In its fifth year, the Mernda senior women’s side have its eyes set on a division two premiership with new head coach Jason Keogh feeling confident about the group.
After getting knocked out of finals last season, Keogh said he felt the core group could take it all the way this year and has enjoyed coaching so far.
“I’ve bonded with the girls. I like the fact they’ve turned up week in and week out,” he said.
“I’m really enjoying it to date and I’m actually very excited for the season ahead.
“Especially with this core group I get the feeling that they could potentially go all the way this year.”
Keogh will be supported by veteran footballer Ned Grubisic and Mernda senior Angus Mills, who have joined the coaching staff.
The side is actively recruiting more players, struggling for numbers after 10 players headed to Thomastown’s women’s side.
“It sort of decimated the Mernda women’s team,” Keogh said.
“It made it hard but the best thing that’s happened is that the girls aren’t looking for the club to respond to this issue – as in rush out and try get players.
“They’ve actually taken it upon themselves just the last week or so to say ‘hey we really want to stick together’, they’re going out and chasing girls to make this team.
“Our preference would be if there was a cap on transfers out of a women’s side to another club, it would ensure numbers for the following season.”
Players of various skills and experience are encouraged to join.
“The culture is fantastic. The girls are really, really good. We just did the 1000 Steps two weeks ago and I can really sense a good camaraderie between these girls,” Keogh said.
“We had Georgie Prespakis from the Geelong AFLW side come along to training. She won their best and fairest and came down and helped coach with her friend and fellow footballer Sam.
“They’re coming down again at some stage. They really enjoyed it.”
Keogh said he supports new players to the game by applying three filters.
“One of them is through the filter of them being an athlete. You need to be fit to play footy and not get injured,” he said.
“Secondly there’s that compassionate role where I want to make sure they’re going in with confidence. They’re going in to get the ball and knowing how to get out and be safe.
“The third filter is just having that acceptance of newcomers into the squad and then slowly but surely teaching them some ground rules so they can get to basics and build on that to enjoy their experience.”
The side trains Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6pm to 7.30pm at Mernda Central.
Interested players can contact Keogh on 0407 117 644 or Mernda women’s football manager Glen on 0423 470 151.
