Tara Murray
New Riddell women’s coach Rob Bretherton is excited for the new challenge in the Riddell District Football League.
Bretherton was announced as the Bombers inaugural women’s coach as the club makes the move into women’s football. The Bombers will be the eighth team in the RDFL women’s competition as it enters its third season.
Bretherton has been part of the successful Gisborne Rookies and Gisborne women’s program for a number of years in the RDFL, Essendon District and Ballarat football leagues.
Most recently he has coached the Rookies under-18.5 girls program in the Essendon District Football League premier division.
Bretherton said when the Bombers approached him to take on the role it was something he was keen to do.
“I had just finished coaching the Gisborne under-18.5s in the premier league in the EDFL,” he said. “Darren Ponton [Bombers football manager] gave me a call and asked if I would be interested for their inaugural team.
“I was going to take a year off, but the opportunity presented itself, an exciting role. I like the opportunity to advance women’s footy in our region.
“Absolutely exciting time for them.”
Bretherton had been part of the Gisborne program for eight years and had helped establish that program. He had been an assistant coach before becoming more a development coach in recent times.
He said to be able to advance another club and bring in some of the learnings and things he thinks could be done better in women’s football is exciting.
About 20 prospective players have expressed their interest in joining the Bombers women’s program already before the announcement of a coach and training beginning.
Bretherton said it helps when you have a good culture and with Riddell successful in their men’s football and the netball program, he’s hoping that reflects into the women’s program.
Training will commence on October 16 at 6.30pm.
For Bretherton, it’s now about getting down to work and getting enough players to have a side come round one next season.
“There’s a good chance I’ll have some players that will migrate across with me, we’ll see how that works,” he said.
“It’s a hard space to find players to come. I think they’ve had a good interest, it’s putting those feet on the park are a different thing.”
Any interested players can contact Lauren on l.close@hotmail.com or Stewie at ijstewie13@gmail.com.
