While it may have been a mixed start to the Big V women’s division 1 season for the Craigieburn Eagles, overall individual performances have been all positive.
The new-look Eagles split the opening four games to sit sixth on the ladder going into the Easter break. At the weekend, the Eagles then split their matches against Hawthorn and Geelong.
The first match of the weekend double saw the Eagles win by 16 points against the Magic, before suffering a massive 77-41 loss to Geelong on Sunday.
Against Hawthorn, the Eagles led from the start with a 27-16 point first quarter setting up the win.
Giulia Dinunzio top-scored for the Eagles with 21 points, while Melissa Rofe had 17.
In the second game, Geelong came out firing in the first quarter and the Eagles lost every quarter by at least eight points.
Carli Norman top scored with 10 points.
Coach Rod Sweeney said it was always going to take time to settle in again after significant changes to the side in the offseason.
“From last year’s team, we have lost 72 per cent of our shooting capacity who’ve moved on to other clubs or are taking a year off.
“Everyone has new roles and they have been getting frustrated things aren’t happening fast enough. [But] They have taken them on in a positive way.”
Sweeney said a young and inexperienced side means there are plenty of opportunities for players to step up.
“In the youth girls’ side and women’s side, we have 35-36 players,” he said. “Should anyone decide they are not committed to the cause, there are other people who can step up.
“We have not gone through the recruiting process as we are very mindful that there are lots of talented youth in Craigieburn and they need to be given the opportunity.
“The end goal is for the opportunity to come through the senior team, but the youth side is very important,” Sweeney said.
He said Tahlia Prestia and Zoe Albon had been impressive in the early part of the season.
“Tahlia has come straight out of youth league and has stepped right into the senior team.
“Zoe is a Craigieburn kid who has been in America for the last few years and she has come back to Australia,” he said.
“She has stepped straight back into the senior side and shown she can handle the role.”
Sweeney said the return of Eliza Stylianou had also been important, with the captain providing much-needed experience.
Despite a focus on development, Sweeney said the side was still aiming for the finals.
“The development is the main criteria but we want to develop the side to play finals, as they are linked achievements.”
