Big Vigo to be 11th debutant for Dons
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ABC News
22 minutes ago
- ABC News
Lydia Kavoa defied her family's traditional views to create a new legacy
Going against your family's wishes is never easy. But for Fijian-Tongan-Australian Lydia Kavoa, building her own life meant challenging her father's wishes and breaking traditional norms. In the end, though, the risk was worth the reward. Growing up, Kavoa was always drawn to playing sports, but it was never encouraged at home. Her father's views, rooted in traditional Fijian culture, were that time outside school should be spent on domestic responsibilities typically reserved for women. In her own words, Kavoa's dad was "a pretty old school, headstrong Fijian man, and he had his views on females playing sports". "Sport for me growing up, I didn't play as much as I wanted to. And it did suck. I only played sports through school, but never weekend sports," she said. "It was just one of those things where I was meant to do the female role in the house. That's how it was when we were little." Unsure of what she wanted to do once she finished high school, Kavoa went straight into traffic control work. But needing direction in her life, she made a five-year plan just before her 20th birthday. Knowing she wanted to travel and have a stable place to stay, she set her sights on the Australian Defence Force — a decision that didn't land well at first. "It wasn't the response I kind of wanted. Me and my old boy kind of went through this massive rough patch when I joined, and he had his views on me joining, and I had my own views, but that was just how it was. "Being stuck in his ways, when I did join, he just said to me, 'This is your life, if you wanna do it then do it'." From defence to the field Kavoa kept backing herself, and it was that same self-belief that brought her to rugby through her career in the defence force. She played her first game in a Navy competition in 2016 but had to step back for a few years after being deployed to the Middle East. But when she returned in 2019, rugby became a bigger part of her dreams. As she rose through the ranks and got the attention of the ACT Brumbies, Kavoa knew she had to call her father to let him know the latest developments. "The moment for him and me … that I was like, 'This guy is actually like backing me here' was when I had the opportunity to trial for the Brumbies. "I said to him, 'Brumbs have asked me to trial for their match' and he was like, 'How are you feeling?" and I'm like, 'Yeah, a bit nervous'." This time, the response from her father was different. "He said to me: 'Don't worry, you'll make it. It's in your blood.'" It's a conversation that Kavoa has "never forgotten". It gave her the confidence to keep dreaming and was "the moment for both of us" in terms of their relationship. This newfound support gave Kavoa an extra bump, and alongside her already incredible resilience and discipline, she navigated injuries, surgeries and even COVID interruptions to make her mark in the Super W for the Brumbies. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Kavoa's father has become her number one fan. Whenever he's over in Australia from Fiji, he's up late at night waiting for Lydia to come home so they can review her games together. "It is something that has been a big motivator, having a father that didn't let me play sports when I was little. As a kid, you remember things like that. "Now, the tables have absolutely turned, and my Dad, he's one of my biggest supporters. He probably analyses my games more than I do." Tongan-Fijian-Australian Wallaroos player Lydia Kavoa didn't grow up playing sports. ( Supplied: Rugby Union ) Having already represented Australia in the Navy, her rugby rise culminated in doing the same, but this time in the green and gold jersey. Plus, it was made even more special when her opposition was Fijiana. "I had to remind myself to be in the moment and to really be present… to play against a country I'm basically from… that was so wholesome and heartwarming, cause they're some good girls." It's a journey that will take Kavoa to the Rugby World Cup in the UK in the coming weeks, which has been on her bucket list for a long time.
