Tara Murray
Hillside is getting used to being the hunted in the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division.
A surprise preliminary finalist in 2019, the Sharks are proving to be one of the teams to beat early in the 2021 season.
Sitting undefeated after four rounds, Sharks coach Justin Fairservice said they were more than happy with the start to the season.
“We are really happy,” he said. “Things are starting to come together.
“We’ve got a lot of new players who are really fitting in.”
Fairservice said there had been a number of new players looking to join the club in the off season, including former AFLW Taylor Mesiti and VFLW star Hannah Ibrahim.
“They came down with Emily Paterno, as they had played together before,” he said.
“They suit our side really well. We are fortunate to have them in the team. Their background is great, as is how they approach it.
“I’ve never met two more humble and approachable players like that. They’re happy to help out the other girls.”
Fairservice said the upcoming game against Keilor, the only other undefeated side, would give them a good idea where they sit.
“You go into every week thinking the you might get the points this week, instead of going in and hoping to get a win.
“It’s a different feeling.”
Fairservice said pre-season the side set the aim to play finals, which they are on track for.
He said they would love to make it even further.
“First thing first is making finals,” he said. “We spoke at the start of the year about what we should achieve, and we think we should achieve finals.
“Every club wants to make the big show though.”
The club is still looking for more girls for their under-18 side.
Fairservice said the girls were doing a great job despite the lack of numbers.
“We’ve just got a side together, which is great.
“We’re looking for some young girls to come down and help out.”
The Sharks women’s side faced Oak Park on Saturday afternoon, recording another win.
The Sharks winning 3.9 (27)-0.3 (3).
