Noosa Tigers senior women to compete in QFAW division one

After four straight years of second grade domination the Noosa Tigers women’s team will make their division one dream a reality in 2024 as their search for a new head coach continues.

Noosa Tigers female players Courtney Dial, Dani Bishop-Kinlyside and Eliza Trompf. Picture: Patrick Woods.

After picking up four QFAW division two premierships in the last four seasons and only losing two matches in the past three seasons, the Noosa Tigers women’s team have cemented a move to division 1 for the 2024 season.

The side’s promotion application was deemed successful by AFL Queensland as they now join an eight team competition alongside Tweed Coast who have also been promoted.

Complimenting their strong senior performances, Noosa’s youth girls pathway has also grown from strength to strength, with their Under-17s featuring in finals and their U15s celebrating an undefeated premiership across the 2023 McDonald’s South East Queensland Juniors season.

Junior female participation has also grown 18 per cent from 2022 to 2023 and is expected to reach 30 per cent in 2024.

• Brisbane Lions star Daniel Rich signs with Noosa Tigers in QAFL
  

Noosa Tigers won the QFAW Div 2 North Seniors grand final. Picture: Supplied

Senior player Kellie Barker said it was another major step forward for the club.

“We’ve been waiting on this decision from AFLQ for many months so to be finally given the opportunity is really exciting for us women but also the club,” she said.

“We are looking forward to hopefully welcoming some new players to the team along with many of our current players re-signing for another season.”

The Tigers squad ranges from players still in high school to others in their 40s.

“I think it makes us unique as us older women realise the importance of being good role models for the younger girls in our team who certainly keep us on our toes,” she said

“When the leadership team took our proposal to the club our big focus was ensuring that into the future there is a strong and competitive pathway for the Noosa Tigers junior girls who are coming through into the senior ranks.

“Our senior side moving into division one can only strengthen this.”

Noosa Tigers 2023 QFAW Division 2 women's team. Picture: Craig Slaney Sports Photography

In recent seasons the club has seen junior Noosa players such as Bella Smith and Maggie Harmer go on to play in the AFLW.

Barker said she was thankful for the club and community’s support and was excited to see what the team could achieve.

“I think to be challenged each week will be a great test for us as players,” she said.

“We have been through many seasons undefeated and there are learnings in winning graciously but there are also learnings that come from losing and I am sure we will experience both in the upcoming season.”

Despite the promotion, Tigers club legend Peter Trompf announced he would be stepping down as head coach for the 2024 season as the club searches for a new

The club is looking for expressions of interest with potential candidates urged to contact Julian Pitts on [e-mail] before the closing date of January 22.

Any female players that are interested in joining the club are encouraged to visit the club’s facebook page.