Tara Murray
An extended Calder Cannons program in the NAB League Girls competition has uncovered some talent of the future.
The Cannons are running two teams this season, a development side which plays futures games and the normal under-19 team.
Cannons coach Ross Smith said it had been a really good experience for them having the bigger squad and two teams.
“Last year we had 33 girls, this year we’re up to 54 girls and running the two teams up until this week.
“There have been five development games. It’s a real look at the future and we have a lot more depth in the program.
“It has been really rewarding and we’ve already had some of those younger players make their debut [in the under-19s] in their first year.”
Smith said some players as young as 15, have been given an opportunity in the top team, which is currently sitting 4-1.
Smith said he was pretty happy with how the side was sitting, but admits they were ‘fortunate’ to get across the line in a couple of games.
He said the focus remained on the bigger picture.
“It’s not necessarily about making finals, but it does give you an extra game or two.
“We’ve done okay with depth and the next couple of weeks will tell us where we are at.
“If things don’t go to plan, we’ll look to play some more younger players.”
After having four players drafted last season, the Cannons are hoping that a few more will get their opportunities later this year.
He said the talent this season wasn’t quite as obvious this season.
“We’ve got some potential good footballers who are still coming on,” he said.
Two Cannons players, Abbey McDonald and Reese Sutton are in the Vic metro squad.
Smith said McDonald, who missed the last couple of games through injury, was their best player.
Sutton, one of the side’s co-captains, was added to the metro squad last week.
“She has been in really good form and has gone to another level,” Smith said.
While those two have been the standouts, Smith said a number of other players had really impressed him and the coaching staff.
Ellie Sbeghen has taken on the main ruck role and is getting better and better each week at a rapid rate.
Kasey Lennox, who is one of the 19-year-old players, is playing back up ruck having previously spent most of time at the Cannons in defence.
Co-captain Olviia Manfre has kicked a number of goals and made her debut for Essendon’s VFLW side.
Smith said Mali Mclaoed had done quite well and had draftable qualities, Heidi Woodley had looked good before getting injured, Amy Trindade and Kayley Kavanagh are both playing well as first year players.
Another is Amy Gaylor, with Smith saying she’d be nearly leading the tackle count in the competition.
The Cannons are set to play the Tasmania Devils on Saturday in Tasmania.
