The Hunter River Times

BY MEREDITH BLAIR

Singleton Roosterettes coach Nadene McBride is excited in the lead up to the inaugural Bush to Beach AFL carnival.

The carnival is the brainchild of women’s AFL coaches from Maitland, Port Stephens and Singleton, evolving from the idea to stage trial matches for the players before the start of the season.

For some of the girls, this will be their first time playing a game of AFL, providing a great opportunity for the new recruits to get a feel of the game beyond training.

“Playing the game versus just practicing during training are totally different things, so it’ll be great to see them get that experience,” Nadene said.  

Though the playing coach will be sitting this carnival out following an operation, she will be watching and coaching eagerly from the sidelines.

Since December, McBride and her team have been training hard and so they are excited to get on the field.

“It’ll be great for the girls to gain those skills but more than anything I’m hoping they’ll have fun,” she added.