WKFL women represent Kimberley on national stage in AFL Masters Carnival

Five women from the West Kimberley Football League did the Kimberley proud as they took on the AFL Masters National Carnival in Queensland earlier this month.

Their performances not only helped secure some stellar victories but also earned one of them a coveted spot in the women’s over-35 All-Australian team.

Playing in the multi-State ACT, NSW, WA over-35s women’s team, Derby Tigers’ Sian Edwards, Peninsula Bombers’ Pepita Wilson, Broome Saints’ Hayley Garlett and Kellie Greatwich and Bidyadanga Emus’ Monica Edgar showcased the spirit of Kimberley football on the national stage.

Taking place at the Maroochydore Multi-sports Complex from October 1 to 7, the carnival saw hundreds of players and more than 60 teams from across the country take to the field.

In their first game of the carnival on October 1, the ACT, NSW, WA team went up against the WA women’s team coming away with a loss despite being in front in the first quarter, 4.6 (30) to 1.7 (13).

The multi-State team started to hit their stride as they faced down the Tasmanian, Victorian women’s over 35s side in their second match on October 4.

The first half belonged to the Tasmanian Victorian team as the multi-State team struggled to find their feet but in the second half the ACT, NSW, WA side came out firing, kicking three goals in the third to take them to a seven-point lead heading into the final term.

At the pointy end of the match the Tasmanian, Victorian team managed to slipped another goal through to bring them within a point but it was too late to take back the match, handing the multi-State team the win, 3.8 (26) to 4.1 (25).

Then in their best performance of the carnival, the ACT, NSW, WA team took down the Victorian Metro women’s over-35s side in spectacular fashion on October 6.

Leaping out of the starting gates the multi-State team wasted no time, kicking four goals in the first half while the Victorian team failed to get on the board.

The flawless display from the ACT, NSW, WA side continued into the second half with Edgar and Greatwich both scoring a goal each while the Victorians failed to make a single score, 10.10 (70) to 0.0 (0).

The ACT, NSW, WA team finished the competition in second place on the ladder just in front of the WA women’s over-35s team due to their point percentage

Wilson then went on to play and coach for the women’s Indigenous side in their clash against the All-Stars team alongside fellow Kimberley products Edwards and Garlett before the game ended in a draw, 2.2 (14) to 2.2 (14).

Due to her prowess on the field, Greatwich was selected to be part of the All-Australian Women’s Over-35s team alongside fellow multi-State team player Kristy Larsen, despite it both being their first AFL Masters Carnival.