Having two very proficient junior girls’ football teams at Woodend was just a dream four years ago, but it’s now reality with plenty of optimism about the coming 2022 season.
The Woodend Hawks Junior Football and Netball Club is still looking for more players to supplement the Under 15s and Under 19s sides, which train at the Buffalo complex (not Gilbert Gordon Oval) from 5pm each Monday and Wednesday.
“Many of these girls had not even picked up a football until there was an opportunity to play with other girls,” explained the club’s junior girls’ football coordinator June Gladman.
Dedicated head coach Anthony ‘Woody’ Woodcock is enthused at the task at hand.
“There’s a lot more flow-on opportunities for talented girls now in the community football world, with the AFLW becoming stronger, and the chance to eventually play at senior and inter-league level.
“COVID has made it difficult in the past couple of seasons locally, but we were competitive last year, and should improve further,” he predicted.
CALDER CANNONS
The Hawks are thrilled two of their players in ruck exponent Molly Connell, 17, and midfielder Maisy Crowther are in the Calder Cannons development squad. a couple of other Hawks narrowly missed selection.
Maisy is a granddaughter legendary Woodend and Port Melbourne stalwart, the late Carl Bowen.
Katrina Bau won the league’s best and fairest for U14.5 last season, and Daisy Kenin was the league’s leading goalkicker.
Not all the girls who are registered with the Hawks come from Woodend.
Newcomers are very welcome, irrespective of their geographic locations.
Some of the girls with the Hawks have been involved in other sports, others are quickly making their mark and can’t wait to further develop their football skills.
Coach of the U19s is Colin Bromley, from Romsey, and his daughter Lilly (a player) is in charge of the Hawks’ U15s.
Any girls who may have an interest in playing and enjoying themselves with the Hawks can email registrar Sally Watt at registrar@woodendhawks.com.au or phone team manager Nikki Nathan on 0438 012 441. Alternatively, simply, turn up to training.
