Tara Murray
Female football will make a huge step forward this Sunday as the girls grand finals will be held in the Riddell District Football League area for the first time.
Previously grand finals involving local clubs have been held in Ballarat, with the competitions formerly run by AFL Goldfields.
But with the RDFL now running the competitions, the girls will get to showcase their talents locally as they get their own grand final day at MacPherson Park in Melton on Sunday.
RDFL’s football operations manager Aaron McLean said they are super excited to be able to have the girls playing grand finals in the area.
“This is our second season of female football in the RDFL,” he said. “Last year we couldn’t play finals with COVID.
“It’s finally exciting to have our first female final series. We have our preliminary finals in Lancefield and then the grand finals at Macpherson Park.
“It has been great and everyone is excited. We are looking to grow female football in the area and this is a good first step.”
Melton junior female football coordinator Jessica Evans said this was a massive moment for female football.
Evans, who is passionate about growing female football across Melton and the rest of RDFL area, said this will only help the competition grow. She said it showed girls that they can play sport on the big occasion in their own backyard.
“We are grateful and excited about this due to the RDFNL never having girls grand finals before,” she said.
“It is great for the development around Melton and the RDFNL and hopefully there will be plenty of eyes to see the grand finals at Macpherson Park.
“We are just so excited it has been a long time coming.”
Evans said while it’s special to be in the local area, to be able to play at their home ground takes it to another level. It’s the first time the Bloods have had girls sides in the grand finals.
“The girls have been able to represent football really well at the club,” she said.
“Hopefully locals, families supports and any girls who want to come and play football come down and watch.
“Hopefully it will get girls excited to come and play.”
Macedon will play Melton/Woodend ????Vin the grand final of the youth girls competition at 12pm, while Melton will play Melton Centrals/Woodend????
