What have our VAFA women been up to in the off-season?

Lana Ryan

Balmy training nights, wholesome teammate reunions and unbridled anticipation for the approaching competitive season. As we countdown the days, minutes and hours until the first bounce of Round 1, let’s see what our VAFA women have been up to in these recent summer months.

25 Candles

It is going to be a milestone year for Melbourne University Women’s Football Club (MUWFC) as they celebrate their 25^th anniversary! There will be no quarter life crisis for this Club, instead they’re kicking off the year of birthday festivities with a 5km fun run open to the entire MUWFC community on the 27^th of February. If you’re heading to Princes Park this Saturday keep an eye out for a pack of enthusiastic joggers wearing matching commemorative anniversary T-shirts. Happy running!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Melbourne Uni Women’s FC (@muwfc)

Nations Footy Cup

If you can’t make it to Princes Park on Saturday due to pre-organised brunch plans, then feel free to swing by Highgate Reserve this Sunday. Williamstown CYMS player Hannah Elliot, who has been selected to represent Australia in the upcoming Nations Footy Cup, will be playing in the exhibition match on the 28^th of February at 12:30pm. Best of luck Hannah!

AFLW debut

The commencement of the AFLW season saw Old Scotch 2019 premiership player and Best on Ground Mimi Hill hit the field for her debut game. The 18-year-old could be seen wearing number 10 in the iconic navy blue for her first match back in January when Carlton went head-to-head against the Magpies. Selected at pick no.12 in the 2020 NAB AFL Women’s Draft, we look forward to following her AFLW career and seeing her thriving for the mighty blues!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Old Scotch Football Club (@oldscotchfc)

VFLW stars

A huge congratulations to the many VAFA players who have been selected to play for the VFLW this 2021 season. Caulfield Grammarians in particular have a lot to celebrate with 2017 Liz Wilson Medallist Grace Buchan appointed as Casey Demons VFLW team vice-captain, as well as Ella Baxter and Chelsea Fisher signing with the Williamstown VFW side. St Mary’s Salesian also saw some action with senior players Lucy Dobbyn, Sasha Byrnes and Pia Hobday playing with Port Melbourne Borough in a VFLW interclub practice match earlier this month.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Caulfield Grammarians FC (@cgfc1920)

The luck of the Irish

Craving a dose of football this summer, the RMIT Women’s squad decided to sub in circular balls and try their hand at Gaelic. The first Sunday in February saw the Redbacks field a side in the Gaelic Games Victoria Ted O’Sullivan 9s, taking on the Geelong Gaels and St Kevin’s. Yeah the Girls – or more appropriately – yeah na cailíní!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by RMITWFA (@rmitwfa)

Fashions on the field

The Collegians girls kicked off the festive season in tremendous style, rocking up to training in their tropical best. Hawaiian leis were abundant, showcasing the myriad of ways the iconic wreath accessory could be worn. If you were passing by Harry Trott Oval that December evening you couldn’t miss the vibrant and colourful array of patterned Hawaiian shirts replacing the traditional purple and gold, a display to make any Aussie barbequing dad proud. With wide brim straw hats and fishing shirts also making an appearance, it’s possible perhaps they were trying out some costume ideas ahead of their annual fancy dress party?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Collegians Womens Football (@collegianswomens)

Loud and proud

The Collegians weren’t the only ones to add a bit of extra flare to their training apparel. South Melbourne Districts decked themselves out in rainbow to celebrate and support the AFLW inaugural Pride Round earlier this month. With galaxy leggings, glasses and flags, looks like they had a blast.

Exciting news with MUWFC holding their annual pride match for 2021. Having hosted and participated in pride matches in the VFLW and regional Victoria since 2017, this year they will be joining forces with Fitzroy ACU senior women’s team! It’s going to be a huge match and an incredible display of inclusivity to celebrate the LGBTIQ+ community both within the VAFA and the extended community at large. We can’t wait for more details to come as the season approaches!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SMDFC Women (@smdfcwomen)

New coaches in town

One half of MCC Women’s new coaching set up might look familiar, with Demons star Russel Robertson joining the club alongside Rebecca Ticli. With an AFL career spanning 12 years, Robertson made history as one of four Melbourne players to have led the goalkicking in four or more seasons. His wealth of knowledge and professional football experience will be a tremendous asset for MCC.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MCC Women’s Football Club (@mccwomensfc)