Phil Murton – EFL CEO
Luke McCormick – AFL Yarra Ranges GM
After having two competitions controlled individually by the EFL and the DRJFL in 2015, a merged entity was implemented to capitalize on the anticipated growth in female participation. From 12 teams in 2015, it has grown to 37 in 2016, with indications for 2017 looking like similar growth again.
The introduction of the AFL Women’s National League to be played in February and March will no doubt provide great promotion and coverage for female footy and should assist all clubs, new and existing, in their efforts to get teams on the park.
Other than simply the growth in the number of teams and general interest in girls footy, there have been a number of other highlights so far this year. These include:
Two lightning premierships to launch the season. The under 12’s at Coldstream and the under 15s at Healesville.
The reconciliation night game held between Ferntree Gully and Worawa.
The first Eastern FL girls under 15 interleague team who completed in the Metro Championships, winning two games.
The development of the AFL Yarra Ranges V-Line Cup team competing in September
An exciting finals series culminating in today’s grand finals
The future for female footy in the region looks positive with a number of clubs looking to develop both junior and senior teams for 2017 and beyond.
The Eastern Ranges are launching a Female Youth Girls Academy to help identify and develop the best talent in the region and our local AFL club Hawthorn has shown tremendous support in assisting us with our efforts to grow the game and increase the talent base of female footballers in the region. We are excited by the level of interest Hawthorn have shown and look forward to a significant involvement from them.
Our aim is to create the best female football talent pathway in Victoria by combining the best of community and the elite level of the game.
We would particularly like to thank EFL/AFL Victoria Eastern Region Development Manager Aaron Bailey, AFL Yarra Ranges Development Manager Dean Rice and Eastern Region Girls Football Coordinator Emily McKie for their wonderful contribution over the last two years in promoting, growing and managing the girls’ competitions. Also thank you to The Basin FC for their efforts in hosting the finals.
UNDER 18’s
3:15pm Batterham Reserve 1 – Mount Evelyn v Chirnside Park
UNDER 16’s
1:30pm Batterham Reserve 1 – Knox v Norwood
UNDER 15’s
11:45am Batterham Reserve 1 – Ferntree Gully v Mitcham
UNDER 12 NORTH
10:20am Batterham Reserve 2 – Mount Evelyn v Yarra Glen
UNDER 12 SOUTH
9:00am Batterham Reserve 2 – Knox v Ferntree Gully
