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Cardiff Hawks star Cummings to lead AFLHCC reps into Women’s Summer Series

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AFL Hunter Central Coast (AFLHCC) will boast two dozen representatives in the first round of the Women’s Summer Series at Sydney this weekend.

They’ll join more than 100 of the best footballers from NSW and the ACT in action at Tom Willis Oval, Sydney Olympic Park, on Saturday 12 February.

The players have been invited to participate in the competition based on their outstanding performances at club, rep and Academy level.

While Newcastle City Blues’ Sarah Halvorson is the lone soldier in the GIANTS Orange squad, 23 locals will take the field for Swans Red, headed by Cardiff Hawk and Black Diamond Cup player of the year Clare Cummings.

The former footballer enjoyed a breakout season in 2021.

In just her second year of AFL, she dominated most games through the midfield, as well as managing to kick 10 goals in 11 matches and winning the Anzac Day Medal for best on ground performance in a 75-1 thrashing of Warners Bay.

Cummings’ Cardiff team mates Tayla Kennedy, Eliza Schramm, Nelita Sherrin-Bob, Beth Martini and Hayley Hawkins have also received the selectors’ nod.

Newcastle City boasts the biggest representation with London Ashcroft, Brooklyn Perry, Marnie Robinson, Roisin Ronan Yates, Molly Simpson, Willow Smith, Asha Turner-Funk and Taylor Joyce earning berths.

Also named in the Swans Red line-up are Jayda Kennedy (The Entrance Bateau Bay), Jocelyn Kelleher (Killarney Vale), Taylah Canobie (Killarney Vale), Emily Crookes (Killarney Vale), Taylah Canobie (Killarney Vale), Kyah McBride (Singleton), Peggy Enders (Terrigal Avoca), Paris Crelley (Warners Bay) and Rebecca Ives (Wyong Lakes).

AFL NSW/ACT’s talent manager Darren Denneman said the tournament would assist elite clubs, such as the GIANTS and Swans, build their AFLW lists.

“The Women’s Summer Series has been embraced by the two AFLW organisations in our market,” he stated.

“So, it presents an opportunity for NSW and ACT players to build their profiles ahead of four new AFLW clubs entering next season’s AFLW competition.

“All of them, and the staff, have demonstrated great enthusiasm in training and combine testing.

“We now look forward to the match series.”

GIANTS AFLW players will get involved in the competition, too, joining the teams to give themselves a quality match experience when not selected in the senior AFLW side.

Sydney Swans executive general manager AFLW Kate Mahony said the series was a terrific opportunity to discover athletes who could be future Swans. 

“Following the appointment of Scott Gowans as our senior coach, we’re ready to start building our list,” she explained.

“So, we’re really excited to watch the series and see these athletes put their best foot forward.

“We want a competitive team, and one that includes plenty of local talent, so this event is an incredibly important addition to the AFLW program and one that will enable us to identify potential Sydney Swans recruits.”

GIANTS head of women’s football Briana Harvey agreed.

“The introduction of the Women’s Summer Series allows us, for the first time, to have an underpinning competition for those not selected to play at AFLW level,” she said.

“It’s a great opportunity for our train-on players, Academy athletes and others across NSW and the ACT to be part of a development program as they work towards playing at the elite level.”

MATCH DAYS

Saturday 12 February – Tom Wills Oval, Sydney Olympic Park

  • Noon: Swans White (Sydney) v GIANTS Orange (Sydney)
  • 2pm: GIANTS Charcoal (ACT/SNSW) v Swans Red (HCC/NNSW)

Sunday 20 February – Blacktown International Sports Park

  • Noon: GIANTS Charcoal (ACT/SNSW) v GIANTS Orange (Sydney)
  • 2pm: Swans White (Sydney) v Swans Red (HCC/NNSW)

Saturday 5 March or Sunday 6 March (TBA) – Blacktown International Sports Park

  • Noon: GIANTS Charcoal (ACT/SNSW) v Swans White (Sydney)
  • 2pm: Swans Red (HCC/NNSW) vs GIANTS Orange (Sydney)

FINALS

Sunday 13 March – Picken Oval, Croydon Park

  • Noon: 3rd v 4th
  • 2pm: 1st vs 2nd

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