Gaelic Football is launching its 2015 southern Tasmanian season with a call to more players to take up the exciting game. Tasamanian Gaelic Football & Hurling Association President Amanda Watkins said, “We have a great program this year and an extra team or two would make it even better.”
New recruits will have the chance to try the sport at both a come-and-try day and a pre-season lightning premiership tournament. The season proper kicks off in late October and concludes with a Grand Final in February. Last season’s men’s premier Shamrocks Na Fianna are again expected to compete strongly as are women’s champion Glenorchy.
“Although there are a few unique skills, many of the fundamentals of Gaelic football are similar to soccer and AFL, even rugby,” explained Watkins. “We find that new players do need a few sessions to get up to speed, hence we provide coaching to help them develop the necessary skills.”
Watkins said the seven-a-side league format was working well in Tasmania. “We have fluent and open games, and the interchange system means players can rest when necessary.” Injuries are relatively infrequent and generally minor, she noted, and the sport is an excellent way to keep fit over summer.
Another highlight of the season will be the Blitz when interstate teams arrive in Hobart to take on the locals. “It’s a challenge to test yourself against lads who play in probably better standard leagues, but we always put up a good fight,” said Alan Whykes, retired Shamrocks’ goalkeeper and now a local referee. The Blitz takes place on 14 November with men’s and women’s teams from Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and Darwin expected to take part.
Players – both male and female – from 16 and up interested in taking up Gaelic football should come along to the come-and-try day on Sunday 11 October at Metro FC’s soccer ground, Allunga Rd, Chigwell. Newcomers are welcome to just turn up on the day from 4pm onwards. Another entry point for new players is the Lightning Premiership to be held on Saturday 18 October at the same venue.
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Alan Whykes
