WA Football

Saturday the 4th August saw the WA Women’s Football League host their 25th annual Awards Night at the Hilton Hotel. The night was enjoyed by many life members, special guests, players, coaches and sponsors. The 200 plus guests were a far cry from the initial 4 teams that began the competition 25 years ago.

Special congratulations should be reserved for Lauren Stammers winner of the WAWFL League Fairest and Best – the Dhara Kerr Award, an achievement the equivalent of winning the WAFL Sandover Medal.

Western Australia’s State 16 Schoolgirls finished second at the National AFL Carnival in South Australia last fortnight after a narrow loss to Victoria in the Grand Final.

WA got away to a great start and was leading until part way through the second quarter before Victoria hit back, eventually winning by 14 points in an extremely tight and physical game.

After having the bye in Round 1, WA was fired up and ready to play in its first match of the National State 16s Schoolgirls' Carnival against South Australia at Woodville Oval.

The girls started the match well, kicking 5.5 (35) to nothing in the opening quarter. WA looked to be on its game with team structures working well and strong endeavour.

The South Australians came out a lot harder in the second quarter, restricting WA to two goals for the quarter. WA continued to work hard in the last half, winning the contested ball, but just not being able to kick as straight as they would have liked, kicking 1.6 in the 3rd quarter.

WA’s female football talent will be showcased this Sunday when the ‘Yorga’s Koodjal Kadadjiny’ match is played at Perth Demon’s Football Club as part of  NAIDOC Week celebrations.

The ‘Yorga’s Koodjal Kadadjiny’ match, which means Women’s Two Way Learning Match, kicks off at 2:30pm this Sunday, July 8 and will feature an Indigenous All Stars team against a WA Women’s Football League All Stars side.

WAWFL and State Schoolgirls curtain-raiser games will also be played on the day.

Yorga Match Program:

10am WAWFL Reserves Match – Peel Thunderbirds v Swan Districts

12pm Curtain Raiser – U16’s State Schoolgirls v Mixed Youth Girls

2pm Pre-game entertainment

2:30pm Main Event Yorga Match – Indigenous All Stars v WAWFL All Stars

Following the AFL women’s national championships in Adelaide last year, footballer Kirby Bentley, 26, won the Debbie Lee medal for best and fairest player in Australian women’s football.

Click on the image, left, to expand The West Australian's ED! team article with this women's football star.

© THE WEST AUSTRALIAN