NSW women ready for National Champs

By Matt Rossleigh

The AFL Women’s National Championships get underway on Monday in Cairns with New South Wales to compete in Division 1 for the first time.

The championships are a bi-annual event which sees every state and territory represented. With Cairns hosting the event it will be the first time it is hosted outside a capital city in its 20 year history.

After winning Division 2 in 2011, NSW will play in Division 1 against Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland while Division 2 will involve ACT, Tasmania, South Australia and Arafura (a combination of northern Queensland, Papua New Guinea and Northern Territory).

Stephanie Walker from Sydney University says she is excited to test herself against some of the bigger states in Division 1 next week.

“I’m looking forward to getting out there and playing and seeing how we match up against all the other states,” said Walker.

“I’m really nervous but also exited so it should be good fun.”

Walker represented NSW at Under-18s level but admits her path into playing AFL football wasn’t planned and her ability she has shown so far has been a surprise to herself.

“I played my first game because the team was short a player and needed someone to fill in,” said Walker.

“Me and a mate just decided we wanted to play, and I’ve loved it since then.

“I never thought I’d be able to accomplish so much so quickly.”

27 players will represent AFL Sydney in the NSW squad, with 9 of the 12 clubs in the competition having at least one player in the team.

It is anticipated the five day event will attract 250 competitors and in excess of 2,000 spectators to the region.

AFL Cairns and its premier facility Cazalys Stadium have hosted big events before, including the 2009 AFL Masters National Carnival and the annual AFL Premiership match between Richmond and Gold Coast Suns which has been held there for three years.

To watch any of the matches during the National Championships click here