The Limestone Coast Women’s Football League announced their best players and team of the year on the weekend.
As the season heads towards its finale, the clubs gathered at the Nangwarry Football Club for a presentation night dinner to mark the end of season 2024.
This year the league has run its under 16 and senior women’s season together, after opting to start the season in October, rather than January.
North Gambier’s Jenna Barron was named the under 16 best and fairest, registering 17 votes.
Chloe Bellinger and Hannah Bellinger from Hatherleigh were joint runners up with 15 votes, while Eagles teammate Amber Chester was the leading goalkicker with 21 goals.
North Gambier’s Tess Andrews collected 15 votes to be named the senior women’s best and fairest winner, the fourth time she has won the award.
Teammate Alice Tentye was runner up best and fairest with 14 votes and was also named the best under 21 player and the leading goalkicker with 33 goals.
The Klas Built Best Defender Award was presented to Sarah Lucas from Kongorong with 17 votes, the second time she has received this award.
Limestone Coast Women’s Football League president Sarah Ottoson-Crossling said it was the first time the league has held two seasons in one year after a bold move to shift (and repeat) the entire season from a January start to an October Start.
“The 2024 senior season (part 1) was completed in April 2024. And after much discussion (and what felt like in no time at all) we were back to meetings and planning for Season 2024 part 2,” she said.
“ While the change did not suit 100% of the clubs initially, all teams have worked hard to make it happen successfully. A credit to all clubs, teams and players for their commitment to this second season and our new competition timing.
“We made it through an entire home and away season with no cancelled rounds, no heat policy enacted and some excellent women’s football on display
“Tireless work continues off field, as our league develops to provide more opportunities, for more age groups.”
Ms Ottoson-Crossling said the league continues to grow and commit to equality and inclusion for all players and support staff while seeking solid talent pathways to ensure developing players are being presented with similar opportunities and experiences to those footballers in the city.
“Many coaches, trainers and support staff have gone the extra mile in seeking further experience and qualification to help improve what they bring to the league and we’re so lucky have so many proactive people involved,” she said.
SANFL Head of Community Football Shawn Ford paid tribute to the quality of the local competition.
“Incorporating U16 girls’ matches as curtain raisers to senior women’s games is establishing a direct pathway for young female talent in the South East to advance into senior football,” he said.
“This, combined with the exposure of the AFLW competition, presents a valuable opportunity to attract new female participants to our game.”
“The Limestone Coast Women’s Football League is recognised as one of the most competitive female football leagues in the state. Teams travel from Mundulla to Casterton, Kongorong, and various points in between, facing significant travel demands, yet the players consistently show up and are well supported by family and friends.
“Being a female footballer in the South East is thrilling right now.”
There are only two finals rounds left in this year’s competition, as Kybybolite won against North Gambier on Sunday, securing a spot in the grand final at Casterton on December 8.
North Gambier and Mundulla will meet at Millicent next Sunday to fight for the last spot for a battle of the Tigers.
In the junior competition two-time premiers Hatherleigh will meet North Gambier on Sunday for the U16 grand final at Millicent.
