In a hugely male dominated sport, a special moment was shared at the weekend when two female captains, Jerrah Caruso and Savannah Emery lead their sides on the field.
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Both girls are the first female captains in their respective clubs history.
Jerrah is co-captain of the Deniliquin Rovers fourths side and Savannah is captain for Mathoura.
Rovers team manager Kylee Caruso said it is incredibly encouraging to see more girls getting involved in the sport.
“Every side we have versed so far this season have had female players,” she said.
“And to see two talented female players captain their sides, hopefully it will encourage more girls to get involved.”
Kylee and Jerrah Caruso were fundamental in the inclusion of an over age exemption introduced to the Picola and District Football League this season, which allows girls to play fourths (under-14s) football until the age of 15.
The exemption came to fruition after efforts to start a local under-18s girls football team were unsuccessful.
“Having the extra year for the girls to play is great and for some clubs they need the numbers, so it’s a great result for the clubs and perfect opportunity for girls to get involved,” said Kylee.
“When Jerrah started at the club she was the only girl in the league, so the numbers have certainly been growing.”
Rovers president John Glowrey said Jerrah and Savannah are fantastic role models to local girls in the area who may want to give footy a try.
“To have the two of them being such strong footy players, it is a really great sign for female footballers in the local area.”
Jerrah and Savannah are also involved in the GWS development academy and will be going head-to-head once again in upcoming weeks.