NCWL announces youth girls squad for interleague clash against Bendigo

By Zac Standish

Jun 16, 2022

Set for the big stage: Shepparton Swans product Atong Dang has a big role to play for the NCWL in its interleague clash against Bendigo on Sunday. Photo by Megan Fisher

Northern Country Women’s League has announced a squad of 23 for its youth girls interleague clash with Bendigo Junior Football League on Sunday afternoon.

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The first youth girls interleague match since 2019, the NCWL and BJFL will resume their healthy rivalry in the hope of once again making the clash an annual occurrence.

Sporting healthy representation from all four NCWL clubs, Moama and Shepparton United each have seven players in the squad, with Echuca United (five) and Shepparton Swans (four) making up the remaining nine spots.

NCWL interleague coach Dean Walton explained what went into selecting the final 23.

“We had a try-out session last week where we had 29 girls show up and from that we have picked a squad of 23 players,” Walton said.

“There is a really good mix of girls representing all four of the NCWL youth girls clubs and that was a priority for us.

“We have a really good mix of speed, skill and strength and, considering we only have four teams in the league, the quality of players we have in this squad is really good and the attitude of all the girls was second to none on the training night.”

A crucial step in rekindling the spark of youth girls interleague footy, Walton talked about the rivalry between the two leagues and how important a win would be for the NCWL.

“Pre-COVID we built a really healthy rivalry with Bendigo in the youth girls interleague space,” he said.

“Obviously we have missed that over the past couple of years, so it is really exciting to get back over there and play an interleague game against a quality competition.

“I’d say we are probably 2-2 (wins and losses) in the four years we have played this game, so we are really determined to go and get a win this weekend.”

Sporting a squad jam-packed with exciting young talent, he highlighted a few girls he believed would really have an impact on the interleague stage.

“Our captain Payton Hearn will play up forward and is currently the leading goal-kicker in the local competition, so it is great to have her in the team,” he said.

“Olivia McGie is our vice-captain and she’s a really good on-baller that works really hard and is very physical around the contest while also being a great user.

“And Atong Dang from Shepparton Swans is a tall player that can slot in anywhere on the ground, so we’re looking forward to seeing her as well.”

The youth girls interleague match is scheduled for Sunday, June 19 at Tannery Lane Recreation Reserve at Stathfieldsaye — first bounce is at 1.50pm.

Northern Country Women’s League Youth Girls interleague squad

Amani Issell (Shepparton Swans), Atong Dang (Shepparton Swans), Beth Morris (Moama), Bree Church (Moama), Brodie Marsten (Echuca United), Charli Guppy (Shepparton United), Ella Platfuss (Moama), Ellie Armstrong (Shepparton Swans), Emily Zampaglione (Shepparton United), Hayleigh Lewer (Echuca United), Holly Egan (Shepparton Swans), Jada Bover (Echuca United), Jemika Cooper (Moama), Jaymi Clancy (Echuca United), Jessie Hall (Echuca United), Lissy Down (Shepparton United), Matilda Henderson (Shepparton United), Niah Bacon (Moama), Olivia McGie (Shepparton United), Payton Hearn (Moama), Shaleah Cooper (Moama), Sierra Tejones (Shepparton United) and Zahra Kelly (Shepparton United)