The inaugural Essendon VFL Women’s team to take on Hawthorn at Windy Hill has been confirmed.
The starting 22 for round one includes one AFL Women’s player in GWS forward Tait Mackrill and two former Western Bulldogs in captain Lisa Williams and playing assistant coach Lauren Morecroft.
20 months after rupturing her ACL while playing for then-VFLW side the Eastern Devils, Jess Trend will officially make her return to football against the Hawks after being named on the wing.
The diversity of Essendon’s recruitment will be on display with Mackrill (South Australia), Danielle Ponter (Northern Territory) and emergency Courtney Ugle (Western Australia) named or in the mix to play. Lauren Caruso is listed as the 23rd player for Sunday.
There’s plenty of talent yet to come for Essendon; GWS players Tanya Hetherington and Maddy Collier are still to make their spot for the Bombers, while former Magpie Kendra Heil is one of four emergencies.
“Selection was difficult,” coach Brendan Major said.
“We are going in with a really competitive team and are playing 23 debutants.
“Overall, we’re pleased with how the team’s looking. There will be an exciting mix of experience and untapped talent and youth out there.”
The Bombers take on the Hawks from 1pm on Sunday at Windy Hill, with entry to the ground free for all spectators.
ROUND ONE TEAM:
B – Barker, Morecroft, Morcom
HB – Neaves, Hicks, Madden
C – Trend, Bullas, Williams
HF – Moreau, Quigley, Ponter
F – DeMatteo, Nalder, Hardy
R – Kearney, Mackrill, Malliaras
I/C – Pedersen, Golds, McFadyen, Anwyl
23P – Caruso
Emergencies – MacDonald, Heil, Bult, Ugle
