Sport
27 March, 2026
Female footballers wanted
WARRNAMBOOL Football Netball Club is on the hunt for some female footballers to join its senior side this season.
Despite having only entered a senior women’s side in the Western Victoria Female Football League competition for the past three seasons, the Blues have committed to also entering teams in the under 18 and under 15 girls’ competitions this year.
With a ‘hub round’ this Sunday (March 29) against Branxholme at Tyrendarra, the women are eager to test their skills on the ground before their first home game against Terang Mortlake at Reid Oval on Sunday, April 12.
Alicia Drew, a strong advocate for women’s football across the district, and a member of the Blues’ senior women’s side, said there was “great excitement” in the Blues camp in the lead-up to the season opener.
“We’re so excited to have gone from just one female footy side in the past to three this season; it’s a great reflection on the work the club has been doing to promote women’s football,” she said.
“And, just quietly, I think quite a few of the dads are also enjoying the chance to share their love of the game with their daughters. It’s a win-win all round.”
While the senior women’s side is currently short on numbers, Alicia is confident new players will join the Blues in the coming weeks – and some of the “older” juniors will be happy to fill the gaps when needed.
“Our spirits are high, we’re getting good numbers to training and everyone is just up and about. You can see the enthusiasm on the girls’ faces at training; they’re just so keen to get out there and have a crack.
“We have some great coaches who have great footy brains as well as a lot of patience and enthusiasm – which is very handy when it comes to coaching a group of girls/women.”
Season 2025 was an introductory one for several Blues players, with the team failing to notch up a win in the eight rounds.
And while emphasis is not placed on winning, Alicia said the team was keen to notch up a win this season.
“Everyone is eager to have some fun and learn new skills but they’re also pretty competitive and have that desire to win so who knows what the season may bring,” she said.
“We’ve got a great bunch of girls here, and supportive coaches who enjoy sharing their knowledge, and we’d love to have some new players join us.
“You don’t need a footy background, just come to training and have some fun. All abilities are welcome.”
Season 2026 will see the Blues’ female footballers led by a team of dedicated and experienced coaches.
Ian Duerdan will lead the seniors, Luke Jackson is in charge of the under 18s while Andrew Paton will inspire and lead the under 15 girls.
And season 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting one for the Blues, with the senior women’s fixture incorporating 12 rounds, while the under 18s will enjoy 10 rounds and the under 15s, nine rounds – with all finals scheduled to start from July 12.
The under 18s will kick-off their 2026 campaign with a round one clash at Reid on Sunday, April 12 when they take on the Bloods.
The Blues under 15s’ campaign will commence on Friday, April 17 when they face Port Fairy at Gardens Oval.
All trainings are held at the Reid Oval.
For information contact Alicia Drew on 0422 571 816.
