The Gold Coast SUNS’ journey to 2020 has reached another significant milestone, with three SUNS Academy players making history as the club’s inaugural AFLW footballers.

The trio of signings included Kitara Whap-Farrar, a rebounding defender who originally hails from Cairns.

Upon finding out the news of her selection, the 17-year-old was left speechless, but was quick to jump onto the phone to share the news with her parents.

“It’s an amazing feeling, just to know that you make history, as one of the first girls to ever be signed onto an AFLW list for the SUNS is pretty amazing,” Whap-Farrar told SUNS Media. 

“I was pretty nervous, I didn’t know whether I was going to be picked or not, and as soon as I was told I was just in awe, the happiest, the best day of my life is how I’d explain it.

“Just mixed emotions I didn’t know whether to be happy or just crying.”

Having dominated the AFL Cairns’ Women’s league for South Cairns in recent years, Whap-Farrar relocated to the Gold Coast in order to give herself the best chance at an AFLW career.

Not only did she make the move away from family and friends, she also left behind the beginnings of a cabinet making apprenticeship.

Now that she has been unveiled as a SUNS player, Whap-Farrar can rest easy knowing that the decision to move has paid off.

“It’s been a big decision with my family and myself having to leave an apprenticeship in Cairns,” she said.

“All my family is up there, so just to move down for footy knowing that the move was actually worth it.” 

On field, the rebounding defender can often be found tucking the ball under her arm and taking the game on.

Coupled with her elite kicking ability and strong overhead marking, she shapes as an ideal player to slot in at half-back.

“My run and carry (is my biggest weapon) I love to find the space and just run with it.”