Tunisha Ouvluviac Kikoak (born 12 May 2005) is an Australian rules footballer for the Fremantle Football Club in the AFL Women's (AFLW).
The daughter of Josh, an Inuk man[1] from Inuvik in Northwest Canada, and Kelly, from Australia,[2] Kikoak began playing football in Tasmania where she represented the Tasmania Devils in the Talent League Girls as well as for Old Scotch and North Launceston.[3] She also spent some time playing for North Melbourne in the VFL Women's League.[2]
In June 2024, Kikoak was signed by Fremantle as a replacement player for Kiara Bowers who would miss the upcoming 2024 AFL Women's season due to pregnancy.[4] She made her debut for Fremantle in the opening round against Essendon, before injuring her should in the next game against Adelaide. When Aine Tighe suffered a season ending knee injury in round 4, Kikoak was recalled[5] and has played all games for the remainder of the year, kicking six goals as she replaced Tighe as the main tall forward.[6]
References
- ^ a b Bastiani, Gemma (18 October 2024). "'The best yes I have ever said': Rising Docker's rollercoaster ride to big time". afl.com.au/aflw. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ a b Bowling, Eric (4 February 2024). "Daughters of Inuvik man crushing it in Aussie rules football". NNSL Media. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ Allen, Brian (30 August 2024). "Launceston AFLW debutant: 'It will be a privilege to play in front of Pop'". The Examiner. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ "AFLW: Fremantle signs Tunisha Kikoak to replace Kiara Bowers". fremantlefc.com.au. 8 May 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ Smith, Ben (25 October 2024). "Webb's warriors find the solutions". The West Australian.
- ^ Bastiani, Gemma (10 October 2024). "How Fremantle has turned a star duo's absence into a chance for growth". ABC News. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
External links
- Tunisha Kikoak's profile on the official website of the Fremantle Football Club
- Tunisha Kikoak at AustralianFootball.com
