From Rookie to Rising Star: Imaya Weerakoon Makes Her Mark in AFL

At just 15 years of age, Imaya Weerakoon is already establishing herself as one of the promising young talents in Australian Rules Football.

Imaya began her football journey at the age of 12 and has quickly risen through the ranks thanks to her dedication, work ethic, and natural ability.

Her latest achievement came through the highly competitive Inter League Football program, where the best domestic football players are selected to trial for representative teams. Imaya was selected for the A Team, a remarkable achievement and a reflection of her consistent performance and dedication throughout the trials.

After three stages of rigorous tryouts involving more than 60 players, only 24 athletes were selected. Imaya was the only Under 15 player from her club to earn a place in the squad, a testament to her talent and determination.

The Inter League program is designed to identify and develop emerging players, providing opportunities to showcase their skills under the guidance of AFLW players and coaches. Following months of training and selection trials that began in October 2025, Imaya and her teammates advanced through the competition and ultimately claimed the championship title.

Her commitment to the program has been significant. In addition to weekly skill development sessions with AFLW players, Imaya undertakes football-specific gym and mobility training three times per week to further enhance her performance.

Her efforts paid off during the finals campaign, where she was awarded Best on Ground for her team's match-winning performance.

The Inter League pathway provides valuable exposure to junior AFLW talent programs and the prestigious Coates Talent League, where scouts identify players with the potential to progress to elite-level football.

Beyond Inter League, Imaya also participates in the Next Generation Academy program, which is designed for players with multicultural backgrounds, requiring at least one parent to have been born overseas. Through this program, she trains fortnightly and is set to represent her team in upcoming matches in Brisbane and Sydney over the next two months.

Despite her busy representative commitments, Imaya remains actively involved in domestic football, where she continues to train weekly and enjoy the game alongside her teammates and friends.

With her strong work ethic, growing list of achievements, and passion for the sport, Imaya Weerakoon is undoubtedly a young athlete to watch as she continues her journey through Australia's elite football pathways.