Greensborough Hockey Club is determined to reduce the gap between its top two teams as it looks to the future.
The Plenty-based club finished fifth last season in Hockey Victoria’s women’s premier league competition – one point outside the top four.
Coach Greg Pickford said the club wanted to build on that and look at injecting more youth into the senior side.
“We were a bit disappointed with finishing fifth and that has set a fire in the belly to get back into the top four this season,” Pickford said.
“We have four to five girls that are under 20 – they will get a chance with our senior side. Hopefully, they get a fair bit of time and will go to the next level.”
Pickford said the club’s reserves side needed to be stronger to ensure that those being promoted could handle the step up.
“As a whole group they have really bonded and are really focused on closing the gap between the senior and reserves sides,” he said.
“There has been a gap between the two sides … the main focus is for the younger girls to feel confident at a higher level when they have the opportunities.”
He said the club had a couple of players retire in the off-season but would be boosted by some incoming experience.
Lauren Chatelier returns after a break, while former Belgium international Celine Donnet joins the club.
“Celine has been in Australia for a few years,” Pickford said. “She has moved to Greensborough so she has come down to the club.”
The club kicked off its season on Saturday with a 2-1 loss to Essendon.
“It has been a really good off-season,” Pickford said before the game.
“It’s been a real good turnout and everyone is fighting fit. We’ve had a few scratch matches and had a good look at the up-and-coming girls.”
The men’s side also started its season on Saturday against Essendon, the Burras winning 3-1.
Both sides will play Hawthorn on Saturday afternoon at home.
