The Kirby Bentley Cup is an annual round robin tournament coordinated by the West Australian Football Commission, targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls aged 13-15 years old. With the huge growth in female footy and the introduction of the AFL Women’s competition, the Kirby Bentley Cup provides young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls with a great opportunity to put their skills on display, be linked to local female football clubs and be identified for the WAFLW talent pathway.
Named in honour of Kirby Bentley who is regarded as one of the greatest female football players to ever play the game, the inaugural Kirby Bentley Cup played in 2014, featured 10 teams and over 150 players. The overall goal of the Kirby Bentley Cup is to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and community members participating in clubs and development squads as either players, coaches, umpires, administrators, or volunteers.
The carnival provides members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community with the opportunity to:
- Participate in a structured WA football marquee event.
- Achieve coaching and umpiring accreditation.
- Re-engage with educational and sport participation programs.
- Connect with AFLW/WAFLW mentors and role models.
- Potentially be identified for WAFLW development pathways.
| Claremont | Claremont District |
Development Officer |
| East Fremantle | East Fremantle District |
Development Officer |
| East Perth | East Perth District |
Development Officer |
| Peel Thunder | Peel District |
Development Officer |
| Perth | Perth District |
Development Officer |
| South Fremantle | South Fremantle District |
Development Officer |
| Subiaco | Subiaco |
Development Officer |
| Swan Districts | Swan District |
Development Officer |
| West Perth | West Perth District |
Development Officer |
Kirby Bentley is regarded as one of the greatest female football players to ever play the game, originally beginning her playing career for Swan Districts FC in the WA Women’s Football League, growing up in the Southwest of Western Australia.
In 2017, Kirby Bentley represented the Fremantle Dockers in the inaugural AFL Women’s league having been chosen as a priority selection during the first ever AFL National Women’s Draft. She later joined Carlton in 2018 as a free agent.
Playing Career & Achievements:
• Pre-Draft Priority Selection for Fremantle Dockers AFL Women’s Team
• AFL Player for Melbourne Football Club
• Debbie-Lee Medallist - best player in Australia named at AFL Open Women’s National Championships in 2011
• All Australian
• WA State Player
• WA Women’s Football League Premiership Player
More recently, Kirby had taken on a role as Development coach for the Western Bulldogs AFLW program, before transitioning to Assistant coach for Essendon’s AFL Womens team. Kirby has also created andestablished her own clothing and artwork brand, Gnalla.
Not playing at your local community club yet?
Whether you’re a kid starting out, an up-and-coming star, or just casually keeping fit, local footy will grow your game and your friend group.
Whatever your level, you’ll help foster a deep connection to Australia’s favourite game, while also strengthening connections between your family and new friends.
Register to play or find out your local community footy club by CLICKING HERE
