Southern too strong for Northern women

By Michael Weaver

All players fought hard during the two matches between Southern and Northern Districts, which saw Southern come out on top. Photo by Ben Caddaye, Service newspapers

THE Southern region women’s Australian football team continued its dominance against Northern region in the two women’s matches at the ADF national championships.

The Southern team, comprised of players from Victoria and NSW, proved a cut above their Northern counterparts during the two games on March 26 and 28.

Women’s coach WO2 Kim Beasland said although numbers were reduced to nine-a-side games due to many players being unavailable, the talent was definitely a highlight.

“The matches were a bit one-sided this year, but the encouraging thing was the effort shown by the new players,” he said.
“A lot have just started playing for the first time this year and two who had not played before were selected in the ADF All-Stars side.

“Many of them are going to continue on and maintain and an affiliation with local clubs.”

Ten players were selected in the ADF women’s side to compete at the 2003 National Women’s AFL Championships in Darwin in June.

WO2 Beasland said a squad of 25 will represent the ADF, with the remainder to be proven players selected on current performance and ability with local clubs.

“The ADF team played off for the finals and four players were chosen in the All Australian side from last year’s championships, so we’ll be definitely looking to improve on that again.”

The first game from the ADF Nationals saw teams go goal-for-goal until the Southern forward line began to dominate after the first quarter, running away with the match by 40 points.

Game two saw teams pushed to the limit on a day custom made for the tall players. Injuries at one stage saw more players coming off than were on the field, with one player accidentally knocked by an umpire’s swinging arm while making a signal.

However, all toughed it out, with Southern’s ability to frequently win the ball from the centre and set up their forwards being a deciding factor in the 69-point victory.

Southern midfielder Cpl Emma Hender (Army) was named best on ground for the two games.
Players chosen in the ADF national side were: Capt Rebecca Honey (Army), Capt Maggie Chambers (Army), Capt Dani Glatz (Army), OCdt Sarah Tallis (RAAF), LACW Michelle Allen (RAAF), Lt Michelle Sheater (Army), Sig Jodie Kennedy (Army), OCdt Amanda Gosling (RAAF) and Cpl Emma Hender (Army).