By Tara Murray
Bundoora is hoping to be tested in the coming weeks of its second Northern Football League Women’s season.
The Bulls last year had a season no one could have foreseen when the side was formed, going through undefeated and claiming the division 3 premiership.
The Bulls are likely to be promoted this season, with plenty of positive signs so far and big victories in both their grading matches.
On Sunday, the Bulls beat Eltham 7.10 (52)-0.1 (1).
Chloe Moorcroft kicked three goals for the Bulls, with Antonietta Parisi named the side’s best.
Bundoora coach Gary Moorcroft said they would like to be challenged in the next few weeks to get a better understanding of where they are placed.
“We don’t know where we sit,” he said. “Hopefully, we’ll play a division 2 side from last season or a lower-ranked division 1 side in the next few weeks to give us a better idea.”
Moorcroft said it had been a big pre-season for the players, who were looking to continue to build.
He said it was a young playing group, with a few players coming across, including Ellie Koiker from Laurimar and a few young girls from Yarrambat, including Marine Jarvis, who played for the Northern Knights the last two years.
“We’ve lost a few girls and we’ve gained a few girls,” he said.
“With a year under their belt, they have stepped it up, skill-wise. We look like we will structure up really well.”
The women’s side has been tested during the pre-season, predominantly training with the men’s team.
Moorcroft said it had been a challenge that they had enjoyed. He said with him still training with the men’s side and the women’s training on the same night, it made sense to combine the two.
“We’ve been training with the men and the skill level has rocketed,” he said.
“The girls are happy to train with the boys and their fitness has gone to the next level.
“It means the game style is similar to the men’s sides. For the club as a whole, it’s a good thing.”
Moorcroft said there had been plenty of individual growth.
Three players have been involved with VFLW clubs, while seven players are training with the NFL interleague side.
“You can see they want to have a big season after last year’s performance,” he said. “They want to have some more success.”
In other results, Mernda lost to Diamond Creek Women’s 2, South Morang beat Greensborough and Laurimar lost to Darebin Falcons 2.
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