THIS weekend marks the final home-and-away round for the EDFL Women’s competition for Season 2018.
Being the first year as a stand-alone competition, it has been highly successful.
From a League perspective we pass on our thanks to the players, coaches, team managers, volunteers and club administrators who have all embraced this opportunity and made the home-and-away season one to remember.
Before the season commenced we held a meeting with representatives from all clubs to outline plans for the year and requested their support and flexibility given the unique circumstances.
All clubs have been excellent to work with as the season has progressed.
As with any new competition, there have been many learnings, and once the season is complete we will be undertaking a full review of the year in preparation for 2019.
There will be consultation with all EDFL clubs through this review, including the opportunity to provide feedback and present ideas for improvements.
However, before all that occurs we have to see which clubs make the finals, and then enjoy the 2018 EDFL Women’s Final Series.
With 13 teams competing this year we determined that a final eight was the best structure for finals.
The EDFL Women’s Finals Series will operate to the same format as the AFL final eight.
This weekend Aberfeldie, who are currently fourth on the ladder travel to Sunbury to take on the fifth-placed Lions in what should be a great match.
There are three clubs fighting for seventh and eighth places on the ladder and a place in the finals.
Craigieburn is currently ninth, however only trail both Keilor and Strathmore by one game.
That said, Craigieburn faces the daunting prospect of the undefeated Pascoe Vale on Sunday at Raeburn Reserve.
Many teams have shown notable improvement over the course of the home-and-away season which will make for an exciting finals series.
As previously announced, it will be fantastic to watch the EDFL Women’s Grand Final being played at Windy Hill this year on Sunday, August 19.
The EDFL junior competitions have two home-and-away rounds before finals begin.
In 2018 there will be nine junior girls’ premiers crowned with two divisions in Under 11s and Under 13s, three divisions in Under 15s and two divisions in Under 18s.
This represents amazing growth from last year, where there were five junior girls competitions.
We all look forward to watching these girls display their skills in the finals and strive for team success.
Good luck for the weekend.
