PHOTO CREDIT: Boronia Hawks Football Netball Club Facebook page
BORONIA won its opening match of the Deakin University Eastern Region Women’s season last weekend with a two-point victory over the South Belgrave-Lysterfield Wolves in the South Division.
After recording just one win last season, Boronia senior women’s co-coach Ray Lacey was happy with the victory but says it’s still much about the development of his team.
“It was still pretty much a development, we’re not concentrating on scoreboard or anything like that,” Lacey said.
“The win is nice to get, so we’re still much in development (with our) skills, how to play the game, where to position yourself, it was nice.”
Demi Thomas and Rhiannon Crompton were named among the best players for the Hawks.
“They both played across the half back line, rebounding off the half back line well and our captain Amanda Cellante through the middle played a great game as well,” Lacey said.
After beginning with just nine players at the start of last season, the Hawks have increased their numbers to 33 for 2019.
“We have picked up quite a few people, so (we are) really learning the game quite quickly (and) still working on skills and learning more about positioning yourself, how to play different position, things like that,” Lacey said.
The new and experienced players are gelling together nicely according to Lacey, off the back of a solid pre-season.
“I think that really helps having people who have played footy and helping the new players to come along, so the development is going really well,” he said.
“The women were really enthusiastic, we constantly had good numbers (in pre-season).
“They really enjoy the training, enjoy the learning, so for Scott (Nicholas) and I, the co-coaches of the team, it’s not really difficult for us, they’re just really enthusiastic and so willing to learn and be part of it.
“Pre-season had been great, it was just very long and we were just ready for our first game.”
The players and coaches are looking forward to improving as a whole.
“We really are just committed to developing sort of (our) ball skills and knowledge of the game,” Lacey said.
“Like I said the winning part is nice and we appreciate that and when it all comes together it’s really nice but yes we’re still looking forward to improve and get better in our games.
“To win a few along the way will be great.”
Lacey is appreciative of the support the women’s team has received from the club.
“Just the support from the club, like we’ve got a creche set up now on training nights (and) match-day for the ladies that have children,” he said.
“We get full use of the facilities at the Tormore Road oval and Lewis Park, so I think the club is supporting this growth of women’s footy and it’s been quite amazing, so yes, it is growing quite quickly.”
Boronia will host Rowville this Saturday at 8:40am at Tormore Reserve.
