Tara Murray
New Parkside Spurs coach Callan Tenabel is enjoying the challenge at the Western Football League women’s side.
Tenabel took over as coach in the off season said it had been an enjoyable challenge coaching women for the first time.
“I relay love it,” he said. “There’s so much excitement and they want to listen and learn.
“It’s a change from men’s and boys footy. They want to know how to position themselves and the technical stuff.”
Tenabel played with Parkside’s men’s side for 10 years previously and coached girls football the last few years, with his team having some training sessions with the Spurs.
The Spurs have started their season 1-1, with a massive win against North Sunshine in round two kick starting their season.
Tenabel said the inclusions of a couple of stars had really helped, with the pair kicking 17 between them in their win against the Roadrunners.
“Mary Sandral, who was captain of the Bulldogs VFLW [Victorian Football League Women’s] team last year has played in the first two games as she hasn’t playing VFLW,” he said.
“We would like to see her dominating VFLW, but love having her with us with her leadership and direction.
“Last year’s coach Tara Morgan, who is ex-AFLW, has come to play footy for the time in a number of years.
“She is one of the heart and souls of the football club and the group love her back playing.”
The Spurs had a bye on the weekend, which Tenabel said was much needed.
With the competition now only one division instead of two, Tenabel said there would likely be some one sided results which was seen across the board in round two.
He said those sorts of matches can be frustrating.
Tenabel said this season the aim for his group was to have fun and be competitive.
“We want to get better with structures and execution and wherever we end up, we end up.”
Tenabel said they would love to add some more players to their squad.
“Whilst we have some talented and experienced players struggling with depth,” he said.
“We’re look for any new young players, want to play football, haven’t played this year and want to get back into it
“There’s many players that are finishing up at under-18.15s and quitting footy as they think the transition isn’t easy.
“I can give them assurances that it’s not that different.”
This week they face Laverton.
Anyone interested in playing at the Spurs can contact Callan on 0412 318 777.
