Burnside Heights has more than exceeded its coach’s expectations early in the Essendon District Football League women’s competition.
Fielding a team for the first time, the Bears have won their first two matches easily against Hillside and Strathmore, both also contesting their first seasons.
Bears’ coach Brent Thomas said he couldn’t be more proud of the playing group.
“I could not have asked for a better start,” he said.
“They’ve raised the bar and we’ve been able to recruit so many good players.”
It’s been a work in progress for the Bears, who started training back in June with a group who didn’t know how to play the game.
Thomas said they had come far since then with a mix of new and experienced players in the side.
“To watch them on the Friday night [round one] and then again against Strathmore … you can’t coach that.
“You can prepare them, but it’s up to them once they’re on the ground.”
Thomas has been thrilled with the performances so far.
Brooke McKinley, playing as a forward pocket, has been a star up forward, kicking 13 goals in two games.
McKinley previously played at Deer Park and was named best on ground in its 2016 premiership.
Thomas said there were a number of mums in the group who were keen just to be involved.
He singled out Ana Mulipola, who brings her kids to training because her partner works night shift, as someone who is keen to give the sport a go.
“She runs around the ground with the pram,” he said. “She’s worked her way through to the leadership group. She’s an amazing girl.”
Thomas said while he sets high expectations, development remains the main focus.
“I’ve got 28 girls who play for me and you have to earn that,” he said.
“We’ve had quite a few bonding sessions and the girls are like daughters and treat me with respect.
“It’s about their development, not winning. Winning will take care of itself.”
The Bears had a bye at the weekend and this weekend face Sunbury Kangaroos.
Thomas said the Kangaroos match will be a good test of where his side is at.
“We haven’t played any of the good sides yet,” he said. “We need the challenges in footy and belting teams every week, you’re not learning anything.”
In other matches, Keilor Park lost to Pascoe Vale 37.20 (242)-0.0 (0), while Hillside lost to Strathmore, 7.7 (49)-1.5 (11).
Tara Murray
