The VWFL Premier Division preview continues today as we look at: St Albans, St Kilda and Eastern Devils.
The season start this Sunday May 4.
EASTERN DEVILS
The Eastern Devils will aim to be part of the finals again in 2014 after a successful preseason campaign.
Falling one step short of a Grand Final berth last year, the Devils are keen to do what is needed to be there in the last game of the season.
The club has seen a lot of change across the club in the offseason, and will be keen to get their season underway against Melbourne Uni who they budnled out of the finals last year.
“It is a whole new coaching staff in 2014, as there has been a lot of changes,” coach Wayne Seaward said.
“Preseason started in November where we focussed a lot on fitness and strengthening.
“The girls are looking solid, with key players stepping up into different roles with new game plans and training drills to improve players’ skill and knowledge.”
The changes in the offseason were not only in the coaching staff, but there’s been a number of changes at committee level as well.
New players that have registered with the club bring with them a vast amount of knowledge and skill that will help both on and off the field.
The club will be continuing with the Catherine Wotton Cup against Darebin in Round 3 and the Jo Cox Cup against St Kilda in Round 11.
AT A GLANCE:
Years in Premier Division: 15 years
Last year: 3rd
Coach: Wayne Seaward
Captain: Lou Wotton
Welcome: In 2014, we have had more than 6 players registered, being brand new to the sport and/or transferred from other clubs
Farewell: The Devils have had a few departures, mainly due to travel commitments and retirement.
ST KILDA
St Kilda Sharks are looking to take the next step into finals football in 2014.
After missing out by two games in 2013, finals football is something on the agenda for the Shark this year.
“We are excited to practice a brand of football that we know wins flags this year.
“We believe we have the players, now we just need to enact the game plan to take it up to the more successful teams,” coach Lloyd Balshaw said.
One of the major focuses for the club in the off season has been developing a Strategic Plan to cover the next three years at the Sharks. The plan will be something that the Sharks adjust and review each year as needed.
The clubs has introduced a new Values system that will be implemented, and they have had the arrival of a number of new sponsors.
One player that returns to the club this year is Belinda Bowey, who will continue to forge ahead towards 300 games which she will achieve early in the season.
AT A GLANCE:
Years in Premier Division: In VWFL since 1992 - Premier since Early 2000's
Last year: 5th
Coach: Lloyd Balshaw
Captain:Sarah Chapman & Belinda Hateley
Welcome: This year we have once again had an influx of new players from all over the state! Young players through Altona Youth girls have arrived: Steph Webb, Shae-Lee Murphy-Burke and Kayla Mizzi. In addition we have Lauren Bazeley joining after a couple of years out of football. We have some first time players in Sher-Tualla and Nicky Burt who are recent additions to Division 1 grade. Emily Paterno has signed on from the Muggars and club legend Belinda Bowey is back at her home club after 3 years coaching Keysborough.
Farewell: Nil
ST ALBANS
One of the longest serving clubs in Premier Division will be looking to be more competitive against the top sides in 2014.
After a rebuilding year in 2013, the club is excited to be starting 2014 in a very positive way with all new and returning players keen to start the season, having injected a number of new faces to the line-up.
“The girls have been responding really well to the training being provided,” coach Sean Potter said.
“Everyone is looking much fitter and more skilful than this time last year.
“With a lot of young new faces around the club, there is a lot of enthusiasm, and our more experienced players are being pushed.”
The competition for spots in the side will hopefully help drive the side up the ladder this year after one win in 2013.
“The club as a whole are showing signs of a really bright future.
Our aim this year is to be more competitive against the better sides, which - I feel that if we keep heading the way we are - we will be.”
St Albans will be supported by a strong off-field committee in 2014, including a prominent figure in women's football as their new president - Karen Hayes.
In a major coup for the club, the Spurs will be the first Senior Women’s team to tour and play internationally in September 2014, in a great initiative for women’s football. The Spurs will play warm games in Los Angeles on Saturday September 13, then will travel to New York and play in a tournament against teams such as New York Magpies, Boston Demons, Baltimore-Washington Eagles. Whist in the States the group will be involved in community work in LA and NY, making it much more than just playing football. The tour party will consist of approximately 44 people, in what will bes an exciting time for the football club and its members, staff and players.
AT A GLANCE:
Years in Premier Division: 21 years
Last year: 7th
Coach: Sean Potter
Captain: Bree White
Welcome: We have a number of players transferring in from other clubs, plus have picked up over 8 new players who have not played in the VWFL before.
Farewell: 4 retirements, 2 players transferred out
Last Modified on 01/05/2014 10:56