GIRLS SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS
SFLW FINALS AT NORTH HOBART OVAL ATTRACT CROWD OF 2000-PLUS
THE hotly anticipated SFLW grand final gala day attracted a crowd of more than 2000 people on Sunday, showing the strength of the women’s game in southern Tasmania.
SFL competition manager George Kalis said female footballers accounted for about 40 per cent of SFL registrations this year, equating to roughly 500 players.
“That’s a pretty key stat,” he said.
“(It’s the) highest women’s football competition in the state in terms of participation numbers. So we’re pretty stoked from that point of view and we want to make sure that 2022 is better than 2021 and so on.”
Mr Kalis said it was “really pleasing” that a 2000-strong crowd had attended the three games at the North Hobart Oval on Sunday. He said it was a testament to the continuing rise of women’s footy in the state.
In the division one grand final, Glenorchy (10.8.68) pulled off a stunning victory with just 14 healthy players, defeating Claremont (5.2.32) by 36 points.
Tarn Ford starred for the winning side, booting four goals and being named best on ground.
Glenorchy captain Brie Barwick, who was herself among the team’s standout performers, described the win as the “cherry on top” of a remarkable season.
“To play with 14 on a field is an effort in itself, let alone to come away with the win,” Barwick said in a post-match interview.
“It means the world. We’ve had such a challenging season – hurdle after hurdle. So to win the big dance, that’s just what we needed to really cap it off.”
Glenorchy will now face off against Ulverstone in the state grand final at North Hobart Oval on Sunday, September 19, at 1pm.
In the SFLW division two decider, minor premiers University (8.1.49) triumphed over Cygnet (5.7.37) in a competitive contest.
Earlier, Hutchins (12.10.82) thrashed St Virgils (0.0.0) to win the division three grand final.