ARTICLE COURTESY OF THE ST GEORGE AND SUTHERLAND SHIRE
THE stigma surrounding girls and women playing AFL seems to be disappearing slowly as more females are taking up the sport.
To recognise and acknowledge the increase in female involvement, the AFL had its women’s round during round 14 of the AFL premiership season.
NSW representative and Southern Power player Jenna Miller, 25, said contact sports called ‘‘football’’ had an unnecessary stigma for women.
‘‘I have had more injuries playing basketball than I have in AFL,’’ Miller said.
Miller and fellow Power teammate Kathryn Hull recently played for NSW in the 2013 AFL National Women’s Championships in Cairns.
‘‘Being selected to play for NSW was an incredible experience,’’ Miller said.
‘‘I love the range of skills needed for this game — from being physically fit, kicking, handballs, taking marks, tackling and reading play.
‘‘When it is all mixed together, I must say, it looks pretty awesome!’’
Hull, 28, said she loved playing football for NSW against the best in the country.
‘‘It was NSW’s first ever year in division one at nationals, so it was great to get a benchmark of how female football in NSW is against the rest of the country,’’ Hull said.
Hull said she loved the physical challenge and the camaraderie of AFL.
‘‘I came from 15 years of netball and was after something different,’’ Hull said.
‘‘I’ve been involved in many sporting teams before but the friends I’ve made through footy outdo them all!
‘‘The support of Southern Power on and off the field has been amazing and really makes you proud to pull on a jersey for them each week.’’
Hull’s advice to girls considering the sport: just ‘‘do it!’’
‘‘The AFL are working on pathways and development programs to ways and development programs to make sure that all ages are able to get involved,’’ she said.
Fellow Southern Power player Alex Tegg, 16, played for the under 18s Youth National Championships during May.
Tagg said she enjoyed seeing the talent on display of girls from other states.
‘‘It gives me something to work towards and inspires me to work harder on my footy,’’ she said.
Tegg said AFL offered many opportunities for females.
‘‘You can get fit and make friends, have fun, even represent your state or even your country.
‘‘AFL is expanding and growing for female footballers and now is the time to get involved.’’
Last Modified on 11/07/2013 14:01
