Glen Murrell is set to lead Laverton’s women’s side for the 2024 Western Region Football League women’s division 2 season.
During last season Murrell was an assistant at the Magpies, now in the driver’s seat he is hoping to take the club to the next step.
“It’s my first foray into a senior coaching position,” he said.
“I’ve been an assistant the last few years, so I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to coach my own team.”
Being at the Magpies last season will be a big advantage to Murrell and his coaching of the side, having already been able to think about a game plan and style that suits his team’s strengths.
“You know the little idiosyncrasies with the girls and all their strengths and weaknesses,” he said.
“I can put things in place now to help improve those things, so it’s definitely an advantage.”
Murrell also knows the league well, having also spent time with Hoppers Crossing as a part of its women’s program.
“I know from last year the skill level and knowledge that the women had,” he said.
“I’d definitely like to improve on that this year and bring in a higher performance program and lead the girls into a higher level of football.
“Through training and development, you develop players into better players
“We’re not putting any expectations on next year, just get the general improvements from the girls, through better skills, better decision making, a better game plan.
“Success will be from the feedback I get from the club and from the players.”
While Murrell is confident in the numbers he has at the moment, the club is always on the hunt for more players.
“Every year is different, obviously you lose some players and you gain some,” he said.
“Like all clubs we do have a little bit of turnover, but numbers are still good and we’re actively looking for new players.”
Last year the Magpies finished in fourth place, losing in an elimination final to eventual premiers West Footscray.
“That was an interesting game, in the third quarter we missed two easy goals that could have put us down only four points at three quarter time, and who knows from there,” Murrell said.
“With them going on to win the premiership, you could argue we’re not that far away, but there’s still a bit of work for the girls to do to keep achieving higher, so as long as they are keen on learning they’ll go far.”
