The Murwillumbah Vulcans beat the Lismore Swans in the northern rivers first ever girls ALF Grand Final played at the Cavanbah Centre in Byron Bay last Sunday.
The Murwillumbah Vulcans had a good day with the u/13 girls beating the Swans comprehensively 9.11–65 to 2.3–15, while their boys’ u/13 side beat Byron Bay 7.4–46 to 5.6–36.
In the u/15 final Tweed Tigers 7.4–46 defeated Lismore Swans 2.6–18.
The NRG all girls competition began last year for u/12s, but it didn’t consist of a finals series, according toAFL Northern Rivers juniors’ officer Molly Kenwood.
‘This is the first ever girls’ AFL grand final to be held in the region,’ Molly said.
‘I’d also like to congratulate all the girls who helped make this year’s competition such as a success – that is the players from the Casino Lions, the Tweed Coast Tigers, the Brunswick Bulldogs, the Lismore Swans and the Murwillumbah Vulcans.’
Girls’ AFL is a great way for young women to make friends, get fit and sharpen up their ball skills.
‘Research has also shown that girls who play a contact sport, such as football, grow up to be more confident women,’ Molly said.
‘Female football is growing at a rapid rate and all the northern rivers girls players are excited about the launch of the ALF’s national woman’s league next year.’
Parental support was also crucial, she said.
Year-on-year participation in junior AFL is growing at 15 – 20 per cent, she said.
‘Local clubs are doing a great job promoting the sport,’ she said.
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