Welcome the Macquarie University Goannas

Macquarie University and Parramatta Goannas are excited to announce the formation of a revolutionary Football Alliance, aimed at elevating the women’s football game in Sydney to new heights.

The alliance, which has been approved by AFL Sydney for the 2023 season, will provide a platform for players based in the Parramatta region to compete at the highest level of AFL Sydney while remaining connected to their home clubs. The program will be led by experienced coach Joel Upfill and GWS Giants AFLW players Jodie Hicks and Katherine Smith, and will field five teams from Premier Division down to Division Four.

This alliance is not just about winning on the field, but also about creating a pathway for female footballers in Sydney to reach their full potential, creating the largest and best structured women’s football program in NSW. The alliance will provide access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the recently announced upgrade to Macquarie University Oval to AFLW standard, as well as elite S&C and physio support from Athlete’s Authority.

The ‘Macquarie University Goannas’ will field five (5) teams in 2023, making the aligned club the largest Women’s Program in AFL Sydney with teams in all Women’s Competitions from Premier Division to Women’s Division Four. All teams will be named ‘Macquarie University Goannas’ and have been included in the 2023 competition structure.

Goannas President Michael Bright said “Our women’s program has had great success since its inception and we are excited that our players have been rewarded with the opportunity to test themselves at the highest level. This alliance is a game-changer for female football in Western Sydney and we are grateful to be partnering with Macquarie University. By combining our coaching and professional resources and facilities, we can now provide a pathway for players in Western Sydney to reach their full potential and compete at the highest level, while minimising travel and the costs associated with competing at that level. Most importantly, the whole program approach ensures we are providing the right environment for players wanting to pursue elite level footy right through to players wanting to participate for fun and some extra fitness.”

Mac Uni President Kristian Purdie echoed Michael’s sentiments, saying “Mac Uni has been one of the clubs that has been at the forefront of women’s football in Sydney, and with a rich history of team successes as well being home to close to a dozen current or former AFLW players, this is a really exciting step in the future direction of our program. We are thrilled to be forming this alliance with the Parramatta Goannas. This partnership is not just about winning on the field, it’s about creating opportunities for female footballers in Sydney to develop as footballers and be part of something bigger.”

If you are interested in learning more, or you are a player that would like to be part of this program, please contact Kristian Purdie (kristian.purdie@gmail.com. 0478 811 191) or Joel Upfill (0447 522 609) for more details.