Look at this Cape crusader

August 12, 2009 | posted by Kathryn Hogg

James Silver | Wednesday, August 12, 2009 | © The Cairns Post

'Phenomenal': Torres Strait Islander Mary David on the attack against the US women's AFL side on Monday night.

THE US Freedom women's AFL team was the headline act but it was a Cape crusader who stole the show at Cazalys on Monday night.

Giant 16-year-old ruckman Mary David dominated the game as the AFL Cairns women’s representative side defeated the US 3.10 (28) to 1.5 (11).

Coach Laura Martin said the Torres Strait Islander, who attends Djarragun College, had huge potential.

"She was phenomenal," Martin said.

"She was everywhere, taking great grabs, great tackling, just always where the ball was."

It was a rare performance in Cairns for David, who represents the Crusaders at carnivals.

"She’s just amazing, I just wish she would play AFL for one of the clubs here," Martin said.

Other standouts for Cairns were Ashleigh Singleton, Asta Naden, Lauretta Dowling, Kareena White, Jane Elzinga, Kat Pender and Lauren James.

Martin said the touring Americans had the edge in athleticism but the Cairns women knew how to control the football.

"We’re not used to that pace in the Cairns league but the girls stepped up and came away with the win," she said.

CAIRNS 3.10 (28) d USA 1.5 (11). Goals: Cairns: Stacey Paech, Dakota Noah, Lauren James; USA: Kathryn Hogg

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