Head Coach: James Lees
Please provide a brief summary of how your team has been performing in the first half of the season
The first half of the season has seen the Div 4 girls go 7-1, and sit 2nd on the ladder (on %). There have been some visible signs of football improvement week on week as well as some bonding amongst the team as they become more familiar with each other.
What are some key highlights of your teams season so far?
At the halfway mark of the season we have 2 girls inside the top 4 of the league goal kickers charts. A key highlight was the home game against Wollondilly when the girls won by 101 points and it was noticeable that for some this was the first time they got to experience what it felt like to be a part of a really dominant team/performance.
What has been the highlight for you as coach of your team so far this season?
Bonding with all the players, to earn their trust and be able to share some of the football knowledge I have gained over my journey in football. Entering women’s coaching I knew very few members of the squad and had no experience being able to coach. But having the platform to demonstrate these ideas and the players hearing them and wanting to grow is a great cycle to be a part of.
What do you see as the biggest challenge for your team going into the second half of the season?
Keeping aligned to the overall goals of having fun and winning the flag. It will be a long season and there are lots of changes to the Div 4 team each week so to maintain an element of consistency could prove a challenge.
What does success look like for your team?
Being the first season for the team and competition there is no benchmark or comparison to last year however given we sit top 2 on the ladder, success from a performance point of view would be winning the premiership. From the girls point of view it is pivotal that they have fun and grow in footballing skills and general confidence in life for them to feel like they have achieved success, in my view.
What are some key games coming up in the second half of the season for your team?
After beating third place on the weekend by 47 points at their home ground the key home and away game remaining is at Rosedale against the magpies in round 12. This will set our season for finals.
Who are some key players within your team to keep an eye on, and why?
Some standout performers and players to watch include Theodora von Armin, who is a contested footballer and is a key part of the engine room. Masina Nelson breaks lines and tackles and brings a fierce intensity to the contest, with a bit of flair and spark to boot. Zoe Downing is the image of consistency and gives 110% every week for her team. She puts her body on the line and can often be seen screaming back to the goal square to be our last line of defence.