We’re thrilled to be entering the third year of our Girls Football Program, a journey that has already seen incredible growth. We started with just 2 teams in 2024, expanded to 3 teams in 2025 and we expect to field 5 teams in 2026. For 2027, we expect to have at least one girls team represented in all junior age groups.

This program is a cornerstone of our Club’s vision – to be a family-oriented club that values diversity, inclusivity, and belonging. Our goal is to open the doors for as many kids as possible to experience and enjoy the game of AFL.

The progress we have made over these first 3 years shows we’re on the right path toward our ultimate goal of eventually fielding a Senior Women’s team, a milestone that will be a proud moment for the Club.

Please see below for an overview of the 2025 season, and for the call-out for new girls in 2026.

Registrations are now open for the 2026 football season. We look forward to welcoming back our existing players and families from season 2025 and any new players who would like to join our football club.

Participation Growth

• Doubled overall playing numbers for the girls footy program.
• Strong increase in female participation in pathways programs, with multiple girls trying out for Interleague and Calder Cannons.
• One player successfully selected for Interleague representation – well done Piper O!
• 20 girls lined up to play U10s in the final H&A round – a fantastic sign of growing interest and enthusiasm.

Team Performance

• U10 Girls: Played their hearts out all year and with big smiles.
• U12 Girls: Reached the Grand Final, showcasing strong development and teamwork.
• U14 Girls: Narrowly missed finals due to percentage, but a very competitive season.

Leadership & Development Initiatives

• Hosted the ‘Dream Big – Be Inspired’ event, inspiring our players with stories from elite sportswomen to dream big, achieve their best, and enjoy their footy.
• We hosted the AFL’s ‘Coach Your Way’ event, encouraging aspiring coaches to try a coaching role in the future. We had 31 women and girls attend this event.
• U14 girls volunteered at Auskick to help run a training session for the little tackers, showing great leadership and role model qualities for the next generation.

Recognition & Awards

• Georgina C awarded the prestigious Heartland Award in her debut season 2025 – a standout achievement with the prize being tickets for 30 girls and parents to attend the Pancake Parlour and the Bulldogs vs West Coast game at Marvel Stadium, forming a guard of honour for the Bulldogs.
• Alyssa Galle U12 girls team – achieved top 5 in the WFNL best & fairest.

Strategic Milestones

• Club was successful in its application to become a signatory to the AFL’s Women & Girls Charter, reinforcing commitment to 4 key values to supporting female players – opportunity, visibility, access and investment.
• Benefits include access to AFL grants and resources, a Charter certificate for display, recognition on AFL platforms, and digital assets to promote the club’s values.
• Secured several grants from the AFL, supporting club growth and development programs.

Looking Ahead

• Goals for 2026: Establish an U16 Girls team, continue to build a strong female pathway within the club, implement coaching mentoring and trainee umpiring programs.
• Build our team numbers for U10, U12 & U14 girls teams.