The state’s finest female footballers outside of the AFL Women’s competition converged on Mandurah for the rookie round of the Jan Cooper Cup tournament on Saturday.
The inaugural running of the cup pits four teams – South, West, East and Coast – against one another in a showcase of Western Australia’s up and coming talent.
More than 80 footballers hit Mandurah for the third round of the carnival, including a host of Peel Thunderbirds who felt right at home playing on the turf of their beloved Bendigo Bank Stadium.
Future AFLW talent Sabreena Duffy showed off her skills on her home ground, dominating with a best on ground performance.
Fellow Thunderbird and former Fremantle Docker Demi Okely played her first game for the tournament in Mandurah, while Courtney Rowley also impressed.
Thunderbirds head coach and team West assistant Mark Fenton said the Jan Cooper Cup had been a great help to his players’ development.
“I think from a players perspective there is plenty to take out of it, and it really helps to expose some of the younger players,” he said.
“I know our Peel girls have really enjoyed the experience and it’s just another avenue for them to enjoy their footy.
“It’s been a nice set of pre-season hit outs.”
The final round of the cup will see players split into a pair of all-star sides, with the first team taking on the state under 18s women’s squad while the second squares off against the under 16s.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
