Ron Sikora is looking forward to the challenge of coaching Keilor in the Essendon District Football League Women’s competition.
Sikora, who has been the under-18 girls coach at the club, has stepped up into the senior coaching role with the club after John Tate stepped down from the role in February.
Sikora said the transition into the senior role had been a smooth one.
He is still be co-coach of the under-18 girls team. The two teams regularly train together.
“They approached me for the role when they knew Emma [Kerry] was taking on a new role,” he said.
“I had put my hand up for 18 girls and didn’t want to let them down.
“I was interim coach at training for the women’s and a few questions were asked.
“I did the home work to see if it would all fall into place and it did.”
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After having two teams last season, one in the Northern Football League and one in the EDFL, the club will have just one team this season.
Sikora said while they would have loved to have two teams again, it was about making sure they had the right numbers.
“We were very close, but out of safety we decided to have one,” he said.
“You need to comfortably have 60 girls on the list to have two teams.
“We’ve got 46 girls on paper, but can’t vouch that they will be available every week.
“We’re not turning girls away, they just understand the process.
“It’s about the future of the club.”
He said they would continue to push through players from the under-18 side into the women’s side to help with their development.
It’s something the club has done well the last couple of years.
While the Blues two sides will combine into one team, there will be a number of changes.
Several players have retired, while several players are trying their luck at a higher level.
The Blues have seven VFL listed players this season, including six that have come through the Keilor program.
“You want to make sure that home grown talent stays at the club.”
Sikora said he had been happy with how the pre-season had gone so far.
They had a big win against Werribee Centrals in a practice match.
“The result didn’t matter, we were trying things out,” he said.
“We have a broad range of abilities in the side and it’s about everyone getting better.
“I believe we have a successful game plan and hopefully its all systems go at the business end of the season.”
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