MARCH 13, 2019 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + THE WEST’S BEST PROPERTY GUIDE
Matildas home goal By Benjamin Millar Maribyrnong could soon be waltzing into the soccer spotlight as the new home of the national women’s soccer side after making its case to become the Matildas’ home base. Under the ambitious proposal, a $60-$80 million elite training base would be built in Maribyrnong for the Matildas, who are heading to the World Cup in France this June as the sixth-ranked team in the world. The base could include a stadium with a capacity of up to 5000, along with administration headquarters and a number of soccer pitches. Maribyrnong is one of seven areas jostling to host the facility, going up against Brimbank, Casey, Maroondah, Darebin, Shepparton and LaTrobe University’s Bundoora campus.
‘‘
It’s an exciting initiative for the women’s game
’’
- Kimon Taliadoros
Teen an artful dodger When Fiona Nguyen accepted an invitation to play in social dodgeball, she never envisaged it would open a world of possibilities. The year 12 Braybrook student has been training with the Australian women’s dodgeball team and last week made her way to Canberra to take part in a national camp. It’s a remarkable journey that began with a chance phone call. “My friends needed a girl to come and play in their social league,” she said. “It was fun and scary … but it really grew from there.” She said her goal this year was to make the Australian side for the world championships. “I still can’t believe to this day that dodgeball has become such a big part of my life.”
(Luke Hemer)
Football Federation Australia is backing Football Victoria’s proposal to build the elite facility in Melbourne. Maribyrnong chief executive Stephen Wall would not reveal specific details about the council’s bid, but said the council would welcome further conversation with soccer’s key bodies. “Maribyrnong council is continually looking at ways to develop sport and sporting infrastructure in the municipality, and looking for opportunities for our city more broadly,” he said. The facility would host a newly developed Emerging Matildas program as a pathway for Victorian girls aiming to represent Australia. Football Victoria president Kimon Taliadoros said the project would be a huge investment in the women’s game. “It’s an exciting initiative for the women’s game in Australia,” he said. “Certainly, a dedicated facility would go a long way towards helping Victorian football meet our stated objective of 50-50 gender participation by 2027.” FFA chairman Chris Nikou said the federation was working closely with Football Victoria to secure government support for the proposal. Football Victoria is in the process of selecting a shortlist of potential sites. The new home base is due to be completed before the 2023 women’s World Cup, with Australia in the bidding to host the tournament.
Tate Papworth
“
3,000KG ALSO AVAILABLE “
BONUS
SEE CATALOGUE INSERTED IN TODAY’S PAPER
Also Available separately $129ea
2 FOR
$195
BROOKLYN - 720 Geelong Rd Ph: 8326 6999
Ratchets on both ring & open end
LOW PRICE!
$189
134577
680kg Vehicle Position Jack
122818
$49
95
128192
2000kg Axle Stands
12 Piece Metric Double Ratcheting Spanner Set
159
77410
8 PIECE RATCHET SET
$
own it now, pay later
TT1004