The Adelaide and Port Adelaide Football Clubs recently created history by playing the first ever female Showdown.
The Under-16 Crows and Port Girls Talent Academies played against each other in a trial match at Football Park earlier this month.
This was the first of three matches that will give the aspiring young footballers exposure to playing at the elite level.
Adelaide’s side wore GPS trackers, enabling players to assess the data post-game as they were also shown match vision and given thorough reviews.
Players were identified and recommended late last year from the SANFL clubs that are zoned to the Crows – Central, Sturt, North Adelaide and Glenelg.
Port Adelaide’s Academy is made up of girls living and playing in the South Adelaide, Norwood, Woodville-West Torrens and West Adelaide zones.
The game saw the Power take advantage of the strong winds in the opening term, kicking six goals to gain a strong lead.
While the Crows struggled to convert their opportunities, they bounced back in the final term to finish the game strong.
However, that wasn’t enough to reduce the Power’s lead, and they won 11.5 (71) to 3.8 (26).
Crows Female Talent Academy Officer Chelsea Randall was impressed by the talent on show.
“It’s a fantastic concept that the two AFL clubs and SANFL have put together, it allows us to showcase the next generation of players coming through,” Randall said.
“South Australian girls now have so many opportunities to not only play football, but also to be a part of talent academies.
“The high performing environments will fast track their skills and knowledge of the game.
“I wish this existed when I was their age.”
There are two more games in the series, one in Alberton on Wednesday, March 20 and the third at Football Park on Thursday, April 18.
Fans wanting to check out the next generation of female footballers are able to go watch the game at 6pm.