Before Sydney Derby IX kicks off at the SCG on Saturday, all eyes will be on the curtain-raiser as the girls take centre stage for the first Women's All-Star match.
The GIANTS will have a women’s team represent the club for the first time on Saturday afternoon at the SCG.
The women’s exhibition game against the Sydney Swans is the curtain raiser for Sydney Derby IX and is sure to gain plenty of attention with the game to also be live-streamed.
The history-making contest will feature the best players from a group of around 200 that have been participating in the AFL NSW/ACT Academy.
With the national women’s competition set to get underway next year, Australia’s best female talent are taking centre stage.
“I’m super excited. To be able to play at the SCG is a dream come true,” said Codie Briggs from the Newtown Breakaways who’ll pull on the GIANTS jumper.
“I’ve never had the opportunity to play on the SCG. I often come and watch both the GIANTS and Swans play here so it’s really exciting.”
Briggs has strong a strong AFL connection in her family with her uncle being former West Coast Eagles great David Wirrpanda.
Following a premiership with the Newtown Breakaways last season, Briggs is hoping to show the crowd why she received the ‘Player’s Player’ award in the Grand Final.
“I usually play as a forward but I believe I’ll be playing as a back this weekend,” she said.
“I like to take the game on head on. I try to be a bit tricky and do a couple of different things and reading the play is a strength of mine.
“The support around women’s football has grown incredibly in the last couple of years. I didn’t think we’d have a chance this year to do something like this but it’s happened, it’s here and we’re ready.”
LIVE STREAM: WOMEN'S ALL-STAR MATCH
The game will also have an international focus following the selection of two American players.
Katie Klatt from the Sacramento Suns will play for the GIANTS Academy while Kim Hemenway from the New York Magpies will line up for the Swans Academy.
All competitors are vying for selection in a NSW/ACT representative team that will take on South Australia at Adelaide Oval on June 5.
The bounce of the ball is at 1:40pm giving Swans and GIANTS fans a footy feast with Sydney Derby IX taking place at 4:35pm.
Saturday’s match is an away game for the GIANTS but members can get 15 per cent off tickets by using their 12-digit member barcode when purchasing tickets here. Select Category 3 and Bay 2 to sit with GIANTS fans.
