Annie was vice-captain for an unbeaten Victoria in last week’s School Sport Australia 12-under soccer championships in Bendigo.

Victoria will have to share its trophy though.

The prize will be sent across the border to New South Wales in six months’ time because both states tied, unbeaten on 22 points apiece, after six games in the week-long round robin series.

Even when they played each other, the game ended in a draw.

This is Victoria’s first title in girls’ soccer events, which have been running since 1995.

Annie’s dad Paul said it was a great way to finish the tournament.

“It was fantastic for Annie and Victoria – they’re a great bunch of girls,” he said.

“Annie’s been playing soccer since she was really young and the quality of competition at nationals was amazing, the best we’ve ever seen.”

The championships are a proven pathway in elite women’s soccer. Three players in Melbourne Victory women’s team have played in the Victorian under-12s, as have a host of Matildas.

Annie was one of two regional Victorian soccer players to make the state 12-under girls team and this was her second season in the squad.

Victoria also claimed the national boys’ title, edging out New South Wales and Queensland. 

A tally of 21 points was enough for Victoria to claim the title from joint runners-up New South Wales and Queensland on 19.