‘Excited to go again’: NCWL returns this weekend

The senior women’s and youth girls’ competitions begin on Sunday with anticipation sky-high for the return of the region’s talented female footballers.

Nathalia hits the road to take on Tatura on Sunday at 2.30pm to begin the long road back to grand final glory.

The Purples enter the clash as red-hot favourites with Tatura set to face another rebuilding season.

Nathalia defeated unbeaten outfit Echuca in last year’s memorable decider — which was a replica of the Purples’ 2021 triumph.

Favaro, who claimed last year’s NCWL best-and-fairest award, spoke ahead of the 2023 campaign and highlighted the anticipation amongst the playing group.

“We’re pretty excited to go again and try and get the three-peat,” Favaro said.

“We’ve also got a youth girls side up-and-running which has added some more girls into the footy world which has been good. There’s been more people at training and hopefully that sees more girls move into our senior side.

“There’s plenty of excitement which is great.”

This year ushers in a new era for the NCWL with a brand new face appearing in the ranks.

Nagambie will field its inaugural senior women’s side in what is a promising step in the right direction for the female competition.

Unfortunately, Benalla and Moama were late exits from the competition after they fielded interest earlier this year.

Despite the late withdrawal from Benalla and Moama, Favaro said there was plenty to look forward to in 2023.

“I think it’s getting better, especially after COVID when it died off when we lost a few teams like Shepparton and Rumba,” she said.

“It will be good to see sides like Nagambie enter and get a team up and running.”

In the youth girls competition, Shepparton Swans begin their quest to defend their premiership with a clash against Nathalia at Tatura Park.

Shepparton United makes the trek over to Moama in the final clash of the round while Echuca United has the bye.