Female footy players from South Australia’s Mid North have had the exciting opportunity to see the stars of the game play up front for the first time, thanks to BHP.

A chartered bus drove players and their families from Port Augusta to Norwood Oval, where they enjoyed corporate seating and hospitality from some of the best seats in the ground.

Port Augusta Girls Football Coordinator Sam Boully said it was most players’ first experience at a professional football game.

“Most of them haven’t been to a men’s or women’s game, so it was cool seeing taking everything in,” Boully said.

“Being there in person, you can really feel the atmosphere and it amplifies the game so much more. You feel part of it and you are more in the moment watching.

“We were right near the Collingwood bench and really close to the sideline so we could see so much.

“The girls even got to go on the ground after the game for a kick, which they loved.

“The girls were really excited to see Sarah Allan, who had come up to visit us last year, and they were able to see how hard the players have to work.

“BHP have been an incredible supporter of our competition and our girls.”

The players are participants in the Port Augusta Girls Football Program, a weekly female football competition which aims to provide more opportunities for aspiring AFLW athletes in the region.

Through to BHP’s support, Crows AFLW captain Chelsea Randall - who has a strong background in coaching and establishing community football programs – has assisted the league and its coaches throughout the year, including heading up to Port Augusta and supporting the grand final.

BHP has also provided essential equipment including goals, training vests, tackle and marking bags, as well as trophies for the grand final winners.

Boully said seeing a game in person made the girls realise some of the possibilities football could bring them.

“One of the girls from our league, Sarcha Taylor, was playing in the curtain raiser and it was really cool to see her in her Crows Academies top.

“To see a girl from our competition playing at Norwood Oval with some of the best players in the state really shows why giving girls in country areas opportunities to start playing football is so important.

Plans for the 2022 season in Port Augusta are already under way, with ongoing conversations about expanding the number of clubs who compete.

The players will be looking even better this winter, with brand new uniforms supplied by BHP.