GSFLW season preview 2023: Reigning fairest and best winner says women’s game only getting stronger

When I first started playing footy four years ago I didn’t really know what to expect. I thought it would just be fun, social and good fitness. Jumping to this year it’s great to see how far women’s footy has evolved and how much good talent there is around in the Great Southern at all ages. Joining in the second year of GSFLW when we started off with four teams we now fill six full sides — the same as the men’s league. It’s so good to see so many women giving it a good go and enjoying themselves and some striving to play at higher levels. For myself, having played local footy, I have enjoyed it more than I thought and now I’m taking on new opportunities that are leading to playing at higher levels. After winning the GSFLW best and fairest award it really drove me to take my football to another level, and grab the opportunities that come my way. Sometimes, being regional, it can be a harder pathway, but slowly more opportunities are coming our way as women’s football continues to grow. If I could give any bit of advice, put yourself out there and give these opportunities a crack because they don’t come around often and you just never know what’s around the corner. I really enjoy playing football. Royals Football Club is like home to me and just being around such a great support crew and making new friends and memories is just such a wonderful thing. Whether I’m helping someone on or off the field I love what I do. I hope people look up to me and I can help in some way. It all starts with the women’s league having a bar to set for all the youth talent coming through. Local football is getting bigger and better each year and with all the help of sponsors, coaching staff, umpires, players and volunteers — it all plays a part. - Taylah Orzel is the 2022 Great Southern Football League Women’s fairest and best player