NTFAW: Tigers continue to grow women's side

The Tigers got the green light to enter the NTFA women's competition along with Deloraine and Hillwood in October 2020.

Longford women's head coach Mick Boyack said the squad will be joining the men's side during the club launch on Thursday night, which includes a guernsey presentation.

"There seems to be a lot of interest [in the team] and we've received plenty of support from the club and community," he said.

"They've [the team] gelled together and they're really keen.

"We've probably got half a dozen highly experienced players and then the rest have either never played or only just started."

Tigers player Jade Nichols said she was thoroughly enjoying her time with the seniors team so far.

"We've a great bunch of girls with great coaches," the 18-year-old midfielder said.

Nichols has been playing with the Tigers' junior team for two years, having won two best and fairests with the club.

"I was under-17 coach that year, Jade rocked up with dad out of the blue just as many of the girls did and she's been playing ever since," seniors assistant coach Steve Dodd said.

Longford women's sub-committee member Neil Tubb said the introduction of the seniors team allowed for young players such as Nichols to continue their love for the sport.

"One of the reasons we were keen to establish a senior team was because we already have a junior female team - we want to create a pathway for them," he said.

The squad joins one of the country's most historic clubs, and intends to make memories of its own according to Boyack.

"That's the main idea the club's really embraced: they don't want to be segregated - the women are going to be part of the side," he said.

"They train with the men as well on certain nights ... it sort of opens their eyes up a bit."

Dodd said many of the new players have brought their kids into the black and gold.

"It's all about families ... some of these women have a couple of kids and they come to footy and bring them with them and they play in the younger age groups," he said.

"It's another step for them to come up."

The NTFAW season kicks off on the weekend of April 17.

The Tigers will start their season with a gala round match against the Old Launcestonians.