Roxburgh Park women’s side was a success story even before the players took to the field in the Victorian Women’s Football League.
Just 12 months after forming a youth girls side, the Magpies decided to expand by creating a women’s team.
With only 14 players, the Magpies took the points in their opening north-west division match against Glenorden last month.
While they suffered a big 148-point loss to Melton Centrals on Saturday, there are good signs for the Magpies.
Speaking before Saturday’s match, Magpies coach David Talintyre said his players had been thrilled to win their opening match of the season.
“Going in they had 100 per cent confidence,” he said. “I was confident but not overly confident. We went in with 14 girls, while they had 22 girls, so they were pretty stuffed by the end of the match.
“Some of the girls had played in youth league last year and hadn’t played in many wins, so they were very excited.
“The whole club was rapt and we were getting messages from all the other sides.”
Talintyre said the biggest thing for the side was how close they were off the field.
“They are friends on Facebook and always posting photos with each other,” he said.
“I’ve made two sisters [Tricia and Bianca Devine] co-captains and they work really well together – like sisters.”
Tricia Devine was part of the VWFL match between under-22 Vic metro and country teams on the Anzac Day long weekend.
Cheree Spowart was named in the VWFL side that took on an Australian Defence Force team on the same weekend.
Talintyre was announced as coach just before the season but had been toying with the idea of taking on the role since last year.
“When they still didn’t have a coach, I was happy to put my hand up,” he said.
“I’ve been assistant coach with the under-18 and under-16 boys but this is my first head role.
“There are no expectations or pressure to achieve certain results, being the first year. Whatever happens this season happens.
“We’ve got to keep the confidence up and keep reinforcing what they are doing right.”
Both the women’s and under-18 girls’ sides are still seeking players. Both sides have had to take to the field without full teams.
They train on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Lakeside Reserve.
Contact: Wayne Capuano on 0448 816 172 or wayne.capuano@gmail.com
