This weekend will see the women’s game take centre stage at Jubilee Oval as inter-league footy returns to the Silver City, with AFL Broken Hill taking on the crème of the crop of the Sunraysia League in the Mildura Health Fund Cup.
Although bragging rights are on the line, it is about more than that says AFL Broken Hill chairman Andrew Schmidt, highlighting the crucial relationship forged between the two leagues.
“There is the on-field battle between Broken Hill and Sunraysia but just as important is that social connection as we battle for the Mildura Health Fund Cup, “ Mr Schmidt said.
The clash between the two premier country leagues last May was a nail-biting affair that saw the women from the Mildura-based Sunraysia League get the victory by just a couple of points.
It is the first time since 2017 a women’s combined football match has taken place in Broken Hill, with the local ladies chomping at the bit to don the iconic blue and gold guernsey.
The squad has been put through their paces by coach Ethan Kimball for the past month and he says the team is primed to go.
“The players have been great,” says Kimball. “They have bought into the training program and are excited about playing at home. It should be a great contest.”
The Sunraysia League is also feeling confident ahead of the clash, with AFL Sunraysia’s David Kennedy saying, “Sunraysia side has a good mix of young guns and experienced players. We are hoping to get good midfield drive from a talented group.”
All the action kicks off Saturday, July 1 at 3.30pm.
