Albany Valkyries play ‘well-received’ first masters football game at Collingwood Park for Vikings’ Anzac round

The Albany Valkyries women’s masters football team played their first game on Saturday against a combined metro women’s side, with the new side well-populated by both local and out-of-town players. The day was historic in more ways than one, with the club playing its first Anzac round and holding a short commemorative service before the men’s game bouncedown at 2pm at the Vikings’ home ground in Collingwood Park. Round organiser Jason Lockhart said the club received enthusiastic feedback from both players and spectators and hoped to make the special round an annual tradition. “We had two great games of masters footy played in great spirits,” he said. “The Anzac round is a new thing for us, and having that small service before the game was something special for everyone that was there, and we’re definitely keen to bring that back for next year.” The Valkyries put up an enthusiastic but largely inexperienced side, and Lockhart said it was inspiring to see the camaraderie on the pitch as the metro women lent a hand to newer players in the regional team. “The metro side was a great help for our girls,” he said. “Most of the metro girls have played a few seasons, but for some of our local girls it was their first game of footy ever, so it was great to see the metro side encouraging them throughout the game, and for some of our local girls to get a better idea of what masters footy is all about. “We definitely had great feedback all round, and some of the girls who came down from Perth have already said they were keen to come back next year.” The club has set its sights on the Busselton Country Carnival over the June long weekend. Lockhart said it was a great opportunity for anyone keen to give masters footy a go, with the club still looking for players for both its men’s and women’s sides.