Tara Murray
It has been a solid start for Altona in the Hockey Victoria premier league for both its men’s and women’s sides.
Both senior Seagulls sides have a win and a draw apiece after the first two rounds, which is pleasing according to president Alex Tyrrell.
“Our women’s side and men’s sides both have the same results,” he said. “One draw and one win.
“Our men had a big win in round one and then a draw in round two, but it was the other way round for the women who had a draw and then a big win at home.
“We’re doing pretty well so far.”
Tyrrell said they were expecting a strong season from their men’s side again after making a preliminary final last season.
The women’s side’s first focus is ensuring they stay in the top grade, with the competition to be cut from 16 teams to 12 teams next year.
He said the start for the women’s side had been unexpected.
One of the key reasons for the strong start has been the performance of recruit Carly James.
The Australian development player scored three goals in the side’s 5-0 win against Southern United on Saturday.
Tyrrell said for James it was just about enjoying her hockey.
“She’s been huge in the first couple of rounds,” he said. “She was looking for a fresh start and enjoying her hockey at this level.
“A lot of club’s have been trying to get overseas players and heaps of club’s have, but getting Carly is better than getting them.”
The women’s side is also benefiting from a new coaching set up with Danielle Schubach appointed coach with Stephanie Young as her assistant coach.
Schubach and Young are great mates and they had played the majority of their hockey together throughout the years.
“The team they played in round one just missed finals and the team they beat in round two made a preliminary final last year,” Tyrell said of the women’s side.
With the competition also reducing the number of games, so that every team plays each other once, making every match even more important.
This week the Seagulls face Waverley in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
Tyrrell said he was expecting a couple of good matches.
“The men’s team is really strong,” he said. “ They were top of the table last year.
“The women’s side didn’t make the finals. The women’s competition has tightened up and there have been a few other odd results.”
Things have been going well off field as well, with the club securing a new major sponsor, while they’re set to receive funding in the Hobsons Bay council budget.
Meanwhile, Footscray’s women’s side had a big win against the Geelong Sharks, winning 6-1.
Carla Bond scored two goals for Footscray.
Footscray’s men’s side also had a big win, beating the Sharks 8-3. Euan Gilmour scored two goals in the win.
