The Peel and South West football leagues will make history when they face off in an unprecedented women’s clash between the two organisations next month.
In a country football first, the bitter rivals will field women’s sides for a curtain-raiser to their annual Landmark Country Football Championships opener at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Saturday, June 17.
It should be a great display of footy from the finest women's players in the regions.
- Geoff Hiller
Both leagues are shrouded in history and have faced off in the Landmark championships for several years.
Last year’s tournament saw the Peel Football and Netball League snatch the top prize from the five-time reigning champions South West.
Now, the two organisations will be eager to take the bragging rights in their inaugural women’s game.
Peel Football and Netball League general manager Geoff Hiller said the league was ecstatic with the announcement of the game.
“It’s absolutely awesome. We’re thrilled to be able to showcase the top female talent from both regions as part of the Landmark carnival,” he said.
“It’s all about bringing female footballers up from grassroots programs and we have some talent floating around the region, so if we can put it all in one side it will be a great showing.”
Hiller said the leagues were hoping to make the game an annual tradition.
“I think if it’s successful then we obviously need to keep doing it,” he said.
“It’s something we’d like to turn into a tradition and it’s nice to add a different element to the Peel v South West rivalry.”
The South West Football League opened its own local women’s competition this year, with six clubs fielding sides.
The Peel Football and Netball League will source players for its team from around the region, with training sessions kicking off at the Baldivis Football Club on Wednesday, May 31.
“It’s early days but it looks like we have a good nucleus to our team, and we know the South West will have a strong side,” Hiller said.
“It should be a great display of footy from the finest women's players in the regions.”
Jamie McGillivray will coach the Peel team, which is currently seeking expressions of interest from local players.
Email McGillivray at diropsbaldivisfc@gmail.com or Hiller at gmo@peelfootballleague.com.au for more information on joining the team.
The women’s game will be preceded by a clash between the Peel Thunder and South West Football League colts teams, in what is set to be a huge day of footy in Mandurah.