EARLIER this month the Hills Rangers women’s football team played ladder leader Whitfords.

Placed ninth on the ladder, the team were looking for another win with Tallulah Cruskall-Taylor playing her 100th game.

A massive achievement in the club’s history, Tallulah is the first female to play 100 games with the Rangers after coming through the ranks.

Tallulah started out in the juniors in the inaugural Year 5 and 6 team in 2019 and continued through youth until Year 10.

At 16 when the club was unable to field a youth side she joined the women’s team despite her mum saying, “Why footy? Netball is better.”

Tallulah replied, “‘Cause dad played footy and I’m gonna give it a go!”

Tallulah’s mum Faith is very proud of Tallulah’s achievement.

“Girl’s footy is hard with new players, team and coaches each year,” Faith said.

“The facilities, playing schedule and volunteer help are challenging.
“Good players head to development and don’t come back due to playing rules, some quit and numbers drop off.

“Tallulah stayed even through the hard times. She still loves footy, played on and played up in the women's team from (age) 16.

“She is blessed that her sick dad got to see her run through the 100 games banner a week before he passed away.

“She’s a ripper ruck who loves the fitness, team spirit and all that footy offers.”

Tallulah was also the Rangers’ first goal scorer in the first quarter of the game.

Unfortunately, the Rangers couldn’t quite manage the win  – missing a kick after the siren to try and get a draw.

The women went down 3.4 (22) to Whitfords 4.4 (28) but all credit to the Rangers who took it right up to the ladder leaders and the margin was never more than six points throughout the game.

A great battle for the NAIDOC round in the Perth Football League (PFL).