Womens Round 1 Review

LEST WE FORGET

On Saturday both Senior and Master’s Women’s teams for Blackburn and Chirnside lined the field to remember the ANZACS. In a heartfelt service, Casey Johnson shared the meaning of the day, Kirby Hope an acknowledgment of country, and Melissa Ashby the story of the ANZACs.  A one-minute silence was observed as players embraced and remembered those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.

SUNS OUT GUNS OUT

Saturday presented a glorious day to launch a new season of football at Morton Park. With everything operational in new rooms, the scoreboard, and the bottom oval in good form it was enjoyed by volunteers and players alike.

The pride and joy to be back playing were overwhelming. Neither of the teams was victors but you couldn’t tell that when you looked at their faces and their coaches.

Both coaches agree “Overall, we are really happy with where our program is, at the end of Round 1. We don’t measure success by wins, it’s measured by the smiles on your faces and our improvement each week. Well done Burners! A strong start to the season. Together we will rise.”

MASTERS

The many hours of hard work pre-season showed through with a score that was twice the highest ever score against this team last year. They did not get their usual 100-point victory and may have been surprised to find it a lot more challenging to score against us this year.

Team members were inspired by a motivational speech by Bucks that referenced the ANZAC spirit of camaraderie, loyalty, and commitment.

Postgame reflections from coach Andrew Buckland were “Our strengths were in the effort, positivity, camaraderie, and defense. Like the Senior Women, we will be working more on training for heavy contact in particular holding our position whilst getting the ball plus holding space, not congesting the ball.

Player awards:

  • Best on Ground – Robyn Nichols – wins BFC $45 std drink card (sponsored by Kim Radok c/- Credit Matters)
  • Defensive efforts – Cath (Catherine Fredrickson)-wins Bongos Café $30 voucher
  • Excellent running and efforts – Liz Prendergast – wins a Blackburn Eatery $20 voucher

For this team, it is everything to do with the opportunity for women who were never afforded the chance to play footy as kids to have a go.  The bravery that it takes to start a new sport, indeed a contact sport, after 35 cannot be underestimated.  But neither can the joy that it brings.

Summed up so eloquently by new Burner Neets (Anita O’Shea) who finished the day with a shiner to be proud of and said “What a game!!! So much camaraderie! ….. steered beautifully by Melissa Ashby and the leadership team. Bucks you have an incredible gift of developing the full potential of every player with your honest analysis of our performance. I am sincerely grateful for the positive instruction at key moments of the game reinforced with the layers of encouragement and the goal to simply have fun! I love there is no “I” on the team and I received my first black “eye”…. Ever!!! I waited 3 years for this. Great work by all. Go burners!”

 

SENIOR WOMEN

The Women’s Seniors shook off any nerves they had about playing in a new higher division and gave their all.  It was a brand-new team, of which 50% have jumped up 2 divisions, 5 players are brand new to our club and 4 were playing their first-ever game of senior footy up from juniors. And a new coach!

The team was inspired pregame with Still I Rise by Serena Williams and encouragement to embrace the panther values and club heritage by Jules Hays. This was followed by a rousing rev from the captain of the day Kirby Hope. Pregame warm-up coaching support from Sam Calogero (VFLW Saints program and Sandringham Dragons) added to the day.

Head Coach Jules Hay says “Every player gave 110%. Positivity and positive body language all game were fantastic! They were versatile and adaptable with players demonstrating open mindsets to playing in new positions, sometimes mid-game. Fundamentals – we were stronger than CP here, particularly kicking on the run. Our two key development areas contact, we need to train more with heavy contact, and decision making under pressure.”

Player Awards thanks to our club and sponsors are

  • Best on the ground – Cad (Cadhla Schmidli ) wins BFC $45 std drink card (sponsored by Kim Radok c/- Credit Matters)
  • Most versatile and calm under pressure – Jazz (Jasmine Szymakowski) Bodgos Café  $30  voucher
  • Passion, commitment, and effort – RJ (Renee James) wins a Blackburn Eatery $20  voucher

Captain Kirby Hope summed up the day “Saturday’s game was an amazing start to the season! It was a great day for round 1 with perfect footy conditions. We, unfortunately, didn’t get the win, but every single player gave it their all and worked hard out on the ground. The preseason training was rewarded with an incredible display of great skills and fitness. We are all proud of our efforts and we are looking forward to continuing to rise throughout the rest of the season!”