Huge goal kicked for female footy

THE first-ever senior women’s team for one of the region’s football and netball clubs took to the grounds over the weekend in their debut game.

The opening match for Bannockburn Football Netball Club’s senior women’s team took place on Sunday afternoon, with players going up against Geelong Amateur Football and Netball Club Ammos on the Tigers’ home ground at Victoria Park.

Although the team didn’t get a point throughout the game against Ammos’ 13.15 (93), BFNC female football coordinator Jodie Bukofsan said their energy far exceeded what was on the scoreboard.

“They played fantastic for their first game,” she said. “They played so much better than the score reflected.

“They were so excited, so proud. It was an honour for the club to see it happen after so many years and it’s set the pathway for the future.”

Ms Bukofsan said the next goal is to build an under 19s side to keep bridging the gap for female players.

Tiger’s captain Kirra Beckley said a highlight for on the day her was seeing the women take to the field for the first time.

“The leadup certainly had a lot of emotion and feeling and fear,” she said.

“The feeling of accomplishment and seeing them run out onto the ground for the first time was significant with our families being there.

“It’s been about 145 years for the club and it was the first ever game for the senior women so being able to play at home and represent the club was pretty significant too.”