Push is on for South West masters women’s football team to play in Perth competition by 2022

A committee pushing for the South West to have its own women’s masters football team says it is confident the region will be able to field a side by next year. The group, which includes administrators and South West Football League women’s players, is waiting for approval from the AFL Masters WA to enter a team in the State competition next year, but believes there is enough interest for a side. Nearly 30 players have shown interest in joining the team, which would play in a league designed for women 34 and older. A have-a-go session run by members of the Bunbury Sharks Masters Football Club was attended by 24 people at the weekend — the best indication yet there is enough interest for a team to be established. Larry Gleeson represents the South West on the State Committee and said the side would play up to eight games a season in Perth and the regions, should it get the green light. “From that have-a-go day last week, we basically get the impression we will be able to form a South West team that play in the Perth competition,” Gleeson said. “In Perth they only play six games, so we would end up with four in Perth and two down here. “Plus Albany think they can get a side and Busselton always have a carnival, so there is eight games, which is probably enough for masters women. “We are waiting to hear back from WA Masters on if it is a goer, and I would say it will be — there is no reason for it not to be.” With the AFLW being established just four years ago, many of the women playing in the South West missed out on the opportunity to take their football to the next level. Gleeson said masters football was an exciting opportunity to extend the football careers of many South West players. “I think it is just brilliant, it basically finishes off the pathway for them,” he said. “There are a couple of ladies in Perth playing at the moment who are 60.”