Parkside Spurs are hoping a bit more depth will help them close the gap in the Western Football League women’s competition this season.
The Spurs played finals last season, but were hurt by a lack of numbers as they struggled to run out the games late in the year.
Coach Callen Tenabel said they were excited to see where they would go this season.
“We have a bit more depth,” he said. “We’ve had a couple of players retire and a couple come out of retirement and a few transfers.
“Last year we had plenty of games where we would only have 14 players and that was where we lost in finals.
“The quarters dragged out to 25 minutes and the midfield got tired.”
In an exciting boost for the Spurs, they’ve signed a memorandum of understanding with Ascot Vale Panthers Junior Club.
The Panthers under-16s girls side will flow into the senior side, giving a pathway for both clubs.
“We expect to start to bring in juniors from Ascot Vale, the next few weeks,” he said.
“They play start to play some games through the side and its how we build the future at Parkside
“They train together, Parkside women’s and under-16s. There’s a pretty good connection that makes it much better for both groups, a lot of youth and lots of experience and everyone benefits.”
It’s been an interrupted start to the season for the Spurs.
They had a bye in round one, played in round two and then had the weekend off due to Easter.
Tenabel said it’s a bit hard to see where they fit at the moment but said they were happy with their one match so far.
In that game the Spurs beat West Footscray, 17.16 (118)-0.0 (0). Stacy Rigon and Danielle Speranza kicked five goals each.
“The way we moved the ball was definitely an improvement on last year, we had better structure going forward,” he said.
“Two of our better players weren’t there. We kicked goals from the midfield and the girls moved the ball how they wanted to move the ball.
“We’ve got three players trailing at VFLW [Victoria Football League women’s]. We’ve done a body of work in the pre-season. They are fitter and more experienced.”
Tenabel said they would get more of an indication of where they are at after their next game, against Caroline Springs.
He said Caroline Springs was the team to beat.
