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InFocus 2022 – Kilsyth

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By Tash Gunawardana

Kilsyth are looking to bounce back this season after two disappointing outings in 2019 and 2021.

2022 marks Kilsyth Senior Coach Simon Caldwell’s 13th year of senior coaching and his eighth year at Kilsyth after a five-year stint with the Cougars from 2009 – 2013.

 

The Cougars hope they can prove themselves in Division Four this season, with the competition opening up following the promotion of Coldstream to Division Three. 2021 was a difficult season for the Cougars only managing three wins from 11 matches and finishing sixth.

 

Kilsyth acquired four new players including Jarrad O’Neill, Stuart Johnson, Mack Ayton, and Luke Hoogstra.

 

They’ll also welcome back Cam McArthur, Peter Wall, and Robert Mannetti.

 

All in All, Caldwell is happy with the way pre-season has gone.

 

“We have been really happy with the level of commitment from the group,” Caldwell continued.

 

“The way they have pushed their fitness levels have been impressive and from a player’s perspective I know they have enjoyed having a few senior players return this season making training more competitive than even for our young squad.

 

“It was also the first pre-season training camp a lot of our players had attended which we completed few weeks ago and the feedback was they loved it.”

 

There has been a few key areas Kilsyth has focused on ahead of the 2022 season.

 

“Just to improve the fitness of the group, push each other a little more and try and get a few older guys on the track to make our young list hungry and competitive,” Caldwell said.

 

Kilsyth are expecting a big season from new recruit O’Neill who has come from Belgrave FC/ Doveton Eagles and has had a solid preseason.

 

Kilsyth have a young list, but Caldwell strongly believes that his young group will surprise Cougar fans with their improvement and that some success is not too far away.

 

“Seeing the improvement that our coaching group have seen in preseason so far from our second-year senior players & a few returning favourite players back on the park who missed last season,” Caldwell said.

 

“We still are in talks with a couple of senior players, but quite happy with the list we have got together over the last two years,” Caldwell continued.

 

“But like most clubs, we could do with some more numbers in both the reserves and under 19’s so if anyone is out there still thinking about playing football in 2022, we would love to have a chat to you about what our club is all about.”

 

Clint Martin will coach the Kilsyth Senior Women’s team for another year and looks to consolidate after a solid inaugural season in Division Two, finishing second behind an undefeated Ringwood side.

The Cougars women’s team have gained two new recruits.

 

“Emily van Veen who comes from Montrose 18’s,” Martin said.

“Very highly regarded and has some great skills.

“Also, Maddy Beard from Vermont 18’s, quite a capable young player.”

 

Preseason for the women began before Christmas but due to some of the girls getting Covid and others away on holidays the numbers at training are starting to increase as they get back into the swing of things.

 

“I guess that the whole Covid thing has had an effect on a lot of sporting clubs,” Martin said. From the player perspective the girls are looking forward to some practice matches and improving their fitness and skills.”

 

There are a few players to keep an eye out for if you are a Kilsyth fan.

 

“Felicity Neligan (Captain) is a girl to watch this season,” Martin continued.

 

“She had a fantastic 2021 season winning Club and League Best and Fairest.

 

“I’m sure she’ll be ultra-consistent this year. Elise Hoole, up forward, is looking to improve this year.

 

Also, Emily van Veen. I’m looking forward to coaching her and watching her develop at senior level.”

 

 

 

 

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