It’s been a very tough season so far for the Ringwood Women’s Football team. Despite a couple of impressive performances, the team has yet to win a game. The major challenges have included playing in a grade that doesn’t allow them to be competitive, a very unfortunate succession of injuries (some season ending), and difficulties in having sufficient players on a weekly basis.
Notwithstanding the above, the team should be incredibly proud of their efforts. Coaches Zoe Cant & Zoe Price are doing a superb job in leading the group. They have focussed on skill development and gradual improvement as individuals and as a team. The coaches and players are to be commended on maintaining a positive approach to their football, never dropping their heads and ensuring that in addition to a commitment to skill development, growth in teamwork and strategy, they don’t lose sight of the importance of having fun and enjoying their football. This great culture has even seen the team welcome a couple of new players in recent weeks.
Captain Grace Ward has led brilliantly from the front and had another fantastic season, superbly supported by Vice Captain Liv Ashcroft (we are really looking forward to her returning to the field late in the year!) and the leadership group of Zoe Barnes (our star ruck), Sarah Davis and Abbey Jordanov.
There has been several 50 game milestones so far including Abbey Jordanov & Sarah Davis, with Lisa Nairn & Maddie Gough celebrating their milestones in the next week.
As the season has progressed and it became evident that winning multiple games and playing finals would be extremely difficult, the focus has shifted to smaller achievable goals with less focus on the scoreboard. This has proven to be a great initiative from the coaches and the players have bought into this approach with great commitment. In recent games the team has been able to achieve many of these goals and have had something to celebrate and be proud of. During the second half of the year, the team will continue this focus and will also be aiming for an improved performance against each of their opponents when they face them for the return fixture.
The two best performances (on the scoreboard) have been against Blackburn where the team led at half time and kicked multiple goals, and against Chirnside Park which was a narrow loss. The return game against Chirnside Park in Round 9 is one the team will be very determined to win!
The support crew around the team has been amazing, including our runner Liv Marsham, trainer Holleigh Mann, team manager Kerry Barnes and a range of volunteers and regular and enthusiastic supporters.
Zoe & Zoe and the players have been incredibly appreciative of the awesome support from Senior Men’s Coach, Rowey, as well as numerous men’s senior players who have attended training to assist and to offer their expertise. Their contribution as really made a difference.
Congratulations to everyone associated with the team - you are representing the Redbacks with great spirit and endeavour. Keep up the great work!
Duncan Cant - Senior Assistant Coach & Football Operations Support