By PETER DOUGLAS
MOUNT Evelyn Junior Football Club last Friday blazed a trail for the league after holding its under-12 girls lightning premiership.
After an increase in girls’ participation, and with assistance from the AFL, the club organised the five-team, knock-out competition.
Mal Drake from the local club said they aimed to be pro-active in developing girls’ football in the region.
“We’ve had really good numbers this season and this is a part of the development,” Mr Drake said.
“There’s a big push at AFL level for girls’ football.
“This lightning premiership will kick off the home-and-away season.”
Mr Drake said the young footballers played for a trophy, which he hoped would become an annual event.
The teams that participated in the competition were Yarra Glen, Healesville, Wesburn, Ferntree Gully and Bayswater.
A jumper presentation was held before the games.
Heading this initiative, from an AFL perspective, was girls football development manager Emily McKay.
Also assisting was former St Kilda and Carlton footballer, and now development manager for Country Football, Dean Rice.
