League on lookout for new talent
GEELONG will host another women’s football talent ID day in November in preparation for the inaugural AFL Barwon women’s football league.
The day will also give high aspiring footballers the chance to showcase themselves to the Geelong Cats.
VFLW coach Paul Hood is excited about what next season will hold, after just missing finals in 2017.
“We’re pretty keen to keep working with the players we’ve got,” he said.
“Obviously new girls come along and they get invited to preseason and if they take a spot on the list, that’s good.”
But we’re certainly keen to develop our current players as well. Maybe some girls will move into town to study at Deakin Uni as well, which is always a bonus. So we’ll just wait and see; we’re open to whoever wants to come and try out. Importantly, we’re about supporting the grassroots competition as well.”
The talent ID day is sure to unveil more talent, but will also help provide a pool of players to start up Geelong’s first women’s football league.
AFL Barwon will announce in the next fortnight which clubs will have senior women’s sides next year.
“We might pick up a few more players at that (for the VFL side) but most importantly we’re looking to find a bunch of ladies that are keen to play footy and start the AFL Barwon women’s competition next year in its first year,” Hood said.
Meanwhile, focus has already turned to preseason in preparation for 2018.
“The girls listed at AFL level will go back there, I think, the start of November.
“Our list will come back late November, early December depending on their age.”
Hood was rewarded with VFLW coach of the year at last week’s Liston Medal night.
“It’s a really good pat on the back for Geelong footy club, supporting the women’s program and allowing us to put a good team of people in place to support our players,” he said.