These breed of Tigers are in danger of facing extinction.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But for Rocherlea’s latest ambush of footballers, they are fighting to be released out of their cage.
In an era where the female game has not only arrived but is flourishing beyond expectations, coach Amanda Sweeney has discovered an unexpected problem.
Rocherlea is already struggling for playing numbers and may be forced to forfeit before the opening bounce.
“It’s certainly a realistic possibility,” Sweeney said.
Just the same dozen players have turned up every week since the opening preseason training.
“We’d want at least that again, so we’re looking for 24 or 25 to play,” Sweeney said.
“With 16-a-side, we can put six on the bench.
“But that would be it – obviously you always need a few players in reserves.
“Injuries obviously happen, so you have to have the excess numbers to call upon and if you haven’t got that, it’s a big struggle.”
The club has conducted letterdrops and also word of mouth in the Rocherlea and Mayfield areas to no avail.
Sweeney attributed the poor numbers on departures to new teams as the North’s women competition continues to expand its reach from the original six clubs only three seasons ago.
“It just hasn’t picked up at all for us, unfortunately,” Sweeney said.
“Obviously with the new teams coming in, it hasn’t helped us get a team.
“We have had maybe four or five [players] that have left, but other teams lose players too – that’s part of footy.
“Its harder to grab numbers because other teams in different areas are grabbing the excess numbers that was previously out there.”
Sweeney encourages keen players to attend training on Monday and Wednesday nights at Rocherlea Football Club from 6pm.
Love local sport? You should sign up to our new sports newsletter.