South Australia is hoping they can be the first state to defeat the Victorian state women’s team when they host the 2011 AFL Women’s National Championships. Currently undefeated in 11 senior Nationals competitions the VIcs are expecting to retain their unbeaten record.
Being elevated from Division 2 as the previous victors and celebrating the 20th year of their League, the Croweaters have lots to motivate them to victory. Coach Steve Baxter is pleased with his team’s preparation “with a great deal of new players vying for a position to represent their State, we are looking to be a very competitive team in Division 1”.
Despite the hardships experienced by many of the Queensland team to get them to the Championship (floods causing numerous consequences) they too have their sights on a higher finish than the 3rd position of 2009. “I’m impressed with the players who have been selected in our final squad. I’m expecting to be very competitive and look forward to giving the girls the opportunity to play at the highest level possible,” said coach Richie Lyons.
Strong opposition is again expected from Western Australia. “I want nothing else but to win the Cup,” said Head Coach, Nicole Graves. Being runners up for the last 2 Champs is wearing thin with Team WA who are hoping their pace will be too much for their opposition.
Victorian Womens League President and name holder of the Fairest and Best medal for the first Division, Debbie Lee, thinks the opposition are getting closer to the Vics. “When you see how close the WA 18s got to Victoria and the overall skill level of the next generation of players, it’s only a matter of time before we are beaten,” she said. “We can’t rest on former glories but need to keep producing a fast, fit and skilled unit.”
An exciting addition to the Nationals is that Tasmania will compete in Division 2 for the first time in any female football National Championships. The fastest growing Women’s League in Australia means the most talented players from the Apple Isle now have an opportunity to test their skills against ACT, NSW and NT.
The Championship will open AFL Women’s Week. This is a week of activities around Australia to celebrate women’s contributions to AFL at all levels. Significant events include an AFL Women’s Lunch in Melbourne , You Kick Like Girl clinic on Max Basheer Oval AAMI Stadium, Adelaide, where the state captains and local AFL dignitaries’ will meet and share skills with the participants.
For further information on the AFL Women’s National Championships contact Jan Cooper, AFL Manager: Female Football Development on jan.cooper@afl.com.au or (08) 9287 5523.
For further information on AFL Women’s Week contact Renee Hine on (03) 9643 1869 or renee.hine@afl.com.au
Last Modified on 31/05/2011 15:02