Inaugural event kicks a goal for women’s participation

The inaugural Great Southern Women’s AFL exhibition game has been hailed a success, with North Albany defeating Railways by 12 points at Collingwood Park on Saturday night.

With a strong turnout of 26 players, there is optimism further games can be played throughout the year as the sport continues to gain interest among female players.

It was an even contest throughout the match as neither side was able to gain ascendancy, but late goals to Tamika Coyne and Shelley McLennan ensured the Kangas won 5.6 (36) to 3.6 (24).

Jessie Barker was the most dominant midfielder, while Cleo Dryagan, Hannah Felton and Coyne all performed well for the Kangas.

Kelly Judd toiled hard in the midfield for the Tigers and received good assistance from Brittany Needs and Jasmin Plater.

Great Southern regional football manager Tom Moir said the strong turnout was a great sign going forward.

“We’re really happy with the turnout and the way the game was played, it was a great spectacle,” he said. “Every club wants to eventually field a women’s team and the girls are pumped.”

Moir said the aim was now to try to organise a game every month for the next few months as the Great Southern Football League moved towards the finals.