The Peel Football and Netball League’s longest standing club will begin a new journey in 2019 with the Mandurah Mustangs set to field their first ever women’s team.
Joining the PFNL Women’s competition for its second season – following a successful inaugural year in 2018 – the venture will be a groundbreaking one for the red and white.
Really we’re just proud to be part of the competition
- Mustangs women's coach Daniel Costello
Both Mandurah and the Rockingham Rams will make up the fifth and sixth sides of the PFNL Women’s in 2019, joining pre-existing sides from Pinjarra, South Mandurah, Baldivis and Dwellingup.
It’s a move the Mustangs are thrilled to be making, with women’s head coach Daniel Costello rapt to be part of the club’s expansion.
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“I think it’s a really good move for us as a club – it’s going to be a way to draw more people in and it’s going to help us create a better culture,” he said.
“It’s massive for us to have this new pathway and construction on our new facilities starts in March, so it’s an exciting time at the club.
“Really we’re just proud to be part of the competition.”
The Mustangs women have recently resumed their pre-season training after the holiday break, with encouraging numbers returning to the training track.
Costello said the first set of sessions had been promising for the club.
“All the girls we had training before Christmas have come back and you can see how eager they are to be a part of the team already,” he said.
“Right now it’s all about teaching them the basics and it’s going to be fun to see how far we can progress.”
For aspiring players like Casey McMahen, the chance to compete on the footy field is an opportunity she refused to let pass.
“I’ve been part of the club for a while now so when I had the chance to play footy for Mandurah I just took it straight away,” she said.
“Most of us (players) come from different backgrounds – some played school footy and some were just curious to give the game a go.
“It’s been great so far. Hopefully we can get a few more people involved and have a really strong side for the Mustangs.”
The Mandurah women’s outfit is still looking for players to fill the side’s ranks as they continue their pre-season training.
Anyone interested in joining the squad can contact coach Daniel Costello on 0437 056 858 or visit the Mandurah Mustangs Facebook page for more information.
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Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
