Evandale women’s team heads into recess, Meander Valley racing clock to avoid similar fate

A reigning local footy premier has issued a call to arms with low player numbers meaning its flag defence could be over before it started, with a rival team already confirming it won’t field a side. Here’s what we know.

Meander Valley's players celebrate with their fans after the grand final win. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

Evandale has made the tough decision to send its women’s team into recess for the upcoming season, while Meander Valley is racing the clock to avoid following suit.

The Eagles were one of the first women’s sides to be formed in the state, but the Eagles confirmed to this masthead they had told the NTFA earlier than required they would be unable to field a team to give players more opportunity to find a new club for 2025.

The Sunettes, who won last year’s division one premiership, have been given until Thursday next week to find enough players to take their place in the new-look division competition.

It is understood a handful of other female teams, including George Town and a couple of Premier League teams, are also battling for numbers.

“We needed more than double the committed players to field a team and with the changing nature of football with us playing (strong teams like) Bridgenorth and Old Scotch in the restructure, these girls were already losing by 100 points, so it was going to be a really challenging competition for them,” Evandale secretary Gemma Poke said.

“We’re in the process of helping them find other clubs, and getting them in there early enough in the pre season so they can move forward.”

Poke said ideally the women’s team would return as soon as next year.

“I think you get three years on your recess and not lose your license. We’ll definitely try and get a women’s team back again, but we probably need a female playing coach who can bring players with them, and reinvigorate it in a different way,” she said.

“It’s a shame because we were one of the first women’s teams in the state. We were the first junior club to start with girls. Women’s footy is definitely going through a big movement.”

Evandale didn’t win a game last year and finished with a percentage of 5.50 on their way to the wooden spoon.

Meander Valley celebrates last year’s premiership. Picture: Scott Gelston / Solstice Digital

The restructure means they would be pitted against many of the region’s historically strong female teams had they played this year.

“It’s another reason why it’s been quite difficult to encourage the team to play in the next division, because they’re playing against teams where girls are being drafted,” Poke said.

“We had a lot of mums and a lot of people who had never played footy before and were learning the skills for the first time.

“The restructure has had to happen absolutely, but it’s going to take time to find its way.

“We recruited a really good female coach in Dean Smith, who coached at representative level and at North Launceston, so it wasn’t a coaching issue.”

The NTFA has undergone major upheaval in the front office, headlined by Peter Gutwein replacing Damien Rhind as president.

AFL Tasmania has stuck firm with its rule that players must play for a Premier League club to be eligible for representative football.

It has resulted in some of Meander Valley’s best players heading elsewhere after a premiership and two grand final defeats the past three years.

The issue of some of the region’s best players not playing for Premier League teams prompted the NTFA to introduce a controversial new system. Division one women’s players can now make themselves eligible for representative honours by playing at least two games under a permit system with a Premier League club.

“It was nice to see them acknowledge an issue and make a change, but it was probably too late,” Meander Valley co-coach Jacko Bennett said.

Meander Valley’s Kia Rogers celebrates a goal assist in last year’s grand final. Picture: Scott Gelston / Solstice Digital

“Our team from last year was a great, really talented team, and there was some especially talented rep players in there. I wouldn’t discourage anyone from doing what’s best for them and trying to play the highest level of football, but it’s certainly made it hard for us.

“It’s not so much the success (of winning last year’s premiership), but it was the time created to build that success in the three years I’ve been involved with the women’s team.

“Meander really is a great club, I’ve been there three years and I’m also a co-vice president and coaching the girls. The club is a great place to be and hopefully more people see that and want to join in.

“We welcome anyone and everyone to the club. We’d love to see some fresh faces and field a team of any description so everyone can get out and have some fun, and enjoy the club I’ve been able to enjoy the last three years.”

The Suns issued an official statement via Facebook on Wednesday night, outlining the issues they are facing as state football undergoes a major overhaul.

“Following an NTFA decision requiring players who wish to compete at the representative level to play for a Premier League club - along with the usual player movement and the achievement of our women’s premiership in 2024 - the club now faces challenges with player numbers in its female program.

Meander Valley co-captains Caitlyn Lee and Emma Groves with last year’s cup. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“We are in a position that requires us to be transparent with our situation; this being we urgently need playing numbers to ensure we take the field in 2025.

“Most pressingly, the NTFA has given us a deadline of one week to find the necessary numbers.”

Bennett was encouraged by the response to the post, which has been shared over 100 times.

“Everyone’s rallying together, as a club we need to get onto friends and family and get the word out and try and get some people in the door. I’m interested to get to training tonight (Thursday) and see if we get some new faces.”