Recently, AFL New Zealand (AFLNZ) has invested heavily in the implementation and activation of a dedicated AFL Women’s Competition based in Auckland. Now, one of New Zealand’s original clubs, The North Shore Tigers are looking to support the ongoing evolution of the sport by entering a female team in the newly established competition in season 2021. This is a great step forward in delivering on the Clubs mission to promote the game of AFL in the North Shore and Rodney regions and provide as many players the opportunity to experience and learn the sport.

What are the benefits for players?

We have seen the success of the AFLW in Australia and the crossover in skill and players between a number of high-level sportswomen. A number of top female Netball, Soccer, Rugby and Basketball players have all made a successful transition into Women’s AFL. 

Netballers Sharni Norder and Ashleigh Brazil are 2 examples of females who have excelled at both AFL and Netball at a Professional level.

Decision Making, Fitness, 360-degree nature and hand-eye coordination are skills that are vital to both sport.

The timing of the season (October – to early December) creates the perfect way for players to build on existing or develop new skills before taking with them back to their Winter codes. 

Season Dates:

While a season dates are still to be confirmed, the start date is expected to be the first weekend of October with the Grand Final locked in for the 4th December.

In the lead up to this we will be holding a number of different pre-season activities to enable potential players to come down and meet their fellow Clubmates and learn some of the basics before the season starts.

We will be running fortnightly group fitness sessions at Tomfit gym (just off constellation drive) on Wednesday’s starting on the 30th June. These sessions are free of cost and are a great way to come down and meet the squad before our weekend kick-arounds.

Complimenting these group fitness sessions will be a fortnightly kick around at Sunnynook Park, these will also run fortnightly starting on Sunday 4th July.

The Coaching Staff:

Andriu Sucu and Keegan McCauley will be taking up the Coaching role for the side. Sucu’s more than 15 years of experience in the sport ranging from Club to National level combined with his coaching experience at Senior, Representative and youth level will be a great asset for the Women’s side. McCauley’s also has a number of season with the Tigers under his belt and with an extensive experience working in National Sporting organisations will ensure that the Tigers Women’s team will be getting a great introduction to sport of AFL.

What the players have to say:

We caught up with a couple players this week to get their experience with the sport. 

Killarney Morey, one of NZ’s top female layers who has represented NZ at AFL and Secondary Schools Netball, had this to say:

“Growing up playing netball I found the transition to AFL pretty easy, once I got my head around the rules and worked on my kicking, I could continue to build my netball skills and found the combination of the sports beneficial for my sporting development.

I have been lucky enough to have some great opportunities come out of the sport, competing with the Tasmania/NZ side in the u19 NAB League before being selected for the Eastern Allies in the U18 AFLW Championship 

It’s really pleasing to see the growth of the women’s game and would encourage anyone to get out there and give it a go!”

We also spoke to Tayla West, who as an Aussie ex-pat had her first taste of playing the game on her O.E in London with the West London Wildcats before moving to NZ with her fiancé:

“Growing up with AFL in my blood from watching on TV to going every week (even interstate). Being a mad Hawks fan and being lucky enough to have watch them win multiple flags, I thought what better way to put all I have learnt to the test in London by joining the West London Wildcats to play AFL and netball. Winning best first year showed I had learnt something from all my years being a passionate supporter. 

On and off the field we memories were made that I will continue to look back on. 

Joining a sports club was the best decision to meet people who not just became my friends they became my family (even got a fiancé out of it!). 

I couldn't recommend it any higher. Any skill level, fitness level, it really doesn't matter. Get out of your comfort zone and have a run around on the field and you won't be able to wipe the smile off your face”

What’s next?

The club is now looking for female athletes of all abilities, aged 16+ keen to be part of the next chapter in the Club’s proud history. 

Interested in playing? Get down to any of the pre-season sessions (gym or kick-arounds) to see what it’s about. 

Need more info? Drop us a message and we can add you to our players page for more details

Sponsorship?

Are you interested in getting behind the Women’s team? We have options available for both the Women’s Team and Club sponsors. If interested please send us a message or email northshoretigers.nz@gmail.com for a copy of the proposal.

Article added: Thursday 17 June 2021