Tasmania’s AFLW Draft haul of three players on Monday night is a credit to the commitment and passion of the players themselves, the support of their families, and the hard work of their largely volunteer-run junior clubs.
The result also highlights the bright future of women’s football in the State and underlines the importance of the pathways being put in place which will soon allow Tasmania to field its own successful AFLW team.
Glenorchy’s Brooke Barwick (pick No.4, Western Bulldogs) and Georgia Clark (pick No.8, Collingwood) were joined by Kingborough’s Mackenzie Ford (pick No.43, Richmond) in the big time on Monday night.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Nic Street said the selection of the three Tasmanians underlined the importance of Tasmania taking its rightful place on the national stage.
“The Tasmanian Club will have two women’s teams, in the VFLW and the AFLW, and the AFL and the Government are committed to working together to ensure they start as soon as possible,” Minister Street said.
“I have no doubt Brooke, Georgia and Mackenzie will do us proud at the clubs that have selected them, and they’ll inspire the next generation who will be able to aspire to play for Tasmania.”
The AFL last month announced that from next year $500,000 will be spent annually on developing Tasmanian talent via a new pathway model, part of the league’s $360 million investment in the Tasmanian Club.
The initial focus will be on establishing programs for 12-15 year old boys and girls who could be part of the Club’s first intake when it joins the league.
Minister Street said the Government’s commitment to delivering a Tasmanian team meant future AFLW draftees can aspire to playing in front of home crowds wearing Tasmanian colours.
“The future of women’s football in Tasmania has never looked brighter,” he said.
