Keilor Park copped a first-up loss in the Essendon District Football League women’s competition, but the Devils were already winners.
Devils coach Brent Cooper said at times it didn’t look like they would have the numbers as they prepared for the club’s debut women’s season.
“Before Christmas, there were times we had only three or four players on the track,” he said.
“Even in January it was still the case. Then they’ve started jumping out of the trees and more girls keep coming.
“We had 18 for the first game and another three who couldn’t play.”
Cooper, who had coached Auskick at the club, decided to take on the coaching role to help set up the team and build something for years to come.
The Devils had their chances against a combined Avondale Heights-Taylors Lakes side before losing 5.8 (38)-4.8 (32).
Cooper said that while disappointed not to win, having had more than their fair share of the ball, they are looking at the big picture.
“It’s more about enjoying it at the moment and improving,” he said.
“We can’t be disappointed with that effort. It’s been a fairly long journey to get to the field to start with.
“All I can ask from them is to be better in the fourth quarter than the first and better in round five than round two.”
Samantha German kicked two goals and was named the best for the Devils.
Cooper said the Devils had a strong midfield and were working hard on developing players on the other parts of the ground.
The women’s side has been a bright spark in what has been a tough off season for the
Devils.
A lack of numbers mean the Devils won’t field senior or reserves men’s teams this season. Cooper, who is on the committee, said the club thought this was the right approach. He said all at the club would be working hard to get the men’s program up and running again next season.
With no men’s teams, the women’s team gets the whole oval and the full facilities on training nights.
Cooper said the Devils were looking for another five to 10 players to give them a decent-size squad that can adapt for unavailability and injuries.
The club decided it wouldn’t charge registration for its women’s team players this season, hoping the move would attract more players.
Burnside Heights got off to a flying start by smashing Hillside.
Both sides are fielding women’s teams for the first time this season.
The Bears won 16.16 (112)-1.3 (9).
