Despite struggling for numbers, South Morang women’s football team takes to the park full of confidence every week.
“It’s been a bit of a struggle and we’ve been playing with 16-17 on the field most weeks,” coach Maurice Baldasso said.
“I have told them they can forfeit [for not having a enough players] but they want to play every week.
“We’ve had coaches from other sides say ‘if you had a full side you’d beat us’.”
South Morang is winless in its first season in the Victorian Women’s Football League, but the focus has been on having fun and getting more women involved.
“We had a youth side before this season but it’s our a first season in the senior competition,” Baldasso said.
“We have some good footballers and others who have just come off the streets wanting to play.
“All girls are welcome. It’s good for the area and it’s a social thing that girls can get involved in.
“Women’s footy is a quality game and people need to come and see it.”
Baldasso said that despite the lack of a win, some of the team’s younger players were showing talent.
“Cassie Hurst was part of the Vic Metro under-21 side which played a Vic Country side last week. She was one of the best on the ground,” he said.
“Madison Dunn played in the women’s ANZAC Day clash.”
It has been a challenging season for Baldasso.
“I put my hand up halfway through the season, the previous coach left for another club,” he said.
“I took over three weeks before the start of the season and we lost about eight players when the coach left.
“It’s hard coaching the women, it’s different style as opposed to men.
“It’s a lot more about teaching basic skills, than developing game plans.
“I teach them that it’s not about winning but what you get out of it. ”
On Sunday, the Lions lost to Wyndhamvale 18.19 (127) to 2.2 (14).
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