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The Northern Knights will take on reigning premiers the Oakleigh Chargers in one of the most anticipated matchups of the first round of the NAB League Girls season.
The clash will be the first match live streamed across News Corp websites including the Herald Sun, Geelong Advertiser and Hobart Mercury as part of a season-long deal with the NAB League Girls competition.
You can watch all the action between the Knights and Chargers from 10am, Sunday.
Centre-half back Lexi McCulloch is looking forward to donning the Oakleigh Chargers guernsey again in 2022 after being a part of last year’s premiership team.
“There are always so many things to look forward to. There’s my personal growth as a footballer but I think one of the things I’m most looking forward to is the new dynamic with the team,” she said.
McCulloch pinpoints last year’s grand final as her greatest moment on the football field.
“Definitely the highlight of my footy journey - 100%. I remember crying on the football field, as soon as the siren went I was in tears. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
The superstar defender has been impressed by her team’s ability to gel so early in the season.
“I’m just excited to see where that goes, we’ve already bonded during training sessions and there’s already that culture there ready to go.
On the other side of the ledger, Northern Knights captain Jess Nursey cannot wait to kick start her 2022 campaign as well.
“I’m most looking forward to being out with the girls again, we’ve had two consecutive years which have been pretty hard for everyone. I’m just looking forward to having a kick again,” she said.
For many young aspiring players, finding a way to manage sporting commitments, study/work and social life can be difficult.
“The Knights have always told me that education and family come first, so I try to keep making sure I prioritise that too,” said Nursey.
On top of her Chargers schedule, McCulloch has been training with the Richmond VFLW side as she looks to continue to gain valuable experience ahead of the NAB League campaign.
“When I got that phone call I was over the moon, I am a massive Richmond supporter so I am so excited for that.
“I don’t know where it’s going to go, but I am doing my absolute best to keep up with all the professional girls at Richmond.”
The Knights will be the underdog in the clash this week, after the Chargers won last season’s premiership.
“We are going against a great team in Oakleigh, it should be a good game,” said Nursey.
Can the Chargers get off to a winning start in 2022 or will the Knights make a statement to the rest of the competition?
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