It’s that time of the year. The W-League season is finally here and although it’s been a year I feel like it has come around faster than ever before! A lot has changed since last season; a new coach, new team mates and some new home grounds.
As every new campaign comes along, the chances of the exact same team being put together again are almost impossible but that’s what makes each season that much more special. We are fortunate that players that have been newly signed are more than capable of filling past team mates’ shoes.
Lisa De Vanna is a big name that has been added to the squad this year and a huge asset to the team. We are all very happy to have her in the team, she demands quality which gets the best out of all of us. Emma Checker too has been another a new face – a defender who is always willing to attack is an opposition’s worst nightmare. Something which proved itself on the weekend with Emma scoring in the first few minutes of our first game. Katie Hoyle is the third addition and has the experience, knowledge and positive attitude to drive this team to success. Hoylie has the respect from the team just like the two girls and for good reason.
We can’t forget the young guns too! It’s great to have Emily Hulbert and Beattie Goad in the team. Having played along side both these girls I wasn’t surprised when I found out they got a contract. Both are hard workers with great attitudes and I think they will inspire many Victorian youngsters with their stories and the way they perform on the pitch.
Round One has come and gone just like that. Last weekend’s result was not what we had envisioned before the season kicked off. Although it’s hard for everyone mentally to stomach a big loss the team can’t dwell on it. Of course the mood was down after the game, but you have to think ‘what’s done is done’. Losing is not what you want, ever. But when it does happen, the best thing to do is learn and draw motivation from it.
This weekend we have Adelaide and we all have been putting in the work midweek to ensure a good performance from the team. Training has been intense and things are been flowing nicely. Coming off the loss to Sydney, the team is fired up and ready to play some good football. Adelaide have a couple of familiar faces with two new Victorian recruits Alex Gummer and Melissa Barbieri fronting up and even though they are competition I am happy that both these players are involved in the W-League. I am proud of them and wish them the best of luck, just maybe not against us!