VU Western Spurs capped a historic weekend for women’s football in Victoria with a 37-point win over Geelong Magpies in the first ever round of the VFL women’s competition at Osbourne Park in Geelong on Saturday.
It was a particularly significant occasion for the Spurs, who faced the real prospect of extinction only two years ago.
The Spurs have re-branded for this season, changed their colours, moved to a more central location in Footscray and brought in exciting new recruits to ensure they would be part of the new VFL women’s league, which was launched ahead of a proposed national competition starting next year.
Spurs coach Debbie Lee told Star Weekly the struggles of recent seasons were not lost on the players who pulled on jumpers on Sunday.
“They’re very proud to play state league and they certainly respect the competition,” she said.
“We’ve got so many new players but they understand the journey the Spurs have been on.”
The Spurs set up their victory with a four goals to one opening term.
Ainslie Kemp booted three goals, while Alexandra Fato, Kylie Nicolaci and Alexandra Quigley kicked two each.
The spread of goalkickers was heartening for Lee.
“If you look at the past two seasons, we haven’t kicked goals,” Lee said. “Our forward line worked really well.”
The Spurs will stay on the road in round two, meeting the Eastern Devils at Mulgrave Reserve.
The Devils have a reputation as one of the most physical sides in the competition so will be a test for a raw Spurs side.
