Inaugural Peel v South West women’s game labelled a 'huge success'

The game was one-sided with the South West taking a 0.1 (1) to 21.9 (135) victory on Saturday, but Peel Football and Netball League general manager Geoff Hiller said the day was a win for women’s footy in the country.

“I think on a day like that the main thing is that we got to see another door opened for women in football,” he said.

“The female version of the sport has taken off in the last couple of years so it’s really important we as grassroots and country levels of the game provide a platform for young women in the country.

“I think this is one of the first steps towards doing that and making sure women can play locally.

“From all reports the girls really enjoyed it and it’s definitely something we’d hope to make a tradition.”

The South West Football League launched its first ever women’s competition this season, with six of their ten clubs taking part in a 10-game season.

The Peel Football and Netball League is currently exploring the options of opening a similar female competition locally, with 2019 being eyed as a possible launch date.

“We’re working through the process of determining how many clubs would have teams and how many numbers there’d be in terms of players at the moment,” Hiller said.

“There are a lot of different factors to take in, including umpiring and fixturing and such.

“It’s early stages but we are eyeing 2019 as a possible year that we could start a female competition.”