WHAT a wonderful week it’s been for women’s sport in the Wimmera.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The first round of the inaugural Deakin University Female Football League, on Sunday, set about giving girls a whole new outlet in the sporting realm.
Coming off the back of the AFL Women’s League, the opportunities this new local league will provide our Wimmera girls is incredible. No longer will our Wimmera girls be forced to give up their football aspirations at a young age.
Wimmera footballers such as Rene Caris, who earned selection in the under-18 Vic Country football squad, and Ella Bibby, named joint best-and-fairest of the Greater Western Victoria Rebels in the TAC Cup Girls count, are paving the way for our local girls to show them the sky truly is the limit.
Three Wimmera teams played in Horsham on Sunday and the games attracted plenty of interest. One mum said it was inspiring to witness teen girls: “Like we never get to see them – feisty, strong and vocal.”
A video of the Horsham Demons team singing the team song and celebrating the win – “the icing on the cake” – was full of passion, excitement and emotion.
Let’s get around these girls when they return for round two on May 14.
McDonald plays for the Ballarat Sovereigns in the VIctorian Netball League and was caption of the Victorian 17-and-under squad at national netball championships in April.
Her achievements continue a strong family legacy of playing sport at the highest level – her brothers Tom and Oscar both play for Melbourne in the AFL.
And Horsham tennis player Steffi McDonald was named in the Australian Merit team at the completion of the Pizzey Cup and the Australian Cup Singles Championships on Saturday. Steffi, 17, was part of a 16-person Victorian team that finished fourth overall in the week-long competition. She also competed in the individual girls singles championship and made the quarter finals.
These girls are undoubtedly providing inspiration, especially to younger people looking to hone their skills.
But while success is wonderful, participation is always the key.
It’s good for sport, it’s good for health and it’s good for the community.
Jessica Grimble, editor