DANIELLE Peel is only 18 years old but she already rates as one of the Riverina Lions more seasoned players.
The 175-centimetre tall on-baller made her debut for the women's Australian football team at the age of 15, enabling her to reach a milestone of 50 games last month.
"I did Auskick for a couple of years and then played at school, and I was keen to join the Lions when I read one of their notices looking for players," Danielle said.
Danielle's experience at such a tender age has been handy this season for the Lions as they continue to "blood" young players.
The Lions' player list includes Kayla Dacey (originally from Wagga), Claire Lawton (Ganmain), Casie Byrne (Wagga), Courtney Horan (Ardlethan), Khali Abbot (Wagga), Molly Feeney (Hillston) and Danielle (Lockhart), who are aged between 14 and 18.
They line up each week in the senior ACT Women's AFL competition, holding their own against some of the best players in the state.
"We have a top bunch of girls and a great team spirit," Danielle said.
"The players always look out for each other, especially for the younger ones in the team."
Coached by Tim Byrne, the Lions are looking to leapfrog into the top four by defeating Belconnen at McPherson Oval, Wagga, on Saturday.
"Our immediate goal is to make the finals this season," Danielle said.
"We have a lot of good young talent and if we can keep the team together, we should enjoy success in years to come."
The Lions are in form after defeating ANU by 27 points last weekend.
Kayla Dacey belied her age of 15 to show the way with a best-on-ground performance.
"The win sets us up well as we build momentum for finals footy," Tim said.
"Every player out there today from top to bottom put their hand up and did their bit."
The Lions' encounter with Belconnen will start at 10am.