News.com.au
22 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Cameron Green's bowling comeback could force Aussie batting reshuffle
Cameron Green wants to be back bowling before the Ashes with some testers possible in the Sheffield Shield. The all-rounder's return to bowling could mean a move from the No.3 batting position and change the dynamic of the Australian top order. The 26-year-old hasn't bowled in a game since having back surgery last year that resulted in him missing the entire Test summer. Green has made a positive return with the bat in four Tests, beginning with the World Test Championship final and the three-Test tour of the Caribbean, and has also become a key member of Australia's ODI and T20 teams. But with an eye on the Ashes, Green confirmed he wanted to return to bowling to add another dimension to the national team against England, having begun rolling his arm over in training. 'I'm not quite certain on what match (he'll bowl), but I'm feeling really good, in a really good spot,' he said. 'It's exciting being back bowling at a reasonable intensity' Green has managed a half-century and two scores in the 40s batting in the No.3 role, which began with two single figures scores against South Africa at Lord's. With question marks over Australia's opening combination for the opening Ashes Test in Perth in November, Green said it was a 'wait and see' where he'd bat. 'You never know,' Green said. 'I think there's certainly a lot of guys that can fill that role. I'm really proud that I was able to do a role up there, but wait and see.' Steve Smith is set to bat at No.4 and Travis Head is locked in at five. All-rounder Beau Webster has filled the No.6 spot but knows that could change should Green bowl again. The focus will be on four Sheffield Shield games before the first Test, and Green has flagged getting in some game time with Western Australia to bat and most likely bowl. 'In the past, it's worked really well when I focused on Shield cricket,' Green said. 'So I think that potentially might be the way to go down, especially with working my way back with bowling. Potentially get a few more overs over a few more days might be the best way to go about it. 'It's been a long road back.'
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
In-demand Blue's honest reveal on ‘big week ahead' as $1.7m decision looms
Blues ruck Tom De Koning has given his most honest answer yet as to where his future lies, admitting he's got a 'huge' week ahead. De Koning, who is yet to re-sign at Carlton, is widely tipped to have played his last game for the club with reports of a St Kilda deal worth around $1.7 million per season on the table in front of him. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. And as the in-demand big man celebrated game 100 in the 34-point win over Essendon on Thursday night, questions soon turned to where he'll be in 2026. 'Yeah, obviously this week will be huge,' he told Fox Footy. 'There's obviously a big decision and umm, yeah looking forward to getting to Bali and getting a surf in. And clearing the head after a big year.' Three-time premiership Tiger Jack Riewoldt believes De Koning will be announcing his exit. 'A big week ahead for Tom De Koning. They go through their exit interviews now and that will be no doubt with Michael Voss, his line coach, Graham Wright potentially sitting in those interviews as well. 'They would definitely know what's going on. 'I think the way it's drawn out, the likelihood is he's gonna be not at Carlton next year which is disappointing for Carlton if he does leave because he's such a big figure.' Carlton captain Patrick Cripps described De Koning as 'a competitor' who he loves playing with. 'You couldn't question the way he rocked up this year, or ever,' he said. 'And to play 100 games for any club is special so he gets a name on the locker. You know, he's going to go down as a 100-game Carlton player forever.' De Koning said he had 'mixed emotions' as the Blues' season came to an end with nine wins for the year. 'It's obviously been a tough year for the club so umm, yeah the emotions after a win are always good,' he said. 'To finish the season now is pretty disappointing without going into finals. 'Mixed emotions but yeah stoked the boys were able to rock up tonight. 'It was good to see Crippa, Walshy, George, those boys really impressed in there … it's fun playing with them.' Two-time premiership Roo David King said it was now up to De Koning it 'handle it well' as he decides if his future is at the Blues or elsewhere like the Saints. 'The club has been brilliant for him – he's been good for the club. But it's a two-way street – got to handle yourself well if you are to exit,' he said. 'So hopefully that's done as quickly as possible really. 'I mean, Carlton fans have been on the edge of their seat for six to eight weeks. You need to know as a football club. You need to know as soon as possible if they don't already know. 'So they may feel he's gone – it just needs to be ticked off in the correct manner. It's going to leave a hole.' De Koning finished game 100, and potentially his last for the Blues, with 15 disposals, 16 hit-outs, four clearances and five marks.
