Local footy women’s team saved after public cry for help

A reigning premier’s bid for support to keep its flag defence alive has reached a resolution. See what happened.

Meander Valley has avoided recess after winning a flag last year. Picture: Scott Gelston/Solstice Digital

Meander Valley’s women’s side has avoided heading into recess just months after winning a flag after their public cry for help ensured they will field enough players to play this year.

Club president Leigh Watts admitted he thought the season was “dead in the water” before a Facebook post desperately looking for more players saved it.

“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,” the post said.

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

That deadline ended on Thursday, and the ‘Sunettes’ will take the field after the post prompted around a dozen more players to register with the team.

“Two weeks ago I thought we were dead in the water and now we’re alive,” Watts said.

“It’s a huge relief for the girls and we’re pretty chuffed at the minute.

“We had a huge response with the ‘come and save us’ post on social media. It’s about a dozen players we picked up out of that, so we’ve got the numbers to go ahead.

“The reaction to the post was beyond my wildest expectations, without a doubt. I wasn’t confident at all until early this week, and the numbers have been increased since then.

“I was in their office (NTFA) today (Thursday) and on the computer with them. The numbers are there for us, that’s good enough for me.”

After winning their maiden premiership last year, Watts said simply reviving the team was their only priority and are prepared to build again towards future success.

“This year is about survival, as simple as that,” he said.

“Basically we’re rebuilding from day one again if you like. I can recall when we first started we struggled, and over a period of time we got better and better and then won a grand final. “If we have to start again, so be it.”