Females showcase skills in Western Derby curtain raiserTuesday, July 1, 2014 - 3:15 PM

WA's female football talent was showcased at the Western Derby on Saturday, June 28 when an all female curtain raiser was played between players from the new WAFC Female Talent Academy (16-18 years) and the State 16 Schoolgirls.

WAFC Female High Performance Manager Alison Moore thanked the Fremantle Football Club for supporting the intiative as the home team and providing Fremantle jumpers  for the best players on either side at the conclusion of the game. They were Katrina Tinson (Talent Academy) and Jess Cox (State 16’s).

In another first, the Fremantle Football Club welcomed the State U18 Youth Girls to parade their winning trophy from the recent National Championships in Canberra in May. The team completed a lap of honour at half time and received a resounding cheer from the 40,000 strong crowd acknowledging their history making result. The girls were thrilled with the reception they received. 

The State 16 Schoolgirls team travels to Sydney on July 18 to defend their 2013 championship trophy and Moore said there was a strong possibility of back to back championship wins.

"I'm confident the team will perform really well under the guidance of such an experienced coaching group and talent that has been discovered in our regional areas," she said. 

Head Coach Oliver Beath said he was excited by the array of female football talent moving through the talent pathway and was wrapped with the girls performance during the curtain-raiser on the weekend.

"Against the bigger, stronger age group, the 16’s held their own and played their structures, resulting in a great hit out before the championships. I was particularly impressed with the girl’s physical presence in leading the tackle count,” he said.

The WAFC Female Talent Academy players were identified by their representation at state level or nominated by their WAWFL clubs and have been receiving special coaching once a month at the WAFC high performance academy based at All Saints College.

Head Coach Chris Tan said he was amazed at how well the girls gelled and the speed and precision with which they moved the ball.

"This was a great opportunity to add some game play to our high performance program,” he said.

The WAFC Talent Academy 9.11-65 defeated the State 16 Schoolgirls 1.1-7.