Craigieburn Eagles are putting a big focus on what’s happening off the court this Big V season.
While looking for wins from all four of its sides, the playing group has turned its attention to helping change the culture at the club.
Eagles division 2 women’s coach Ben Carroll said this season was the closest he had seen the four teams in his time at the club.
“It’s a really united group,” he said.
“For us, it’s not all about wins and losses, it’s about recreating a culture.
“Our junior girls program has taken a hit and we are creating a culture so players want to come and play with us.
“We want to be a destination club for both junior and senior players.”
Carroll said his team had been getting out to junior games and doing what they can to help the next generation of players.
On court, the Eagles have started off in fine fashion with two wins from as many matches.
On Saturday night, the Eagles accounted for Melton Thoroughbreds 64-46.
The Eagles led 14-2 at quarter-time and maintained a 10-point lead for the next two quarters, before running away with the win in the final quarter.
Allanna Procak top-scored with 13 points, as all but one player hit the scoreboard.
Carroll said they had a really good off season without too many dramas.
He said they had been able to keep the majority of last year’s playing group.
“Having retained players does help build the culture,” he said.
“It helps with developing our younger players. I’m happy with our inclusions too.”
Nicole Cameron returns to the Eagles after a stint with Whittlesea Pacers.
Stacey Procak and Allanna Procak have come across, while Shona Brooks has stepped up from the Eagles youth league side, and will play with both teams at times during the season as a development player.
Carroll, in his first season as a head coach, said he was enjoying the transition from assistant coach.
“I’ve enjoyed all parts of the role.
“The off court parts like dealing with the major sponsor and things like that have been real eye openers.
“It has been fun.”
Tara Murray
