WAFLW Given The Green Light In 2020

‘I had goose-bumps!’

This was the reaction of Swan Districts WAFLW league coach, Leith Woods, during training last night after she was told the news that the WAFC and WA football clubs had come to a decision to implement an eight-week season, commencing August 2020.

Separated into pods of 10, last night’s session began under a cloud of doubt that the year may not eventuate, with a key focus on helping players stay fit, have fun and learn new strategies and positions on the field.

‘As a coaching group we got together and our goal for the next few weeks is just to try and get the girls as smart as we can, by getting them to ask questions, make decisions and work on structures as much as we can’ she said.

‘If and when we get the go ahead, they will have learned a bit more knowledge to use during games.’

What a difference an hour can make!

As word spread between the groups, the excitement was evident, and the mood boosted even further between both players and coaches.

‘Thankfully we are playing for something’ Woods stated. ‘We’ve got a start date and an awareness that we will play each team twice. Now we can start to put something in place and start planning.’

With a decision still to be made on if the state 18’s and AFLW women are allowed to play, Leith said there would still be a lot to look forward to, knowing that players from the reserves will be given a greater chance to prove themselves in the league side.

‘It will be disappointing if those players don’t play, but there are so many positives’ she noted.

‘We’ve got a big group training with the ressies.

‘It could be a really interesting season if they get the opportunity to step up and play league.

‘It will be exciting to see the youth girls progress through as well.

‘We can’t wait.’

Decisions will be made throughout the coming weeks on when crowds will be allowed to return to Steel Blue Oval. Stay tuned and make sure you are there to cheer on our WALFW teams, as soon as the option arises.