The competition for females aged 13-18, set to begin on Sunday 7 May, will be made up of the inaugural teams:
South Warrnambool Roosters;
Horsham Saints;
Horsham Demons;
Warrnambool Blues;
Portland Tigers;
Hamilton Kangaroos;
Old Collegians; and
Stawell Warriors
Each team will play seven home and away games in the 2017 season, culminating in a round-robin finals day and league best and fairest count at Hamilton’s Melville Oval on Sunday 2 July.
AFL Western District Region General Manager Lachy Patterson said the response from across the region had been outstanding.
“Our expression of interest process has led to eight high quality teams confirm they will participate in the inaugural Deakin University Female Football League and we couldn’t be happier in the first year,”Mr Patterson said.
“We felt having these clubs aligned with existing senior clubs provided them with a high level of necessary support and the action we have already seen from these teams is extremely positive. Coaches have been appointed, team managers have been busy getting lists of players together and jumpers are being ordered, it really is exciting.”
Mr Patterson said having Deakin University in a naming rights partnership for the first three years of the competition was amazing.
“This partnership with Deakin University allows the competition to be established in a sustainable fashion but more importantly allows expansion and growth for the many other teams that have already shown interest for coming seasons.
“Deakin University in Warrnambool is a terrific fit as a naming rights sponsor for our Female Football League. Both bodies have similar objectives in providing opportunities for the youth of our area whether it be through academic or sporting pursuits.”
Deakin University Warrnambool Campus Director Alistair McCosh said the partnership was a positive for both parties. Deakin University Warrnambool Campus Director Alistair McCosh said the partnership was a positive for both parties.
“Deakin strives to make a real difference and one way is to support new initiatives that break new ground and build inclusion in our society, including sport in this instance,” Mr McCosh said.
Priceline has also come on board as an inaugural sponsor and will supply all clubs with pink umpires and runners vests in year one followed by the supply of pink match footballs in year two.
The Deakin University Female Football League will act as a selection ground for the Western Rebels under-16 squad which participates in a state championships later in the year and also as a launching pad to the GWV Rebels TAC Academy, State League and the AFLW.
“There has been significant passion for this concept for quite some time now. We are extremely confident that with the spread of teams, the personnel involved and the excitement already generated, this competition will be a success in year one and beyond,” Mr Patterson said.
Last Modified on 22/03/2017 11:56