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PolicyAbout usView Subscription OffersThe Examiner's complete view of propertyHome/Sport/FootballRocherlea women's footballers in danger of folding for the seasonBy Andrew MathiesonUpdated

February 18 2019 - 9:24pm, first published 9:00pmBy Andrew MathiesonUpdated February 18 2019 - 9:24pm, first published 9:00pmFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyCOME JOIN US: Rocherlea

footballers Rachel Watson and Marlia Richardson-Green are ready to play on this season. Picture: Paul Scambler These breed of Tigers are in danger of facing extinction.

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50% off EOFY SaleAll articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperCrosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll other regional websites in your areaContinue But for Rocherlea’s

latest ambush of footballers, they are fighting to be released out of their cage.

In an era where the female game has not only arrived but is flourishing beyond expectations, coach Amanda Sweeney has discovered an unexpected problem.

Rocherlea is already struggling for playing numbers and may be forced to forfeit before the opening bounce.

“It’s certainly a realistic possibility,” Sweeney said.

Just the same dozen players have turned up every week since the opening preseason training.

“We’d want at least that again, so we’re looking for 24 or 25 to play,” Sweeney said.

“With 16-a-side, we can put six on the bench.

“But that would be it – obviously you always need a few players in reserves.

“Injuries obviously happen, so you have to have the excess numbers to call upon and if you haven’t got that, it’s a big struggle.”

The club has conducted letterdrops and also word of mouth in the Rocherlea and Mayfield areas to no avail.

Sweeney attributed the poor numbers on departures to new teams as the North’s women competition continues to expand its reach from the original six clubs only three seasons ago. 

“It just hasn’t picked up at all for us, unfortunately,” Sweeney said.

“Obviously with the new teams coming in, it hasn’t helped us get a team.

“We have had maybe four or five [players] that have left, but other teams lose players too – that’s part of footy.

“Its harder to grab numbers because other teams in different areas are grabbing the excess numbers that was previously out there.”

Sweeney encourages keen players to attend training on Monday and Wednesday nights at Rocherlea Football Club from 6pm.

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ShareFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyAndrew MathiesonSports JournalistThe day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised

journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.The day I realised I wasn't good enough

to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for

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