Eagles’ new senior women’s side set to take flight

The East Coast Eagles announced the creation of its first women’s team with the help of the Greater Western Sydney Giants last week.

GWS Giants’ Josh Kelly, Jack Steele and Jake Barrett were on hand to celebrate the East Coast Eagles new women’s side with player Chloe Arndt and Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne. Picture: Peter Kelly

The East Coast Eagles announced the creation of its first women’s team with the help of the Greater Western Sydney Giants last week.

The Giants were on hand to celebrate the announcement at the Eagles’ home ground at Kanebridge Oval in Bruce Purser Reserve, Kellyville, on Wednesday.

The Eagles’ director of female football David Arndt said women’s AFL had “really grown” in the past five years, particularly with the announcement that eight AFL clubs — including the Giants — would enter female teams in 2017.

Arndt has plenty of experience in setting up a female side — he helped start the junior girls team at the Kellyville Rouse Hill Magpies, where his daughter Chloe played until she had to switch to a club that catered for older players.

With the launch of the new senior women’s side at the Eagles in 2017, Chloe will be able to play with her local team again.

David Arndt said the Eagles had already seen a positive response to the announcement of the side.

“We put an expression of interest out there and we’ve got about 17 responses … so that’s quite good for early numbers,” he said.

The women’s team will be open to players aged 17 and over.

Pre-season will begin in November followed by the inaugural season next April.

Visit the website to find out more or to register interest.