Bacchus Marsh will take to the field for the first time in the VWFL this weekend, with the new West division to kick off season 2015 this Sunday.
The initial aim for Bacchus Marsh in its first season in the VWFL was simple: attract enough players to field a side then let the group set the aims for the year.
Having ticked the box on the first aim of establishing a team to field in the new West division, attention now turns to Round 1 this Sunday as the assembled group of players focus on their newly formed team aims on being relentless, hardworking, and a side that never gives up.
Football coordinator Rod Bertram said the hard work of the preseason paid off for everyone when the side took to the field in their first practice match last weekend.
“We had a practice game with Sunbury, and that was the best thing for the girls that had not played before.
“There is a 50/50 mix of those that have and have not played football before, so it was a good hitout for those new to the game.
“They are all now looking forward to Sunday.”
Coverage of the establishment of the new team in the local papers and on radio helped grow the exposure of the side for the 2015 season.
Attracting local Bacchus March girls was the key to signing 26 players prior to the season start, as well as a mix from Riddells Creek and Ballarat. Ranging in ages from 18 to 45, Bertrem said it was great to see the enthusiasm of the players wanting to play football for the local team.
“One of the ladies said it has been an ambition for her to play football, and now the opportunity has come around, she is going to play.”
Bacchus Marsh has appointed Jack Hanneysee as its inaugural coach, after he was involved with the local Youth Girls team in 2014. Being a player with Bacchus Marsh senior men’s team, he put up his hand to coach the new women’s side and has been pleased with the group that has been assembled.
“They are a really enthusiastic group and have put in all the hard work that they needed to get ready for the season.
“We have a great mix of people from all different sports, some athletes, basketballers, netballers – they have all brought their strengths to the group to help the others out.”
With such a diverse group of players, many having not picked up a football prior to arriving at preseason training, Hanneysee has focussed on the basic skills of the game.
“Rather than focusing too much on fitness – we have a fairly fit group as it is – we focus more on the skills side of things and the game plan.
“We do a fitness component in nearly every training session but we do more skills work that fitness.
The early rounds of the season will be a learning experience for the coach, if the first practice match was anything to go by against Sunbury.
“For most of the preseason I picked out some positions I thought players would be good at, but we had a couple that I swung right from full back to full forward and a couple started in key positions then moved to midfielders.
“You learn so much about them, especially with a new group.”
With the jumper presentation night completed Thursday night with the senior men, attention turns to the first game of the season, with Hanneysee highlighting three players - Abbey Bertram, Crystal Layton and Emily Crawford - to watch out for.
“Crystal will probably be our most devastating midfielder, who joins us from Darley Youth Girls, and Abbey is one of the fastest players I have seen off half back,” Hanneysee said.
“One girl that is new to the sport and got best on ground in our practice match is Emily Crawford, who will play through the middle.
“She has a gymnastics background, and has picked up the sport very well - runs hard and is not afraid to take on tackles.”
The side will prepare for Sunday’s debut by watching their coach toake to the field for the Bacchus Marsh men in their final practice match on Saturday.
Hanneysee is already prepared for the advice he will receive from his players on game day, as they face Manor Lakes away from home.
Kyneton will also play its first game in the competition Sunday against Sunbury.
CLICK HERE FOR THE ROUND ONE FIXTURE
Last Modified on 10/04/2015 17:05