Brisbane Lions ruckman Matthew Leuenberger was joined by a very special guest for his weekly Masterclass segment on LIONS TV - with former Masterchef contestant Alana Lowes dropping by the Gabba to share some of her culinary skills.

Lowes, who is probably best known for being a finalist during last year’s series of Masterchef, is also a former State Australian Rules representative and four-time All-Australian.

On Thursday, she was also announced as the new AFL Queensland Women’s Football Ambassador, joining ABC Radio presenter Kelly Higgins-Devine in a role designed to highlight the females’ AFL pathway.

A ruckman (or ruckwoman) by trade, it seemed only appropriate that she join fellow tap specialist Leuenberger on his educational show.

Speaking with LIONS TV, Lowes encourage for girls and women to get involved in playing AFL.

“Girls as young as five can get involved in Auskick, or they can play at Primary School,” Lowes said.

“There’s also a youth girls competition that plays at an U15 and U18 level. That leads into playing as an adult as well.”

Lowes attended a luncheon at Yeronga earlier in the day where she was officially unveiled as the latest female AFL ambassador in Queensland.

“I discovered that women actually played Aussie Rules competitively and I signed up straight away,” she said.

“I have always played sports, but I loved the excitement and quick pace of the game and worked hard on my kicking and hand ball skills.”

“I’m really excited to be the AFL Queensland Women’s Ambassador.”

“I have hung up my boots but I still get that urge to have a kick every time I watch a game.”

“I want to do all I can to support the game and encourage as many young girls and women as possible to get involved.”

Alana will feature in women’s round celebrations at this Saturday night’s clash between the Lions and St Kilda at the Gabba, which also includes all-girls Auskick matches at half time.

As for her skills in the kitchen, be sure to watch Luey’s Masterclass on LIONS TV to see her whip up some walnut stuffed figs in spiced syrup.

A complete recipe and directions has also been provided below:

Walnut Stuffed Figs in Spiced Syrup
served with honey and cinnamon ricotta and rose fairy floss

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10-15 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Walnut Stuffed Figs in Spiced Syrup
10-12 dried Turkish figs
100gm walnuts, toasted
375ml of water
125gm caster sugar
Zest strips from ¼ of a lemon
10 cloves
1 cinnamon quill
1 vanilla bean, split and seeded

Honey & Cinnamon Ricotta
200gm Ricotta
1 tsp honey
¼ tsp cinnamon

To serve, rose fairy floss*

*Rose fairy floss is available at a gourmet deli

Method

To make the spiced syrup, place the water, sugar, lemon, cloves, cinnamon and vanilla bean and seeds into a small shallow pan (or small saucepan) big enough for the figs to sit in a single layer with the syrup almost covering the figs. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat.

Meanwhile, using a small knife, make an incision into the side of the figs, cutting through a little beyond the centre. Slice so that a little less than half the fig gets opened on one side (big enough to stuff the walnuts inside). Stuff the opening with half a walnut (or the equivalent in pieces). Press the edges of the fig together to close. Repeat with the remaining figs.

Add the figs with their stem up to the hot syrup and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for approximately 20 minutes or until the syrup is thickened and the figs are soft. If the figs are not covered by the syrup, occasionally spoon the hot syrup over the top of the figs. Remove from the heat and allow to cool in the syrup.

To make the honey and cinnamon ricotta, place all ingredients into a bowl and whip until smooth and combined.

To serve, place the figs on a plate and drizzle with the syrup and dollop with some ricotta and top with rose fairy floss.

Enjoy!


Women in football statistics (nationally):

o Last year, there were more than 94,412 female players involved in NAB AFL Auskick, primary school competitions, youth girls’ competitions and women’s leagues.

o This represents a 29 per cent increase over a 12 month period.

o The start of 26 new junior and youth girls’ competitions attracted more than 5000 new players.

o And there are more than 700 female AFL football umpires - including Chelsea Roffey the first woman to be part of the officiating umpires’ panel on Grand Final day - as well as around 1500 accredited female coaches.

o 42 per cent of the national television viewing audience is female

o 35 per cent of AFL and club members are female, with an increase of 6,551 members last year.