FOLLOWING the success of the Big River Hawks program on and off the paddock over the past few seasons, plans are under way to duplicate the format in order to give some of the Katherine region’s female players the same opportunities.
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The Hawks are considering fielding an under-18 team in the Darwin-based NTFL wet season competition, a move that has been praised by current Tracy Village Football Club and AFLNT state academy player Alicia Stanley.
“The concept is a superb idea, giving the youth of the Katherine region and beyond a chance to develop their skills on and off the field in a football environment,” she said following the announcement.
“It is great when [women] can be included in the big picture, as many people feel we are under-represented, and this is a step in the right direction of rectifying this.
“The talent around is phenomenal, and the interest in female football is gaining momentum.”
Training will begin on June 1 at Nitmiluk Oval at 4pm, with organisers rolling out the welcome mat for girls who will not turn 18 before July 1 and those who will be 15 by the end of the year.
In an additional boost, an U18 development squad will also begin training on Wednesday, with boys 14 and older who feel as though they are missing out on specialist advice at club level urged to attend.
AFLNT Katherine regional manager Eamon Rice said the dream of a Hawks female team had the support of Hawthorn Football Club.
“They have given us their word that they want to throw in their support at a grassroots level, and have earmarked this team as one they will assist with,” he explained.
BRFL
IN A low-scoring battle that did not fail to excite the fans, the Katherine Camels went down to a fast-paced Kalano Bombers on May 28.
The Bombers held a slight lead for most of the match as the Camels struggled to stay in touch.
Camels’ star Carroll was knocked out early in a hip-and-shoulder that set the tone for a physical game.
Nungamajburr, Stevens, Huddleston and Brown all played well for the Bombers, while the Camels were served well by Buderick and Baker.
The Camels levelled the scores with just minutes to go before the Bombers exploded and Henry booted the match-winning goal with three seconds to play.
When the full-time siren sounded, the Bombers had posted an 8.16 (64) to 8.10 (58) win.
The Tindal Magpies forfeited their clash against the Beswick Bears.
