AFLW legends all the rage at historic all-girls carnival
For hundreds of Perth girls, this dream came true on Sunday.
West Coast coach Pearce and Dockers legend Bowers were among a host of women's footballs stars that joined in on the historic All-Girls Auskick Gala in Nollamara.
The event hosted around 450 players, aged between five and 12 from 40 different clubs across Perth at Des Penman Reserve in Nollamara.
It was a first-hand display of the rise and rise of the women's game in Western Australia.
Dockers coach Lisa Webb and the Eagles' all-time games record-holder Belinda Smith both also joined in, along with representatives from WAFLW clubs.
Mt Hawthorn Junior Football Club female football coordinator Anastasia Little said it was 'an absolutely phenomenal' day. Ocean Ridge girls celebrate a win with the team song. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian
And it wasn't all about football. The girls brought some party tricks to the table in front of their heroes.
'The girls just had an absolute blast,' Ms Little said.
'Seeing cartwheels and handstands and all the things that girls love to do to celebrate in their own way, was actually really, really cute.'
Little said the attendance of some greats of the game, including Melbourne premiership captain and women's footy trailblazer Pearce, would inspire the young girls, who can look up to those players as role models.
Pearce posed for photos and joined in on mini-games with the girls. Daisy Pearce with Willow Hood-Pebb, 6, and Charlotte Tran, 6 of Ocean Ridge. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian
'It's for these girls to see who they can be if they continue on and play footy in their footy journey and what's possible for them,' she said.
WA Football's Women & Girls Community Football Manager Lisa Steane described the event as a landmark occasion for football in the state.
'This is a landmark moment for footy in WA. It's the first event of its kind in the country, and it's amazing to see so many clubs come together to celebrate the power of girls in our game,' she said. Daisy Pearce gets taken down by an Ocean Ridge player. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian
'The turnout shows just how much demand there is for girls-only footy experiences. It's not just about participation – it's about developing a genuine, long-lasting love for the game.
'That kind of connection starts with positive, inclusive, high-quality experiences like this, where girls feel supported, engaged and excited to come back each week. Hundreds of young Auskickers turned out from around Perth to play round robin games on Sunday morning. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian
'We know that when young girls see female coaches, female players, and female role models front and centre, they feel like they belong – and that's what this event is all about.
'We're seeing huge momentum in the women and girls' space, and events like this reflect how committed we are to building a pathway that starts strong at the grassroots level.'
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