AFL NSW/ACT women’s team announced

This will be the first time the teams have played at open level, and the second ever fixture for the NSW/ACT team, following last month’s inaugural clash with Victoria Country in Melbourne.

In previous years either NSW or the ACT have fielded individual sides for National Championships carnivals, but following a women’s representative football restructure this year the teams combined for the first time at senior level, to play as NSW/ACT.

The side, to be coached by AFL Sydney stalwart Chris Hughes, was selected based on the form of players in April’s AFL Sydney vs. AFL Canberra clash, as well as local club form, and performances against Victoria Country.

11 local women’s club sides will be represented, from as south as the Riverina Lions, to Canberra’s Queanbeyan and Belconnen, western Sydney’s wolves, and Gosford on the Central Coast.

Three players will debut – Nicola Barr, Caitlin Bunker, and Nikki Perrett – while Ainslie NEAFL Assistant coach Bec Goddard joins the coaching panel.

Heather Anderson, named among the Western Bulldogs’ best in May’s draft game against Melbourne is the side’s marquee inclusion, and she’s sure to be checked closely, shouldering a lot of the ball-winning responsibility.

The other local taken at the female draft Jodie Hicks (Melbourne Demons), will also feature, along with AFL Sydney youngsters Steph Walker (pictured) and Maddy Collier, both considered a little unlucky to miss selection on draft night.

Another noteworthy inclusion is a woman instrumental in the formative years of the Auburn GIANTS, Lael Kassem, rewarded for her strong form in the Division 1 Western Wolves side this year.

AFL NSW/ACT Female Programs Manager Libby Sadler thinks the clash will be a great test for her side.

“Queensland are a strong outfit, and the game will be fantastic experience for what is a young NSW/ACT side, and it will be exciting to see how the players acquit themselves again at state level,” Sadler said.

“The game is especially exciting as it is unprecedented at this level, pitting the two markets with the fastest growing levels of female participation against one another.

“As we build towards a national female competition the opportunities are limitless for players in our market, and this match is another chance for the girls to put their names up in lights.”

Queensland’s side, to be coached by Collingwood premiership star Craig Starcevich, will include their five current AFL exhibition game players (Emma Zielke, Emily Bates, Jordan Zanchetta, Leah Kaslar, and Tayla Harris), plus Ally Anderson and Natalie Thomas, who have previously played at this level.

MATCH DETAILS:

3pm, Sunday July 19

NSW/ACT vs. Queensland

Blacktown International Sports Park

LIVE BLOG VIA AFL NSW/ACT YOUTUBE

NSW/ACT WOMEN’S SQUAD VS. QUEENSLAND