(Story published in Toowoomba Chronicle - Trent Slatter Wed 7th May)
DARLING Downs women's coach Jeff Neumann is excited to finally see the team in action against Wide Bay this Saturday.
Kingaroy will host the first women's representative match between the two regions as a curtain-raiser to the annual City versus Country game.
Selectors announced the final 25-player Darling Downs team this week, with an extra two named as cover for Queensland reps Isabelle Baldock and Georgie Seaniger.
Baldock and Seaniger are in Canberra for the Youth Girls National Championships, but will return on Friday ahead of the match against Wide Bay.
The pair headlines the Downs team which also includes former state player Danielle Wall and Gaelic footballer Kathy Conway.
Neumann admitted the match would be a learning curve, but he believed they had experience across the park.
"We think we've got a very talented squad," he said.
"Being the inaugural rep team, it's a bit of a learning curve for everyone.
"But with the club competition doubling in size, it widens our catchment area, especially going into Dalby and Goondiwindi.
"It's helped lift the profile and attract more really talented athletes across from other sports.
"We've got different girls who have the experience and the knowledge around the place."
Wide Bay is also new to female footy and both regions are hoping to make the most of the rep game.
"We're really keen to see how it goes," Neumann said.
"It's going to be a regular fixture so hopefully we can build up a bit of a rivalry."
AFLDD WOMEN'S TEAM
Gab Ayre, Isabelle Baldock, Jessica Banks, M Bell, Chantelle Britton, Natalie Cochrane, Kathy Conway, Cassandra Cullen, Monique Gould, Caitlin Harrison, Jessica Harvey, Ally Hollis, Jade Hose, J Ingleton, Lauren Jericho, Jessica Langton, Chloe MacDonald, Rebecca McInnes, Alarha Miller, Tarina Oates, Melissa Phillips, Savannah Ranford, Georgie Seaniger, Shonnie Skehan, Danielle Wall
Last Modified on 15/05/2014 08:51
