Hawks fly again with women

AUSSIE RULES: The Goondiwindi Hawks women have come to the table just days out from the start of the AFL Darling Downs season.

With just three teams entered at the end of last month, the senior women’s competition threatened to be riddled with bye rounds.

The Hawks have nominated a women’s team for the competition that gets underway on Saturday, marking their first year in the division since 2017.

They lasted just three rounds that season with player numbers an issue, after making the grand final in 2016.

Their return will start with a trip to Lyle Vidler Oval to take on South Burnett this weekend, while defending premiers Toowoomba will take on South Toowoomba at Heritage Oval.

AFL Darling Downs competition and club development manger Mitch Simpson said the return of the Hawks to the women’s division was full of promise.

“The club identified they wanted to get back into the women’s division, and it was in the pipeline pre-COVID,” Simpson said.

“When everything went on hold it went on the backburner, but they’ve managed to resurrect a side.

“We’re really looking forward to having them back in the competition.”

Simpson said the door was open for University players left without a team this year, however knew there was a keen interest among players in the border town.

“Unfortunately University won’t be entering a side this year, but there could be a few players there,” he said.

“They’ve had a strong presence (in Goondiwindi) in the past, and with a younger generation and a few older players returning, they will have a solid outfit.

“Having four teams is what we hoped we’d get to.

“Considering this year is one of the more challenging we will face, we hope that adding another side is a good sign for women’s footy.”