One year after switching from the round ball to the Sherrin, South Warrnambool's Sarah Richards was rapt to find out June 23 officially marks the start of the Deakin University Female Football League season.
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The Roosters will be joined by Hamilton Kangaroos, Portland Tigers and Horsham Demons in a four-team competition featuring six rounds throughout June and July, with a finals format to be confirmed later.
Richards, originally from the English city of Derby, has been a driving force at South Warrnambool women's team, putting in countless hours contacting potential players to grow interest in the sport.
The 29-year-old physiotherapist will miss the Roosters' opening four rounds of the season.
But Richards said the AFL Western District's release of DUFFL fixture on Tuesday would be a shot in the arm for the local women's game.
"I'm gutted because I'll be back in England until round five, but everyone will be totally pumped," she said.
"The fixture really gives everyone something to work towards.
"But this will just be the start and hopefully more clubs come to the table and join the competition."
The DUFFL draw includes three "true" double-headers, which will allow clubs to have their juniors and seniors play on the same day, as well as two double-headers for home the teams.
"I hope this means we can get a bigger crowd and get word out that there's girls' and women's footy on," Richards said.
The venues for the last two rounds of the senior season are to be confirmed as they will coincide with the junior finals and will be announced closer to the date, according to AFLWD operations coordinator Alicia Drew.
Drew said the four clubs had put in "great preparation" and had already demonstrated "strong numbers" on the training track.
"It is very exciting to be able to provide opportunities for females over 18 to either continue their football journey after juniors, as well as provide an opportunity to those to take up the sport for the first time," she said.
