Magpies and Bulldogs celebrate girls’ footy

SOUTHERN Gippsland Junior Football League’s Dalyston and Phillip Island teams went head-to-head at the Dalyston Recreation Reserve on Sunday.

This was an important showcase, as Dalyston and Phillip Island are the only two teams in Bass Coast to offer a pathway for girls to play football from Auskick through to the Youth Girls.

This has created amazing opportunities for local players and coaches, and both clubs are seeing outstanding results.

“We had Milla Laub play four games before she was picked to play for Gippsland Power, and we’ve got girls playing in All Stars program,” Dalyston’s junior coordinator Elli Linney said.

“We’ve also got people in the Lead Your Way program, which the AFL is running for the time and is about women in leadership roles in football.

“At Phillip Island, they’ve got people in the Female Coaching Academy.”

Dalyston will also be celebrating Billie Orpin’s 75th game next week.

“It is an incredible achievement in junior football – especially in girls’ football where there have been fewer opportunities. To hit 75 games is just amazing,” Elli said. 

Elli said the development of the young players through the season has been incredible, and hopes the competition continues to expand next year.

Currently, the pathway for girls after Auskick is to play U10s mixed and U12s mixed.

In the U14s, the teams split into mixed or girls’ sides. 

There are hopes to build on having an U12s girls’ competition next year.

Bass MLA and sponsor of both clubs Jordan Crugnale was thrilled to head over to the Dalyston Recreation Reserve to support the day.

“A big congratulations to Dalyston and Phillip Island for nurturing girls and women in football, from Auskick all the way through. It’s brilliant to see girls on the field and seeing these clubs create pathways to the AFL. It’s wonderful to be here today (Sunday) to watch the girls play,” she said.

“I’m a big promotor of giving our kids the opportunity to be active and supported in sport. These clubs are a family, and everyone looks out for each other. The culture of football has changed significantly and its great to see men and women in leadership roles to nurture these players.”