It was a case of ‘Girls Rule’ at the East Perth Football District’s annual all-girls Freo Dockers Cup Lightning Carnivals, held over two days on November 2 and 3 at R.A.Cook Reserve in Morley.
First, it was the turn of the Primary School girls to showcase their footy skills. The Year 5 & 6 students made light of the hot conditions to have a fantastic day of friendly competition. Eight teams had a (Freo Dockers Cup) ball as they chased the footy around the home of the Morley Bulldogs.
There was a lot of talent and enthusiasm on show, as the teams battled for supremacy. In the end, it was the girls from East Beechboro Primary School who earned the coveted Freo Dockers Cup as the team who had the most fun and who displayed the best teamwork.
Coach and P.E. teacher Jamie Maidens said: "The girls returned to school after the carnival absolutely buzzing, which is always great to see, especially those who don't find phys ed the easiest of things to do. It was fantastic to see how excited they were and it capped off a great day”.
Camboon Primary’s coach and P.E. teacher Jeff Scott was equally thrilled with how his students responded to the carnival.
“They thoroughly enjoyed the day - the opportunity to play footy, to be teammates and to compete and socialise with peers from other schools in such a relaxed setting. It's been a long time since I've heard such positive, enthusiastic banter after games - notwithstanding the heat. It was a very happy, chirpy bus that returned to school.”
It was always going to be difficult to top the buzz from the Primary Carnival when the Secondary Schools took the field on Thursday November 3. In stormy and threatening weather, eight teams, comprised of Year 9 and 10 girls, competed for victory in the Freo Dockers Cup.
This carnival was a competitive one from the start and teams were well-organised by their coaches and keen to win. The Ellenbrook Secondary College squad was the surprise packet of the day and won all their games except for a draw in the game immediately after lunch.
However, it was the team from Perth College who reigned supreme on the day, earning the 
Freo Dockers Cup with five wins from their five games; a fantastic effort considering that not one of their team had played a game of football before.
From these carnivals, 40 girls indicated an interest in continuing on in football in 2012, which augers well for East Perth District’s proposed six-week girls’ interclub competition, which will be played for the first time next year.
If the carnivals are any indication of how they will be received, they will be a roaring success!
