Before joining the Knox Women’s Football team three years ago, 17-year-old Claire McKenna had no idea there were other girls who “lived and breathed” AFL like she did.
“As a kid you wouldn’t find me playing barbies at lunch, you’d find me on the oval getting muddy and kicking the footy with the boys,” she told Mamamia.
“Rather than a conversation over the latest princess you’d find me involved in deep conversations over footy cards. Nothing much has changed except now it’s not considered a ‘tomboy’ thing, the AFL have finally recognised that it’s normal for girls to play too.”
Claire said she is “over the moon” about the inaugural national women’s competition kicking off in February 2017, and was “filled with pride” the team she barracks for, Melbourne, was one of the eight clubs awarded a licence to play this morning.
Claire McKenna on the field. Source: Supplied
"Can't wait to support the Demons team in 2017 alongside the men. Big things are coming for AFL footy next year."
They'll be clashing with Collingwood, Carlton, Western Bulldogs, Fremantle, Adelaide, GWS and Brisbane in the lead up to the September 3 final.
Top Comments
This is awesome. I would have loved to play footy when I was younger but it wasn't even thought of in the 70s and 80s while I was at school and uni. Good luck, girls. I am looking forward to watching the games.
This is great. The school I'm currently doing teaching practice at has an all-girls footy team (at a co-ed school), and they blitzed the competition last year, winning every game! Good to know that if they really enjoy it, there is the potential for them to make it a career.