It’s taking Victoria by storm, and Orange Tigers women’s coach Grant Mansell is hoping the Central West will follow suit.
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The launch and, somewhat unexpected, popularity of the AFL’s women’s competition – which has eight sides, Adelaide Crows, Brisbane Lions, Cartlon, Collingwood, Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, GWS Giants and Fremantle – has thrown the female sport into the limelight across the country.
And rightly so.
The girls are packing out grounds in Victoria, putting on just as entertaining footy as the men’s version of the game, at just the right time of the year too.
Now, the Tigers are hoping that success can translate into a few more players for their third tilt at the Central West AFL women’s crown.
The Tiges have featured in the last two grand finals, but have failed to come away with the flag on either occasion – the Bathurst Bushrangers won both deciders.
Mansell is confident a few more players, along with the ballooning AFL women’s competition, the Tigers can make their third crack at the flag count.
“The ladies league has been a really great spectacle,” he said, a Tiger himself a decade ago.
“We’ve had 25 to 30 girls come along at a time so far for training, which is a pretty solid starting base for us to work from.
“We’ve picked up a couple of new girls each session but it’d be great if we can pick up some more.”
Mansell was hoping each of the Central West AFL’s clubs will field a women’s side this season to ensure clubs can travel, and host games, together.
“At the moment I know Parkes is trying to get one, which is great. We’ve got sides in Young, Cowra, Orange, Dubbo and Bathurst this year already,” he added.
Mansell was encouraging all old and new players to get along to the club’s training at Country Club Oval from 6pm each Tuesday and Thursday.