Tara Murray
Kyneton’s first loss in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition was the spark the side needed.
The Tigers went through last season undefeated and started this season well, before suffering its first loss in round eight.
They’ve won every game since to have sealed up a top two spot with three rounds remaining.
Tigers coach Phil Hawke said the loss to Macedon was exactly what they needed.
“We had a drawn match early in the year against Macedon,” he said. “On that day both teams had a chance to win.
“They then did a number on us, in one quarter really. That is fine, it’s the wake up call we needed.
“I said we need to get back to what we stand for. We were getting a little complacent. We’ve had to go back to work.”
Hawkes said since then their work rate had increased and areas where they had dropped off had been lifted in standard.
“I could see it was happening,” he said. “We had to get our act together.
“It’s good for the competition. Macedon has picked up a few players and has improved a lot.”
Hawkes said they had lost some players in the off season, including some key midfielders.
He said they’ve had to adjust things and they were slowly coming together.
“We’re not quite as finished as last year,” he said. “We’ve been starting to come on and work on other things and we have to work as a team.
“That is coming together now, especially since the loss. The new players are starting to slot into the group.
“We’ve had some youth girls come up and give them a bit of experience here and there and they’ve done quite well.”
Hawkes said the mindset of the playing group had also changed since he took over coaching.
“The belief wasn’t always there,” he said. “That has changed.
“If we lose a match, they aren’t happy about it. It’s a good thing, they couldn’t cope with being beaten.
“The attitude has changed.”
Hawkes said Teagan Ainslie, who was the premiership captain last year, had taken her game to another level in the absence of some of those players who departed the club.
The Tigers had a bye on the weekend.
They finish the regular season with clashes against Romsey and Melton.
Hawkes said they already had one eye on finals.
“We are doing a few things around that now.”
In weekend results, Lancefield just held off Romsey to get its second win of the season.
The Tigers denied the Redbacks their first ever win, winning 3.4 (22)-3.2 (20).
Macedon beat Melton and Woodend-Hesket was too strong for Mount Alexander Falcons.
