Locals make successful start to women’s and girls’ football seasons

By Matthew Kappos

Apr 8, 2025

The chase for the ball is on near the boundary. Photos: Matthew Kappos.

The Goulburn Murray Women’s and Girls’ League seasons both got under way at the weekend, and there was plenty of success for local outfits.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Last year’s undefeated girls champions, Echuca United, were set to begin the football season with a Friday night fixture against Nathalia in Nathalia, but external factors caused the game to be postponed.

Lily Hillman spots a target downfield. Photo by Matthew Kappos

That meant the first local action of the season came on Saturday, with both Echuca for the women’s and Moama for the girls recording first-up victories in the new season.

For the second straight year, Echuca had a GMWL premiership flag to unveil at their home opener, outgoing long-time coach Damien Dalziel raising the league’s standard of excellence before first bounce at the women’s round one meeting with Rumbalara.

Outgoing coach Damien Dalziel (left) raised the 2024 premiership flag before play. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Player-coach Kate Dixon, who stepped up from a senior player role to take the reins of the side, had a successful first outing, her squad controlling field position well in a 4.11 (35) to 1.2 (8) victory.

Echuca had Rumba pinned in its defensive 50 through most of the first period and was unfortunate to only find the centre of the uprights on one occasion, with four additional efforts sailing wide for a point.

Echuca huddles before the game. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Rumbalara had more success on the attack in the later periods, but the Murray Bombers maintained dominance over the ball and field position to increase their lead throughout and record a modest opening round win.

Dixon kicked one of the four majors herself, with Matilda Cooke, Amy Mathers and Tori Russell the other goal-kickers.

Sienna Lee gets on the move towards the attacking 50. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Lulu Slater, who made the switch from Macedon in the off-season, was named best-on-ground in her Echuca debut.

Echuca will be on the road for the first time in 2025 next Sunday, as they visit Mansfield.

Echuca celebrates the opening goal. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Goulburn Murray Girls League

The only game played in round one of the GMGL saw Moama obliterate Shepparton Swans 18.14 (122) to 0.

Moama was a finals side last season but another year of experience for its younger girls, and the addition of several players from Echuca United’s dominant 2024 squad, helped the Magpies make a statement of intent in their opening contest.

Charlie Martin shapes to kick with Shaleah Cooper in support. Photo: MJFC

Zoe McCallum and Ruby McLeod were both scoring at will throughout the game, kicking six goals apiece, while Shaleah Cooper and Ella Plattfuss contributed two each, and Maisy Byrne and Stella Fraser one.

New coach Kate Christie has come in with a focus on developing the younger girls involved with the club and will hope to combine development with on-field performance throughout the season, the opening game a big step towards that goal.

Chelsea McLeod breaks away with the ball. Photo: MJFC

Moama is at home again next Sunday, when they host Barooga from 12.30pm, while across the river, Echuca United will hope to get their season started with a home fixture against Shepparton United, which forfeited its opening round match this week.