Women’s AFL teams take to field for AFL final

More than 1000 people packed out TIO stadium to show their support for the women’s AFL grand final

Souths supporter Makenzie Rusca 5 at the WNTFL Final between Waratahs and Southern Districts at TIO Stadium. Pic Glenn Campbell

More than 1000 people packed out TIO stadium to show their support for the women’s AFL grand final.

The victorious Waratahs took home their eighth title , beating Southern Districts, who played their first grand final. Not even an afternoon storm could stop the two teams from taking to the field.

Just after half time the wall of rain ripped through Darwin causing a soggy ground for the teams. The teams had to take shelter for 15 minutes to let the storm pass.

District Crocs fans Makenzie, 5, and Sidney Rusca, 7, were with their family cheering on big sister Chiarah Rusca. “She gets a lot of goals,” Sidney said.

Waratahs supporter Alcina Ricardo at the WNTFL Final between Waratahs and Southern Districts at TIO Stadium . Pic Glenn Campbell

The final was the first time Rusca had played in a grand final with her team.

Her proud as punch siblings had dressed in their best supporter gear, complete with pompoms.

Makenzie said her big sister was tough and would “bust up” the Tahs with her footy skills.

Mick Marimowa, 11, was in the grandstand in a homemade T-shirt with his siblings Makayla, 7, and Malique, 9.

The Districts supporters had emblazoned their shirts in support of Aunty Tayala Thorn. Mick said his aunty was his role model.

“Sometimes she takes me to training,” he said.

Former Tahs teammate Genevieve Agostinelli said it was great to see her team in the grand final again.

“We’re part of the Waratahs family and everyone supports each other on an off the field, so I had to come down and watch them put on a great show,” she said.