New Tigers in the jungle

GEELONG’S eastern suburbs will add a second side to its female football ranks this year with Thomson Tigers set to field its inaugural women’s side.

Initial efforts to produce a female side were halted prior to the pandemic and the 2020 season, but the Tigers will finally showcase its women’s side in 2023, joining St Albans as one of Geelong’s only two clubs east of the CBD.

“I’m super excited to be a part of this side,” newly appointed vice captain Bek Lebish said.

“COVID-19 really affected a lot of clubs and a lot of players, including our own.

“But we are up and running again with a great group of girls with a great opportunity ahead of us.”

Lebish began her tenure at Thomson in the club’s netball program in 2018 but made the switch to football this year once the side was confirmed.

She will join inaugural captain Belle Murphy, Brooklyn Cox, Sarah Gerritsen and Courtney De Kroon in the side’s leadership group, with the goal of encouraging the side in becoming an integral part of Thomson’s culture.

“The role I will take on there, might not necessarily be footy-minded, but it’s definitely a club oriented role,” Lebish added.

“For me, it’ll all be about making sure that both the women’s and men’s football are seen as one club, in addition to the netball program as well.

“It’s really about making sure we get around everyone at the club as a whole and working towards an all-around vibe if you will, making the women’s side the best it can be.”

Thomson’s first female contest will also kickstart the club’s GDFNL fixtures according to new club president Chris Scott.

The Tigers’ female side will play a curtain-raiser match against Old Geelong Women’s FC before Thomson’s reserves clash against North Geelong on April 1.

“The curtain-raiser will really show how much this side is a part of our club, and hopefully it will create an amazing atmosphere for the day,” Scott said.

“The creation of the side, it’s safe to say, was placed on the backburner, but through the push from myself, former president Craig Jacka, Bek and former Newtown coach Simon Cavallo, who is coaching this side this year, we’re really eager to see how successful this side can be in 2023 and for years to come.

Scott said a grading process would decide which division Thomson would fall into, but Cavallo signalled Division 2 would be the likely landing spot.

Female football fixture dates are yet to be announced.