A song to celebrate the Aussie Football Rules Women’s League; by Merle Brown

 

I wanted to celebrate the guts, spirit and determination of women playing Aussie Rules. I wanted to name the discrimination that said that: “girls can’t” – play football, kick goals, run fast, tackle hard. I wanted women and girls to have something of their own to sing that says “yes we can – and we’re doing it right now!!!”

I envisage this song being sung by both teams before the game, after they run on and before the toss. I imagine them lined up in two rows facing each and singing this song ferociously and joyously to and at each other.

Brief bio: 

I’m in my late 60s and had little chance to play sport as a child. I wanted to play hockey but the school didn’t have left-handed sticks! I wanted to play cricket, but that simply wasn’t an option for girls.

I live in Brunswick with my partner of more than 30 years, who suggested I could write a song for the players. I only started composing 10 years ago, after I left the full-time work force and started having piano lessons. Friends who’ve heard my song love it. But it might be a step too far for the AFL who may not want to be reminded that women had to fight for decades for the right to play.

Merle Brown,

10 April 2017.

 


 

Here it is in all its glory:

 

 

 We are strong, proud women, 

Fighting for the ball, 

Fighting for the right to play, 

Standing straight and tall: 

Oh, we are strong, proud women, 

Fighting for the win, 

Fighting body, heart and mind, 

Till we stand and sing; 

Till we stand and sing – 

Yeah! 

Please help us spread the word about Merle’s song – and if you are musically talented – can you go one better and record this?