Craigieburn is looking right at home in the Western Region and Essendon District Women’s Football League.
Fielding a senior women’s team for the first time, the Eagles started their season with two wins, surprising a lot of people – including themselves.
On Sunday, they suffered their first loss of the season against the more experienced Sunbury Lions.
In the 6.11 (47)-1.3 (9), loss Samantha French was the best for the Eagles in the loss.
Eagles’ Margaret Perkins said she had been blown away with how the Eagles had started, especially as they struggling for numbers in the preseason.
The club had previously had a youth league side, but couldn’t field one this year due to a lack of numbers.
“Only three of the girls have played under-18 football before,” Perkins said of the women’s side.
“We only had 13 players for ages and debating about whether to still have a team.
“In round one we had 18 players and by round three we have 22 players. We’re still looking for more, though.”
Perkins said the strength of the players so far had been their athletic ability and pace.
Johnny Albrecht has taken on the coaching role, having previously coached the club’s youth girl’s side.
“I think we have surprised a lot of people,” Perkins said. “We’ve got eight girls who are so fast and several can run all day.
“They’ll be our key this season. A lot have come from other sporting backgrounds.”
Perkins said that while they were over moon with the start to the season, they were intent on being competitive against some of the more experienced sides, such as the Sunbury Lions.
“We’ve already out-done ourselves,” she said.
“After the first win everyone really bonded. No one knew each other before coming to the club.
“We’re a better side than we thought. Winning does get you more excited.
“More girls want to play, which is encouraging.”
The Eagles next match will be against Roxburgh Park on Sunday. The Magpies are coming off victory against Glen Orden.
