Kimberley Kickers: Jy goes for gold by Carl Merrison & Hakea Hustler with Jy Farrar and Samantha Campbell

Jy Goes for Gold is the first book in the Kimberley Kickers series about First Nations football players from both the AFL and AFLW who were born in the Kimberley in Western Australia. Gold Coast Suns star Jy Farrar is the first person showcased and his story is full of family, fun and football. 

From the very beginning of this fast-paced story, the reader will be immersed in football. Written as a first person narrative, the reader has a ‘front row’ view of Jy describing his footy kicks, passages of play and his winning goals. All of this as a young person growing up with family on Country in the Kimberley. His closeness to his family and extended relations and their importance to his early life are evident throughout his story. There is always friendly competition and rivalry between cousins but their bonds are unbreakable.

Jy eventually moves onto boarding school where his two older brothers are, and his separation from his home Country is always in the background. He completes his schooling and graduates, and it is while he is back home again and playing local footy, his coach and his cousin, realise Jy has talent that can take him to the AFL draft and ultimately, the Gold Coast Suns.

Shared throughout this story are vivid details of life in the Kimberley, significant references to traditional and cultural places and beliefs, the importance of respecting Country, and the encouragement of family to believe that it is possible to achieve great things.

For those middle grade readers who find reading a long novel challenging, this engaging book, with images throughout, onomatopoeia, highlighted key words as well as abundant white space, may be one that will appeal to someone who loves sport and footy. The second book in the series about AFLW player Krstel Petrevski will be released in 2025. Teacher's notes are available.

Themes: Kimberly WA, First Nations Culture, Community, Australian Rules Football, Family, Country, Biography.

Kathryn Beilby