WHOLEHEARTEDLY committing to women's football is the best way for clubs to attract players and coaches, according to Eve Auslebrook.
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Warrnambool held its come-and-try night on Wednesday night and South Warrnambool and Old Collegians are combining to hold one of their own next Tuesday night at Friendly Societies' Park as interest in female football continues to grow.
Auslebrook, who played most of her junior football at Warrnambool before playing with the Roosters' women's side last season, said a firm commitment to starting a team was the key to getting a side onto the park.
"Don't shy away from it, we have meetings with Alicia Drew (at AFL Western District) and she always puts it out there," she said.
"Put it out there, contact her and do what you can do to get it out there and see what numbers you have got. Even go to other clubs and ask how they have done it.
"I'm sure people will be willing to help out because it is something that will be growing and we want it to take off in this region."
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The 22-year-old said come-and-try days were a step in the right direction.
"With only having one Warrnambool team last year girls from the other side of Warrnambool or even 20 minutes out had to come to one place," she said.
"If teams have come-and-try days it gives people who might still play netball and might want to play football at their home club an option to do something more like that.
"We had a few old Warrnambool netballers last year that had to go to South, where we have that rivalry."
The Blues and Warriors currently have female sides in the Deakin University Female Football League under 18 competition and are two teams showing considerable interest in starting a women's team. The Roosters, Hamilton Kangaroos and Portland currently have senior teams.
Warrnambool Football Netball Club committee member Danili Dwyer said the Blues were still on the hunt for players and coaching staff as they aim to field a women's side in 2020.
"We're really interested in anything that anyone has to offer to get a side off the ground at Warrnambool," she said.
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