There will be a new look Northern Tasmanian women’s competition in 2017.
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Evandale Football Club stalwart Michael Rigby said the Weagles would take part in a new league run by AFL Tasmania that involves North and North-West clubs.
“We are looking forward to it, it will be great for the game,” Rigby said.
“The regional comp will initially be run by AFL Tas and with the growth of women’s footy it is hoped more teams will eventually come in to create just a northern competition run by the NTFA.
“At this stage we will likely play against Prospect, Latrobe and Ulverstone.
“Girls that want to play in the high performance State League can and anyone that wants to come along a just play footy can do so in this regional league.”
Rigby said Evandale would also continue to field a team in the NTJFA’s youth girls competition (13-17 years), junior girls (9-12) and all-girls Auskick next year.
AFL statistics released this week suggest total female participation increased 19 per cent in 2016 to 380,041 with the number of girls playing Auskick growing 21 per cent.
With the AFL women’s competition to kick off in February, girls and women now account for 27 per cent of all footballers.
Male participation was up 10 per cent in 2016 to 1,024,135.
Rigby said there are plenty of pathways for girls and women through to the AFL in Tasmania.
“The NTJFA youth girls competition will likely grow to eight teams so in the next few years there is going to be an abundance of girls from that competition pushing through higher leagues,” he said.
“It’s only going to get bigger and bigger – it’s quite exciting to be a part of.”
Pre-season training will start on Wednesday, November 30 at Morven Park from 6pm with a barbecue to follow. For more information call Rigby on 0474 545 253.