New blood fires hope for South

A NEAR completely new SFLW squad will head north today for its representative clash against the NTFA women, and co-captains Zoie Crawford and Mandy Fish are excited about the talent they will lead into battle.

Of the 25-player squad selected, 21 did not feature in last year’s clash, but both Crawford and Fish are confident the enthusiasm they will bring will counteract any inexperience.

The duo are among a handful of players with TSLW experience, with Crawford joining Brighton this year after spending the past few seasons with Clarence.

“I had a knee reconstruction early last year, had the year off and came back and played SFL footy,” she said. “We have some really experienced girls in the team, not just myself, we have girls who have represented Tassie, girls who have represented clubs at TSL level.

“Then we have girls who are really fresh and raw to the game as well which is good and a good opportunity for them.”

Lindisfarne skipper Fish said the most exciting thing of the local comp is seeing the standard improve with the influx of new talent.

The SFLW outfit plans to unleash a run-andcarry game plan on its northern rivals, aware the home side’s strength lies in contested ball.

“We are going for a young, fit, running team — which I don’t fit into — but the new faces in the team are excited, they want to play footy, they want to develop, and they want to hit the ball running,” Fish said.

“When the SFL came along it gave a lot of new girls the opportunity to get involved which was fantastic.

“I am really enjoying that part of footy now, seeing the new people come in who haven’t kicked a footy before and within a couple of weeks they are out on the field and kicking goals, it is amazing.”