Article by Caitlin Arnold
On the back of a triumphant 2013 campaign, Macquarie University Women’s side will this year make their debut in the Division One competition.
Expecting a vastly different ball game in terms of pace and physicality, Warrior’s coach Dan Ranson admits that his team is under "no illusions" as to the changes required to make it in Division One.
"As a team we’re always looking to improve no matter which division we’re in or where we are on the ladder. Football is constantly evolving and these changes also seem to get quicker every year too. If we don’t evolve as well, then we’ll simply get left behind."
"We’ll continue to focus on what we already do well and then make the necessary adjustments to match or even better the things that Division One footy teams already do well."
Following relatively reserved celebrations of their 2013 Premiership, the squad are said to be training to the expectations of their proud coach prior to Round One. Constantly looking to develop and achieve, Macquarie University are focusing on their game structures, however acknowledge that the basics are the key to their season success.
"The team’s preparation has been good so far but I guess that time will tell how effective this preparation has been as the season progresses."
"There have been some stand-out performers so far in pre-season including Amanda Farrugia, Steff Lee, Loretta Moore, Kate Bastians and Belinda Muldoon. I’m expecting them all to have pretty solid seasons, among others."
With most of their 2014 goals held close to the coach’s chest, this year’s main aim at University Oval is to play finals football. Having gotten a taste for success in 2013, Ranson says his side is up to the task.
"Given where the team was 3 or 4 years ago it might seem quite ambitious to try and match it with the top teams this early…but I believe in the girls we have here at Macquarie and I’ve seen what they can do."
Developing from a team where more than half of its players had not seen an AFL game, let alone kicked a Sherrin at speed, Ranson is confident that new members to the team in 2014 will catch on to their game plan as speedily as their predecessors did.
"We’ve had a few departures in the off-season so we’ve actively recruited a few players who have been able to fit into the team culture and structures very smoothly."
"Kate Bastians, Hana Said, Tess Malcolm, Roxi Borange and Brooke Ashcroft have been welcomed warmly into the team and we expect them all to play pivotal roles this season."
With Round One only two weeks away from kick-off, Rebecca Beeson is touted as the Warrior’s woman to watch. Following a notable performance in last year’s finals campaign, Ranson is quick to commend Beeson’s commitment to her game.
"She was one of our best players in the finals last year and we hope that she’ll continue to get better. I think that she will relish Division One football. Annie Sedgley is also in for a big year after a superb second half of last season."
In a somewhat unique approach to pre-season training, Macquarie University recently took part in a team prepared decathlon. Aimed at bringing the side together, as well as putting them through their physical paces, Ranson admits that it was a task that pushed the squad’s competitive spirit into gear.
"It was a really great experience for the team and it was the perfect balance between team bonding and fitness. Plus the girls all love to win so they pushed each other pretty hard! These kinds of events are invaluable in terms of team culture."
"There will always be tough times in any sporting environment but we make sure that no matter what the result is on the weekend, the girls arrive at training on Monday in the same positive frame of mind. We never forget that footy at this level is played for fun and we hope all Warriors enjoy their time at the club."
This competitive approach is not only reserved for opponents; it is also used within the club against their male counterparts. The Macquarie University men’s teams have been overshadowed recently by the success of the female squad and with a healthy sense of rivalry, the women’s attempts to remain in the spotlight pushes them to succeed.
"Given that the women’s team has had some recent success, I know that the men have worked really hard to match that so far this season – and this keeps the players across all grades on their toes!"
Despite this healthy in-house rivalry, Ranson is pleased to acknowledge the support his team receives from the mens’ teams, and from Macquarie University itself.
"There is plenty of support at Macquarie Uni for every player, no matter what their gender or ability, and that’s a really great position to be in."
Macquarie University plays the Newtown Breakaways on 12 April 2014 at Blacktown International Sportspark.
"We can’t wait for the season to start! And we wish the best of luck to all of the Women’s teams across both divisions."
AFL Sydney Analysis
The Star
Amanda Farrugia – claimed everything possible in the 2013 Division Two season from League Best & Fairest, Leading Goal kicker, Best On Ground in the Grand Final and to top it all off the Premiership… Do we need to stay more?
The Rising Star
Rebecca Beeson was a revelation last year and to top off the Premiership finished second in the AFL Sydney Women’s Rising Star award. Took big steps last year and will only improve.
AFL Sydney Prediction –5th
Very hard to get a gauge on the gap between Divisions One and Two so very much an unknown but we expect them to be more than competitive and take it right up to the old guard. Depth likely to be the issue but a finals finish wouldn’t altogether surprise
Last Modified on 02/04/2014 10:56
