By Christopher Kourtis.
The Wantirna South Senior Women’s side are flying in just their second season in the Deakin University Women’s competition.
Having won just once in its inaugural season, the senior women’s team is now just one win away from a debut finals appearance in 2024.
Head coach Michael Vozzo says that the side’s dramatic improvement has been no coincidence.
“We knew that we were going to be a lot more competitive this year,” Vozzo said.
Wantirna South have fielded a very young list throughout the season, with many of their regulars coming through their Under 18’s side. For Coach Vozzo, this season’s improvement is only the start.
“What hasn’t surprised me is the work ethic that the girls are putting in,” he said.
“Their strength is that they’ve got so much learning still to do, and so much room for improvement”.
Among those impressive youngsters has been Kamryn Disney, who leads the team in goals (16 in 10 games) and best on votes (8 times in best).
“She’s one of many that have really helped our list,” Vozzo said when asked about Disney’s impact. “Whether it be in the ruck, whether it be up forward… she brings a certain amount of presence with her.”
The Devils sit third in Division Four with a record of 8-3. A win this weekend against second-place Bayswater will secure a first-ever finals appearance for the team. Despite the stakes, Vozzo insists it is business as usual.
“It will be great to get our debut finals appearance as a senior women’s team, but really our end goal is this week and then we keep going one week at a time,” Vozzo said.
“The end goal is this weekend, like every weekend”.
Wantirna South will travel to Marie Wallace Oval to take on Bayswater in Round 13.