Glenorchy Magpies create a top-flight women’s footy program

No TSLW, no worries for Glenorchy. The Magpies have created a women’s football program that will be the envy of all others.

• Launceston wins TSLW grand final over brave Glenorchy
• Magpies ace a runaway winner of the TSLW’s best and fairest award

GLENORCHY did not let the demise of the top-level women’s Tasmanian State League torpedo the pathway for its extensive female talent.

The Magpies teamed with businesses in their community to build their $40,000 Women’s Elite Program, which will be the envy of most clubs.

This year, Glenorchy joined the SFLW in its top division, created the Dickson-Lynch Trophy for games against Launceston, will also play against Clarence for the Smith-Corrie Cup and venture interstate for challenge matches, with the first foray this weekend to play VFL club Frankston’s women’s team.

“Since the TSLW was put into recess this year we had a huge challenge of players not wanting to play,” said Paul Kennedy, head of the club’s coaching program.

“They have put so much time into their footy to get to the top level only to be told they could now only play community footy.

“Since we announced this program to the players, they are excited and feel like there’s something worthwhile now.”

After reaching the TSLW grand final last year and losing narrowly to Launceston, the Magpies formed a “partnership” with the Blues to play for the Dickson-Lynch Trophy, named after a premiership captains Ange Dickson (Launceston) and Nietta Lynch (Glenorchy), played for the first time last weekend.

Brieanna Barwick and Elise Barwick prepare for their match against VFL club Frankston’s women’s team this weekend. Picture: Eddie Safarik

“While our women’s team strongly wanted to compete in the TSLW this year, with that competition in hiatus, the club needed support to make sure our players were not lost to football or forced interstate without a local aspirational pathway for women,” said club CEO Daryl Potter.

Local businesses RSEA Safety, TFH, and Water Industry Solutions joined the team.

“It speaks volumes for the community-mindedness of these businesses that they stepped up so quickly and generously, knowing our elite women’s program was at risk,” Potter said.

Glenorchy’s best player, Jenna Farrow, was awarded the Sandy Eaton Medal last Saturday.

“Ange, ‘Neets’ and Sandy were all instrumental in making women’s and girls’ footy what it is today in Tasmania,” said Glenorchy captain Brie Barwick.

“Because of the work of that generation of players, we now have a huge number of girls emerging from junior footy who are incredibly talented.

“It’s really pleasing that ‘Launy’ and Glenorchy will now play for the Dickson-Lynch Trophy, and hopefully that will still be the case in 50 years.”