Huntly Hawks have eyes on victory in Bendigo Youth Girls' grand final clash

THE Huntly girls’ football team will be aiming to mark its debut season with victory against Marong in this Sunday’s grand final in the Bendigo Youth Girls’ league at Dower Park.The Hawks and Panthers will do battle from 1.30pm.On an 11-game winning streak, Huntly will be favourites after a 25-point victory against Marong in round 11.The Huntly Hawks joined the Bendigo Youth Girls competition, which includes North Bendigo and Eaglehawk, this season.YMCA project officer Women in Sport Bianca Rinaldi said this weekend’s match should be a close encounter.“It’s fantastic to see Huntly finish on top of the ladder in its first season in the competition,” she said.“Marong is always a strong side and will be tough to beat in the grand final.”Rinaldi said this year’s competition had been a marked improvement on previous years.“The girls absolutely love it and they are there every week.“We’re hoping to assist the clubs and develop the competition in order to expand it in the future.”Rinaldi has also been working to establish a Bendigo senior women’s football team.“It’s one thing to say we can encourage girls to play from 13 to 18 years, but there is no point if after the age of 18 they have nowhere to go, so that’s why we are working hard to develop those pathways with a women’s team.“At this point we will definitely field a team in the VWFL north-west region next season.”