australia Country Championships football team of the carnival.

Hawker, who also plays in Kaniva-Leeor United’s A Grade netball side, won selection for the country championships after appearing for Mundulla in the Limestone Coast Women’s Football League between January and April.

The 22-year-old’s strong play for the Tigers earned her, as well as fellow Kaniva players Mel and Kate Maddern, spots in the South East zone representative side.

South East was unlucky not to record a win at the carnival, losing to Eyre Peninsula by two points and Central by a single point, before falling to Eyre Peninsula again in the third-fourth playoff by six goals.

Hawker’s strong play on a wing for South East earned her a place on the interchange bench for the team of the carnival.

“I’m proud at being selected in the team. There were a few teams at the championships,” she said. “I’ve been to the country championships for four years and this next season will be my fifth with Mundulla.

“I love the girls and being able to play with your friends, meeting new people and travelling to different areas.” 

Hawker said her future football goals included winning a premiership with Mundulla, as well as winning the country championships with South East.

“I want to keep improving and make the team next year if I can,” she said.

“We haven’t won a carnival premiership at the country championships, so to win one with the zone would be good.

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