What a great year 2014 was – on the back of a sickening defeat from the Vics in 2013 where WA came so close but couldn’t quite finish the job, the girls stormed home in the grand final to ensure they were the undisputed champions. In doing so they created history by being the first state since the inception of the competition, other than Victoria, to win the Nationals. It was a unique few months with WA holding the State 16’s and the State U18 Youth Girls trophies.

The week long tournament in Canberra saw the girls competing in near freezing conditions that played havoc with skills – the dressing gowns were a useful addition for the girls on the bench! The cold also affected the huge amount of spectators who travelled to Canberra in support of the girls, as everyone desperately huddled to keep warm and not get frostbite under blankets and beanies.

With the majority of girls returning for the Championships and the addition of the best of the State 16’s, the team’s confidence was at an all time high. A really experienced side with some girls having played for 5 years and a “hunger” to win made all the difference. Michelle Cowan again headed up the campaign and was delighted with the final result.

All girls conducted themselves very well and represented their state with pride while in Canberra, both on and off the field. The team visited the AIS, The War Memorial and saw glimpses of Parliament House daily.

Qualifying games: Sunday 4/5/14 WA 3.5 (23) points were defeated by Vic Metro 4.4 (28) points, Monday 5/5/14 WA 11.6 (72) points defeated Vic Country 1.3 (9) points and Wednesday 7/5/14 WA 7.5 (47) points defeated  QLD 0.3 (3) points.

Finals - WA 7.8 (50) points defeated Vic Metro 4.1 (25) points in the Grand Final, creating history by becoming the first state other than Victoria to hold the trophy.  
?Final placings were; 1st WA, 2nd Vic Metro, 3rd Queensland, 4th Vic Country.

Hayley Miller was voted Fairest and Best in the finals series and Championship Fairest and Best in Pool A. Asha Price was the highest Goal Scorer, booting 8 in one game and equally the all time highest score set in 2012. Six WA players were selected in the All Australian Team. Congratulations to; Caitlyn Edwards, Hayley Miller, Kellie Gibson, Asha Price, Sabrina Frederick-Traub, and Tarnica Golisano. We were honoured and privileged to have the sponsorship of over 30 WA small and large businesses in 2014 – for without them we couldn’t have attended. With the Championships being conducted in WA at Mandurah, in 2015 we are finally hoping for a home town advantage.

TEAM:  WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Officials:
Head Coach: Michelle Cowan

Assistant Coaches: Michelle Harris, Martine Pearman, Kara Donnellan

Physios: Ghislene Goh and Tennayah Catto

Manager: Janet Seth

Strength and Conditioning: Ryan Gaias

Official Runner: Kira Phillips

WAFC Representative: Alison Moore