YOUNG Warwick AFL star Charlii Collins was heart- broken when she discovered making the Darling Downs u15 girls AFL team meant travelling to Cairns for the state championships.

"I knew there was going to be little chance we'd be able to afford to go,” she said.

Enter Ann Smith and the Stockyard Hotel social club, who donated $1000 to make sure Charlii would take her place on the team.

Mrs Smith said helping a young star reach for her goals did not take too much thinking about.

"If we can help out in anyway, then we'll do it,” she said.

"The family are always coming in here for dinner and it's clear Charlii loves her AFL, she's always wearing her AFL gear every time they come in.

"I knew they weren't going to be able to afford to get her to Cairns so we offered to help out.”

The family found out Charlii had been picked for the side only last week and knew there was little chance they'd be able to send the child that far to play.

Mother Leanne Kelly said she had mentioned the family's dilemma to her friend Ann.

"We're just so grateful to Ann, George and the Stockyard social club,” Ms Kelly said.

"Someone helping out like this was the only way it could have happened and we're indebted to them for being so thoughtful and selfless.

"This is Charlii's dream, it's always been her dream to play at as high a level as she can, and she's got the talent to do it.”

Charlii, 13, grew up playing the game in Toowoomba, where she still plays today because there is no age group side in Warwick for her.

"I love the game, especially the rough and tough side of it.”

Charlii also made the Darling Downs side last year, an u16s team at just 12 years old.

"The state championships were in Maroochydore last year, so that was a little easier,” she said.

"When I found out they were in Cairns this year I cried, because I knew it wasn't going to be easy for me to get there.

"I'm really lucky to have good people around me who are so supportive and who help me realise my dreams.”