At Druids Cricket Club, the first girls’ team celebrated with victory laps even when they lost. For a group of eight to 12-year-olds discovering cricket together, there was already plenty to enjoy. As the club celebrates its 100th year in 2026, that enthusiasm has become part of a story worth recognising this Women & Girls […]
At Druids Cricket Club, the first girls' team celebrated with victory laps even when they lost. For a group of eight to 12-year-olds discovering cricket together, there was already plenty to enjoy.
As the club celebrates its 100th year in 2026, that enthusiasm has become part of a story worth recognising this Women & Girls Week. From a single seven-a-side team to representative honours and a women's premiership, Druids has helped create a place for girls to belong, build friendships and find their own connection to cricket.
The journey began during the 2017/18 pre-season, when the Junior Committee decided to establish an all-girls team, building on the growth of its junior program and excitement surrounding the AFLW and Women's Big Bash League.
Libby Howe became the inaugural coach, later joined by Alison Whan. Come and Try sessions soon attracted enough players to form a team, and by the start of the season, the girls were playing competitive cricket.
Their first home was the West Footscray Primary School oval. Dusty, uneven and small, it was nevertheless a ground they proudly called their own.
Few players had much cricket experience, and many had never considered taking up the sport. What they brought was an eagerness to learn, spend time with friends and have fun, with cartwheels and dance moves becoming familiar features of those early sessions.
As confidence grew, so did the program.
Eventually, Druids had enough players for two under-13 teams, setting the stage for an occasion that remains a treasured club memory – the inaugural derby between Druids Orange and Druids Purple.
More than 100 spectators gathered at Shorten Reserve, with Tony Dodemaide and Molly Strano among those supporting the girls.
For parent Deb Sass, it was a standout moment.
"What a great journey for all our girls. The match of Druid's Orange VS Druid's Purple was a highlight memory for us," Sass said.
Behind the growth was a commitment to making players feel welcome.
Access to suitable facilities was an ongoing challenge as the teams moved between grounds. The club also moved away from traditional whites, introducing black leggings and shorts alongside its distinctive purple colours to help girls feel comfortable and confident.
Support from junior and senior committees, coaches and players helped girls become part of the wider club, with opportunities to train and play in mixed teams as their interest developed.
Families began travelling from Melton, Point Cook and Caroline Springs to join the program. By its third season, girls represented 36% of all Druids' junior players.
That foundation has supported opportunities beyond the club.
More than 30 girls have played representative cricket for the WRJCA; four have reached state level, and others have progressed to Premier Cricket with Essendon Maribyrnong Park, Plenty Valley and Greenvale.
Mackenzie Whan became the first female player to represent Druids in senior men's cricket, including sharing a game with her Dad.
As junior players grew older, the pathway continued.
Druids joined Barkly Street Uniting to form a women's team in 2021/22, winning a premiership in its first season.
Yet the program's impact extends beyond results.
Reflecting on a player's milestone, Whan described cricket as "the vessel through which she has made so many friendships, found an active social and physical outlet, and managed to achieve some milestones that have even surprised herself."
Around 80 girls have learned to play and love cricket through Druids, supported by volunteers and families who helped turn an idea into a lasting part of the club.
In its centenary year, that is a legacy to celebrate: girls finding their place in cricket and a club growing stronger because of them.
On behalf of Cricket Victoria, we congratulate Druids Cricket Club on reaching an incredible centenary milestone and look forward to seeing the Druids legacy continue for 100 more.
