Image: Rachel Bach
In his own words, Box Hill’s 2016 campaign, which ended in sixth place, was a “disappointment” for head coach Bob McGuinness.
This mostly stemmed from life in the NPLW era struggling to take off. Two wins from the first 10 games – including an injury to highly regarded import Maren Heller – had Box Hill on the back foot early.
But there were signs that the former WPL heavyweight had breathed life into its campaign in the latter stages. If results in the final third of the season were only taken into consideration, the club would have finished second.
McGuinness’s squad is now looking to build on that momentum and ensure the experiences from 2016 are taken on board and translated into a more fruitful 2017.
“Last season, if we’re being honest, was a huge disappointment as we started poorly. We had a number of girls without WPL experience who found the pace and physical nature of the league a bit difficult,” McGuinness said.
“We did well in the last third of the season but let ourselves down early. This year, looking at other clubs’ signings it’s going to be a tough year, but the positive is that we’ve got that squad consistency – I’m certainly looking to play finals this year.”
That squad consistency relates to pinning down most of the 2016 squad while making a few key additions so far. Nikolina Bucalo and Hayley Richmond have joined from the NTC, Melanie Camilleri departed to Heidelberg but re-joined McGuinness’s outfit, while both visa players have recommitted – Kristina Hall looking to recapture her 2016 form as one of the league’s best, while Maren Heller has unfinished business as she puts injuries behind her.
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“Pre-season has been going well, it’s been a little bit interrupted with girls on football trips and taking advantage of holidays before the season starts,” McGuinness said.
“The good news is that we didn’t lose many of the girls we wanted to keep. We’ve retained much of the nucleus that he had last year, we finished the season well last year and learned a lot. We’ve brought in Hayley Richmond and Nina [Nikolina] Bucalo from the NTC programs and are looking for them to push hard for selection.
“All in all, it’s been positive.”
One departure has been Emily Shields. After a breakout season in which the former Yarra Jets custodian emerged as one of the best in Victoria’s top flight, Shields became a W-League backup and now joins the Bulleen Lions who, like many other clubs, have moved quickly to strengthen their own squads with the added competition of South Melbourne joining the league.
McGuinness laments the departure as part of a league becoming increasingly competitive financially off the pitch as it is on it, but accepts that comes with the territory.
“When we play we’re a good side but it’s about consistency – a lot of teams are buying success, we’re trying to grow it, and that takes time. In the past you managed to keep teams together through team spirit – because everyone got on well. These days it’s becoming more difficult. But in the end of the day you work with what you’ve got.
“In saying that I don’t think these clubs bringing in a whole lot of players may click instantly. But I think it will be a good league. Teams are trying to play and there are men coming down and are increasingly impressed by the standard.”
As for McGuinness’ own future plans, the experienced campaigner’s sole focus remains on the upcoming season.
“I love coaching, I’ve still got the passion for it even if I become disillusioned with it, but I don’t think I’ll ever give up coaching in some form.”