By Tara Murray
New Westmeadows’ women’s coach Wayne Spicer is hoping to draw on his playing experience in his new side.
Spicer, a club legend at the Tigers, was appointed the new coach in September after Matty Walker decided not to continue.
Spicer, who has spent the past few years away from football, said he had wanted to get back into the game.
“I didn’t want to get involved with mens football,” he said.
“It was either going to be in junior football or women’s football. I wanted to be involved in something where I can teach football and would be a good learning experience.
“Things came about and a few people inquired about me taking on the Westmeadows role.
“The more I thought about it, it seemed to be the perfect fit. I’m a big advocate for women’s football.”
Spicer said he had already seen a number of good signs through five weeks of pre-season with the group.
More than 40 girls have attended at least one training session.
He said he had watched a couple of games last season and he could already seen an improvement.
“Women are like sponges and they take it in and listen,” he said.
Spicer said the core group had stayed together and were keen to build on the past two years.
In their first season, they just missed out on playing in the grand final, while an injury-riddled year meant they missed finals this year.
Westmeadows are set to get Danielle Linton and Emily Law back from knee injuries which prevented both of them from playing this year.
And in another boost for the side, seven under-18 players have moved into the open age bracket.
Spicer said those coming up from under-18s would strengthen the side, with many of those girls having played football for a number of years.
Spicer, who played football for 34 years, said he wanted to develop the women’s game.
“It’s about teaching them the football culture,” he said.
