Head Coach: Jemma Still & Melissa Khoury
Please provide a brief summary of how your team has been performing in the first half of the season
The women’s Division Two team are so far 8 from 9, having only lost to Southern Power who are currently at the top of the ladder. The girls have improved considerably over the past 5 rounds, really gelling together as a core unit that’s evident when the scores are close.
What are some key highlights of your teams season so far?
Our biggest game of the season was coming up against South West Magpies at their home ground on a dewy Saturday morning. The ball was wet and slippery, and the Magpies came out ready to fight. Our girls held their own, and played their best four quarters of footy to get the win and put us a game clear of the rest of the ladder with Southern Power. We’ve had a bunch of girls play their first games of footy, including Luci Monk, Ella Goldsmith, Rosie Beasley and Ella Purvis, along with a quite a few who have come through from Maroubra YG to play their first season of senior footy.
What has been the highlight for you as coach of your team so far this season?
Seeing the girls grasp the footy fundamentals has been fantastic this year. With 43 girls having so far played through the team, the improvement of individuals and the depth of the squad is exciting.
What do you see as the biggest challenge for your team going into the second half of the season?
Our biggest challenge will be Southern Power, and overcoming out ability to get a bit wobbly for 5 minutes in each quarter. If we can tighten up our pressure and keep cool heads, we will be approaching the finals series with confidence.
Who are some key players within your team to keep an eye on, and why?
Emma Gelsimino – sneaky and can’t be stopped in front of goal
Eloise Kneebone – a brilliant and intelligent ruck who beats players much taller than herself
Rosie Beasley – a first year player who can play anywhere and dominate
Ella Goldsmith – a first year player who has come across from rugby and is the best tackler in the league
Nic Jones – our teenage FB is the quietest in the sheds and the loudest on the ground – beats much bigger players with her footy smarts and calm head
Laura Sweeting – knocking on the door for her prems debut, Sweets’ field positioning and ability to get her hands on the ball is second to none