On Sunday, February 28, eight teams from northern Victoria will converge on the Mercury Dve, Shepparton complex to kick-start the return of competitive women’s football to the region.
The day will consist of morning activities run by AFL Goulburn Murray football development managers, aiming to bring more females into the game, before the main games commence at noon.
“Twelve games of women's football will be played over the afternoon before the grand final kicks off at 6pm,” Northern Country Women’s League administrator Sam Wood said.
“Teams playing will be coming from right across northern Victoria including Wangaratta, Echuca, Benalla, Eaglehawk, Benalla, Wodonga, Shepparton, Mooroopna and Tatura.”
Benalla co-coach Lucy Walch said her group was champing at the bit to get back out on the field and hoped the community would get behind the day.
“We are so excited, obviously not being able to have footy for so long, the girls are so keen to lace up their boots. It's anticipation all round,” Walch said.
“Footy and netball clubs traditionally are the glue to hold the community together, so to not be able to access that has been hard for everyone, male and females.
“So to be able to get together for the one day, play a bit of footy and get that sense of community back, we want everyone to come down and show their support.
“We hope we can do right by the jumper in Benalla.”
Echuca coach Damian Dalziel said the team was looking forward to getting back out on the ground.
“ It's going to be a fantastic day of footy,” Dalziel said.
“I think it is a massive opportunity for us to show just how popular the women's game has become in the region.
“It’s also a chance for people who may have been thinking about playing to see what it’s all about.”
The pre-season cup will be held on Sunday, February 28 at Rumbalara Football Netball Club, 20 Mercury Dve, Shepparton, with matches starting from noon.
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