The VWFL 2014 season kicks off this Sunday.
In the lead up to the season start we will preview each of the Premier Division clubs.
We kick off our season preview with a look at the Grand Final sides for 2013 - Darebin & Diamond Creek.
DAREBIN
Darebin will enter season 2014 once again as the hunted side.
The reigning premiers will be looking to go back to back this year, with the rest of the competition set the task to challenge the competition leaders.
Coach Richard Dal Pos has had the side working hard since last November to ensure no premiership hangover.
“The club has come together with all three sides training together two nights a week from last November.
“Under the guidance of a specialist conditioning coach in Tennille Hay, the girls have been working hard together.
“A number of new girls have walked into the club, and they have added to the enthusiasm as the Reserves work hard to take the next step and both the U18 and Seniors striving to defend their titles.”
Depth will once again be the key to Darebin this year.
“There are several young girls coming up from the U18 team and several from other clubs who will press for selection as early as Round 1,” Dal Pos said.
“This has added extra spring in everyone’s step as we strive to be the premier club in the premier division.”
It will be a changing of the guard off the field this year for Darebin, with Rebecca Hickmott stepping down as president, and Julia Chiera taking over the role.
In other new club appointments, Darebin has welcomed Tennille Hay as strength and conditioning coach for 2014, with Tennille having worked hard with the whole club over the preseason. Aleisha Leonard will be head trainer, with Annie Dawson the new reserves trainer.
Tee's Superfood Bars and Back in Motion Brunswick join Darebin as partners for 2014, with the Olympic Hotel, Jetts Gym Northcote and Boscastle Pies all continuing their support.
In an offseason highlight, Darebin held its first International Women's Day event in March which was a great success. The day celebrated women's participation in sport and women's health.
AT A GLANCE:
Years in Premier Division: Joined VWFL as Fairfield Falcons in 1990
Last year: 1st
Coach: Richard Dal Pos
Captain: Daisy Pearce
Welcome: A number of Youth Girls and local players
Farewell: Kathy Zacharopolous
DIAMOND CREEK
2013 VWFL runners up Diamond Creek are keen to take the next step this season.
Defeated by Darebin in the VWFL end of season decider, the off season has provided the opportunity to dwell on what could have been, and what is possible in the new season.
“Darebin opened up a large gap on us and the rest of the field last year so we spent some time identifying the areas we lacked in and went about strengthening up in those areas,” Diamond Creek coach Grant Barden said.
“We recruited specifically to bolster the areas we were deficient in and are really pleased with our progress at this stage.
“The return of Kirsty Lamb and Nat Stalder also will help our cause tremendously. We will certainly improve as the year progresses as the new structure and game plan settles in.”
Off the field this year, it is a new committee that will oversee operations for Diamond Creek, with a new president, vice president and treasurer.
The club has gained a number of new sponsors new sponsors, with Bridges coming on board - where the club will be holding its presentation night this year.
The cooking skills of the team will be tested in 2014, in a new off field Master Chef style initiative. The girls have been split into groups, and will take turns at cooking dinners each week, which adds a bit of fun and competition off the field.
The club will also continue to raise awareness and put extra effort into fundraising Pink Day, which they have enjoyed doing the past few years.
AT A GLANCE:
Years in Premier Division: 8
Last year: 2nd
Coach: Grant Barden
Captain: Co Captains Dianna Haines and Stephanie Chiocci
Welcome: This year we have landed some exciting recruits. Some experiences players, some new faces and some returning faces. Tiarna Ernst from QLD joins us as well as Emma Champion and Amanda Turner from Berwick. Returning to the fold we have Renee Grant after her 2nd baby, as we as gun midfielders Kirsty Lamb and Natalie Stalder. We also welcome some fresh faces from our affiliation with RMIT who have shown real promise preseason.
Farewell: Bianca Richmond, Danni Bromley and Amanda Jenkins have all moved to Canberra. Tracey Ashley, Denae Clow and Karen Medwig have transferred whilst we have lost a few girls overseas in Jo Gardner and Monica Whelan.
Visit the website tomorrow as we continue our season preview of the Premier Division.
CLICK HERE to view the Round 1 fixture
Last Modified on 30/04/2014 18:26