By Jed Lanyon
Three new senior women’s footy teams could breakthrough to the AFL Outer East competition in what would be a huge boost for women’s footy for the region.
Coming off the success of the inaugural season, Yarra Glen, Seville and Emerald are all planning to form their own teams in the six team competition.
Some of Yarra Glen’s new recruits spoke to the Mail, including Mel Cameron, who said she is returning to the club after being the first female to play for the Thunder.
“I started here many years ago as a junior, so I thought why not come back and see how I go,” she said.
Cameron played for Yarra Glen as a junior from the under 10s all the way through to the under 17s with the boys in the 1980s.
“I was the first girl to play footy for Yarra Glen.”
“I came down and I wanted to play footy here at Yarra Glen. But there were a few parents who thought I shouldn’t be playing because it’s a boys sport.
“They didn’t think I would do as well as what I did.”
Cameron said she was recognised as the most consistent footballer while playing for Yarra Glen.
Her future teammate Bree Pascoe loves footy, but was only given the opportunity to play the game when she participates in the staff v student match at the school where she teaches.
“I’d always kick the footy in the backyard with Dad, but I haven’t actually played in a league,” she said.
“I’ve grown up watching footy. I’ve always wanted to play and it’s always been something that I thought I couldn’t do or that I didn’t have the opportunity to do.”
Stacey Moate said it would be a special moment if she wears the number 13 on the back of her jumper.
“My family has played for Yarra Glen for a very long time, my dad played for Yarra Glen and so did all my brothers, cousins and uncles.
“The number they always wear is 13, and I hope to be the first female in my family to wear the same number.”
Moate played footy throughout high school and said, “It was the only sport I enjoyed throughout high school and it ended due to injury. This will be my first opportunity to play again, which I am excited for.
“I have been watching my friend play for Healesville and they have done so well.
“When I heard that there was talk about a Yarra Glen women’s team I knew straight away I would be keen to play.”
Healesville took out the inaugural AFL Outer East premiership in August, going undefeated throughout the season.
The club is also looking for a coach to lead the senior women’s team next season.
Yarra Glen welcomes players aged 18-60+. To sign up to play footy next season for Yarra Glen, contact: yarraglenfnc@gmail.com or vice president Cameron Tait on 0403 610 971.
