The Cootamundra Blues Women’s football side will make their long-awaited debut in the blue guernsey at Clarke Oval on Saturday, April 22.
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Having previously collaborated with the Young Saints in the 2016 Central West AFL competition, Cootamundra’s latest crop of AFL talent is ready to take up the Blue’s mantle and famous navy uniform after a positive preseason campaign.
Though the women’s side is mainly made of players from Young, a sprinkling of Cootamundra girls will be out to make their mark on the competition.
The likes of Cootamundra product Hayley Ormond will be making their Blues debut against the Gungahlin Jets, continuing a long-standing Blues tradition of inter-generational club representation.
“Whereas a number of Blues have had both fathers and sons play AFL for the club, Hayley’s mother Sally played netball for the Coota Bluebirds in the old Farrer League days – early 2000’s,” said Blues spokesperson Pat Kerin.
“It’s amazing to think that now we have mother and daughter representing the Coota Blues in two different sports.
“We’re so thrilled to have a AFL women’s side and we can’t wait to see them play.”
Blues coach Michaela Percival was excited at the prospect of a long-awaited debut fixture and stated their preseason tournament in Canberra had put them in good stead for this weekend’s opening round.
“We’ve got eight experienced players from Young joining the side but we’re still a new side with five debutants,” Percival said.
“It was really pleasing to see the way the girls really started to hold their composure and showcase some attacking skills and defensive pressure in Canberra,
“Gungahlin is a strong side but we’ll go into this game with our heads held high.
“If we play the way we did in our round robin competition in Canberra, we’re in with a fair chance.”
Coach Percival identified Kellie Potts as a key player ahead of the Gungahlin fixture and will be hoping for a lively home crowd for the 1pm showdown at Clarke Oval.
“I think (Gypsy) Potts will be important for us and Emily Poulten, Tomika Percival and Katie Elwood will also be players to look out for,” Percival said.
We'll go into this game with our heads held high.
- Blues coach Michaela Percival
While the girl’s season commences on Saturday, the Blues 2017 season gets under way next Tuesday when they travel to Canberra to take on a combined ADFA/RMC side in a commemorative Anzac Day clash.
