KERANG will field a full squad of players in the inaugural Northern Country Women’s Football League competition.
Representatives from the eight competing clubs – Benalla Saints, Bendigo Thunder, Echuca, Kerang, Kyneton, Mooroopna, North Bendigo and Shepparton – met at Kyabram last Wednesday to discuss the formation of the new league.
The competition – developed as a partnership between AFL Central Murray, AFL Central Victoria and AFL Goulburn Murray – will begin on Sunday, May 7, with the Blues to know later this week whether Riverside Park will host an opening round match.
“The competition will be split into an East and West division, with all sides to play each other once and teams in each division to meet twice,” Kerang Football Club women’s team co-ordinator, Nick Hunter said.
Kerang will play in the West division, potentially facing Bendigo Thunder, North Bendigo and either Echuca or Kyabram twice in the inaugural season.
“The competition has been scheduled for Sundays because a number of women want to play netball on the Saturday,” Hunter said.
“A number of players also have children who play sports on Saturdays, so competitions across the State are aiming to accommodate for all players.
“We have two women who will play soccer in the morning then back up and play football in the afternoon.”
The new league will be managed out of Shepparton, with Sharon O’Dwyer appointed as the league’s administrator.
“We have had a great response to the new competition and its exciting that we will have an eight team league up and going in the first year” AFL Goulburn Murray region general manager, Martin Gleeson said.
Meanwhile, the Blues have stepped up their preparations, with Brendan Ferrari appointed coach and Tyler Wilson overseeing skills sessions.
Training occurs on Wednesday and Friday nights at Riverside Park from 6.30pm, with any interested players welcome to attend.
The club received a boost recently, with AFL Central Murray announcing it will supply all players with their jumpers, with Kerang also on the lookout for sponsors.
“We anticipate this competition will have a feed-in opportunity to support Youth Girls competitions in the area,” Hunter said.
“We are already receiving interest from younger players, and there is the potential for Kerang to have a Youth Girls side next year.”
Anyone who wants to find out more about the team can contact Nick Hunter on 0419 106 062.
