Junior surge kicking goals

Growth prompts double weekend of finals

THE surge in junior football numbers in Tasmania’s South — fuelled by a sharp rise in female players — can be seen in tomorrow’s grand final showcase at North Hobart Oval.

The growth of the Southern Tasmanian Junior Football League prompted officials to split the grand finals over two weekends and, for the first time, there will be deciders in under-14 and under-17 girls divisions.

There are 19 member clubs and about 180 teams in the STJFL, and executive officer Tony Gibson said there was still more potential.

“We are very happy, but there is room in both the female and male space to grow,” Mr Gibson said. About 400 female players are registered within the STJFL as the competition looks to expand from three age groups to four.

“With more games under their belt and more skills through training, the standard will continue to grow,” Mr Gibson said.

Under-14 girls Georgia Abel (Sandy Bay) and Claire Ransom (North Hobart), and Kingborough under-17 girls player Jaimie Noye represent the new wave of junior footballers.

They love the sport and have ambitions of being able to make it into the AFLW.

“I live and breathe footy — I just love all of the AFLW play- ers, especially Jessica Wuetschner and Sarah Perkins,” Jaimie said.

Under-13 boys grand final players Tom McCallum (Clarence), Johnno Pullen (North Hobart) and Bill Griggs (North Hobart) are similarly passionate about playing in their grand finals tomorrow.

“I’m a bit nervous for the weekend but pumped,” Johnno said.

“I love everything about football — the physicality, the scoreboard — everything,” Roos’ young gun Tom said.

Tomorrow’s action starts at 10.30am. Tickets are $5 for adults and $10 for families. The second weekend of grand finals will be played next Sunday. Anthony Osborn is a University of Tasmania journalism student.