Aussie Rules: Demons of Wandsworth are calling you

The Wandsworth Demons men’s team has been running for 25 years and to mark their anniversary they are launching this new side.

The women’s team will compete in the first ever league in April taking on the South East London Giants, the Wimbledon Hawks and the North London Lions.

Kate Grabowski, who helped form the side, now wants to see as many people as possible involved in the sport she loves.

She said: “It’s fun, it’s great fitness, and it gives you a chance to socialise with a great mix of people.

“There are lots of Aussies and Kiwis in the side but we’re always looking for new players and there’s lots of Europeans and Brits playing throughout the league.”

She moved to London from Australia a year and a half ago and found that there was not a lot of opportunities to play the sport here.

After watching the English Vixens reach the final of the AFL Euro Cup, Grabowski took the idea of a women’s team to the Demons.

Demons: Come and join us...

They were on board and are keen on giving people who fancy a go at the sport a chance to do so.

Kate said: “I invite anyone to come down to our training at Clapham Common.”

“People of all abilities can play, even people who have never heard of the sport.”

Aussie rules is a full-contact, high-impact sport that is often described as being similar to rugby.

However, despite the physical nature of the game, Grabowski insists wanabee players have nothing to worry about.

She said: “Everyone who plays will be looked after, we’ll have mouth guards and head guards. We play on a full oval and will play a full 18-a-side like the men.

“It’s a full exercise testing a full range of skills from hand-ball to kicking.”

Along with the big push for the women’s side, the 25th anniversary also brings with it a new logo, new merchandise and a celebration to take place before the start of the season.

For details, email contact@wandsworthdemons.com.