The pre-season aim for South Morang’s women’s football side in the Victorian Women’s Football League was one win … now a grand final appearance is not out of the question.
The Lions are second on the division 4 ladder, having matched it with the top two sides before going down narrowly.
On Sunday, they beat Fitzroy-ACU 7.13 (55) – 1.4 (10).
For coach Maurice Baldasso it has been a season full of good surprises.
“It’s our fifth win of the year and I didn’t think we would win that many.
“The girls have improved 110 per cent. They wanted to win one game this year [after not winning at all in the club’s first year] and get a chance to sing the song.”
He said the girls’ eagerness to learn and play as a team was behind the rapid improvement.
“The bond the girls have is the main reason for the success,” he said. “They play for each other. They’re being realistic about what they want to achieve, and now they want to play finals.
“They’re gaining confidence and enthusiasm and are getting better and better.”
After struggling for numbers in the pre-season, the side now has a full squad to pick from.
Baldasso is hoping more girls will want to share in the club’s success this season.
“There are 24 girls who want to win. We have a full squad at training and they’re playing a really good style.
“We recruited a bit of experience before the start of the season – girls who brought more skill and knowledge to the side.
“It’s a good mix.”
Baldasso says the girls have also gained confidence from seeing players such as Cassie Hurst gaining personal recognition. Earlier this year, Hurst was named in the VWFL All-Stars squad which played an Australian Defence Force all-star team.
“She’s great as one of our leaders, one of our co-captains,” Baldasso said.
“Her enthusiasm and professionalism is a stand-out. The girls lift when she’s around.”
As for the rest of the season, Baldasso thinks anything is possible.
“I reckon we’re a chance to play in the grand final.
“It’s out of four teams and we lost by just under 10 points in the two losses [against other top teams] and we didn’t have a full squad in either game.”
