With a new coaching team, and weekly women’s only come-and-try fitness and skills session, the Suns ladies are hoping a bigger season awaits them in 2019. For the month of January and into early February, the Thursday evening sessions will run at the local Showgrounds 

“We know that AFL doesn’t have the biggest profile in the region, so we’re wanting to give the women in and around Moree an opportunity to get an idea of what it’s all about this month,” women’s team member Annette Hadley said.

“There’s no commitment to play and it’s totally free. There’s basic skills work involved but also a fitness aspect so it’s great if you’re wanting to get into a bit better shape. Almost free group PT sessions really!”

The sessions are also open to all ages and ability levels, with no previous experience required. 

“It’s designed for everyone,” Hadley said.

“You could have no background knowledge of AFL at all and it would be suitable for you. Even school kids from 14-plus as they can play in the women’s league.”

Though the North West AFL Women’s competition finished up in late August, there wasn’t a huge rest period for those who played the regular season, many of who participated in the AFL9s competition. 

Unfortunately, the end of 2018 saw the loss of some existing female Suns players, mostly due to relocation. Thus the need to replenish the ranks and trying to get on the front foot early with recruitment. 

“It’s never too early to give it a go,” Hadley said.

“It’s all self-paced, because the concept of the sessions are to familiarise people with the sport. It’s also a bit hot still so sessions are capped at 45 minutes.”

The new coaching arrangement includes recently appointed AFL NSW/ACT development officer Anna Winter and former Greater Western Sydney Giants Academy member Grady Tapping. Both bring a unique skill set to the Team.

“Anna has been actively involved in the Moree fitness community and has real capacity to motivate and encourage girls and women new to the game,” Suns president Shane Hadley said.

“She’s only really started learning playing AFL herself, but she is loving learning a new sport and would be great for those who are just starting out.

“And Grady obviously brings a highly trained skill set to the sessions, so his experience will be invaluable.”

Moving forward the coaches and teams focus aren’t only on the on-field performance but also team building off-field.

Whilst game day is important, team spirit and culture outside of this works a long way to building a strong outfit who encourage and support one another

The sessions start Thursday, January 17, commencing at 6.30pm and will run for at least four weeks. Mixed training sessions also take place Monday and Wednesday evenings at 6.30pm at Moree Secondary College’s Carol Avenue campus 

For further information, please feel free to contact club president, Shane Hadley on 0412 312 858 or club secretary, Annette Hadley on 0429 675 233.