Football enthusiasts will receive a double dose of exhibition games with the announcement the Melbourne and Western Bulldogs women’s teams will meet twice in 2015.
Eight VWFL players have been retained for the matches that will be held on Sunday May 24 at the MCG and Sunday August 16 at Etihad Stadium.
Both clubs have retained six players only from their 2014 team list to provide the next wave of exciting talent the opportunity to be drafted.
Reigning Premier division Helen Lambert Medallist and Darebin Falcons premiership captain Daisy Pearce is one of two retained players for Melbourne, along with her premiership teammate Melissa Hickey.
All six of the Western Bulldogs’ retained players are from the VWFL, including Darebin Falcon players Aasta O’Connor (Bulldogs captain), Katie Brennan and Darcy Vescio, St Kilda’s competition leading goal kicker Moana Hope, Diamond Creek’s Stephanie Chiocci and Melbourne Uni player Emma Kearney.
Michelle Cowan again will coach the undefeated Demons while highly experienced former Collingwood premiership player and talent manager, Craig Starcevich has been appointed the Bulldogs coach.
AFL Victoria’s Female Football Manager Darren Flanigan said it is a great reflection on the VWFL that the majority of retained players are from the competition.
“It is pleasing to see the number of players from the VWFL retained on the AFL lists, which is a credit to these women and the clubs they come from.
“Providing two games this year will create further rivalry between the teams, and give greater exposure to women’s football.”
With the retained players now announced, the Draft nomination process for 2015 has opened, and will close February 27.
The 2015 AFL Women’s Draft will be conducted on April 20 at Etihad Stadium where clubs will draft 16 players and one emergency.
Players not selected on April 20 will have the opportunity to be selected at a mini-Draft on July 22 to be held after the state games, National Youth Championships and state league matches.
See below the full list of retained players
MELBOURNE:
- Chelsea Randall (WA), Tayla Harris (Qld), Kirby Bentley (WA), Kara Donellan (WA), Melissa Hickey (Vic), Daisy Pearce (Vic)
WESTERN BULLDOGS:
- Aasta O’Connor (Vic), Katie Brennan (Vic), Stephanie Chiocci (Vic), Moanna Hope (Vic), Emma Kearney (Vic), Darcy Vescio (Vic)
Last Modified on 12/02/2015 12:33