Four GNWFL players to be part of history when they take on metro counterparts

The Mid West continues to grow its standing as a producer of quality women footballers after four players from the GNWFL were named in the New Holland Country State Team.

A 23-player squad has been named to represent the New Holland Country State team against the State 18’s Women’s side at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

In an historic moment, it will be the first time the country women’s team will meet the State 18’s side in a competitive setting.

The clash is being used as preparation for the upcoming U18 AFL National Championship.

Unsurprisingly, three of the four GNWFL representatives hail from Brigades Football Club, thanks to their stunning season where they sit undefeated at the top of the ladder with 10 wins in a row.

Chief among the representatives is Hawks’ captain Jessica Giudice-Nairn, who has seven best player nominations from eight games and has been integral in their midfield this year.

Gemma Dix will join her with 16 goals from her 10 games and she brings versatility, being able to play as a full forward or push up to help in the middle of the ground.

Emilee Beven completes the Hawks’ trio with five best player nominations from six games and has been a big part of the Hawks’ turnaround this season since rejoining the league after a couple of years with Curtin.

The other Great Northern representative is Railways’ captain Jasmine Johansen, who has led from the front this year with best player nominations in every game, has 12 goals and has also represented East Fremantle in the WAFLW five times this season.

She will be vice-captain of the WA country squad a huge credit to her development in the past couple of seasons.

Joint reigning GNWFL women’s player of the year Tayah Palmer will also be on the field but will play against her Mid West counterparts having been included in the state squad for the national championships.

The match begins at 11am and is the curtain-raiser to the AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and North Melbourne this Sunday.