World Footy News

The journey began with the Pink footy, and for most states it travelled in style as only a pink footy can.... the symbolic journey leading up to the inaugural Australian Youth Girls Nationals.

The Pink footy's journey included: NSW/ACT signed by Australian PM Julia Gillard NSW/ACT: Signed by Sydney Swan Nick Malceski QLD with around the world sailor Jessica Watson QLD: state premier Anna Bligh tries out her handballing skills WA Jason Akermanis looking pretty in pink. WA: Female Development manager babysitting ‘Christine’ VIC: Federation Square in Melbourne VIC: Female Aussie Rules Legend Debbie Lee (pictured at right)

This is the first year of the Youth Girls Nationals and plans are to hold the tournament in the opposite year to the Senior Womens Nationals. Being hosted in Melbourne, the teams participating are Victoria, Victoria Development, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia and a combined team from NSW/ACT.

Day One:

The tourney kicked off on Tuesday with a well fought match between SA and QLD. The first shot at goal being from a free kick for a dangerous tackle and the tournament was off to a tough start. SA dominated with some strong overhead marking through Captain Brittany Perry, though were mostly thwarted by a powerful QLD backline. Final score SA 3.6 (24) to QLD 3.5 (23).

In the 2nd match of the day the Victorians showed some of the dominance of their senior counterparts by terrorising the NSW/ACT team. After a long bus ride from Canberra the girls battled well and owned the 2nd quarter but were outskilled and outplayed by a more experienced side. Final score Vic: 15.14 (104) to NSW/ACT 1.1 (7).

The third match was between WA and Vic Development. WA lead at every break but were not given an easy ride by the Vics at all. Had the Vic’s been able to score we may have had a different match on our hands, but the defensive line of the ‘Black Ducks’ were just too strong. Score WA 5.7 (37), Vic Deve 4.7 (31)

Sydney's Malceski signs the pink footy

Day Two:

SA continued their onfield dominance and took advantage of some very dry conditions over the Vic Development team. Georgia Taylor dominated for SA and no doubt will be a name on many scorecards for future senior tournaments. Score SA 6.1 (37), Vic Deve 1.4 (10)

After being belted on Day 1 NSW/ACT bounced back and put up a brave showing against WA, keeping them scoreless in the 3rd quarter but unable to contain their momentum on the scoreboard in the other quarters. Sarah Noga scored 7 goals for Wa and credit to the combined team kicking a goal against a very strong wind. Score WA 16.9 (105), NSW/ACT 3.3 (21). Pictured below is Sarah Noga from WA

The interstate rivalry between QLD and Vic was well and truly on display with the Northerners marking the Vics so closely they could have been wearing their jumpers. Both teams were held steady with strong half back lines,, however lose possession by the Queenslanders in their forward 50 cost them many an opportunity at goal. Score Vic 4.12 (36), QLD 1.4 (10).

Thursday was a rest day for all teams, and then the battle was back on for positions as the Queensland side take took on the tough WA team to secure a good spot for the playoffs on Saturday. More details to follow.