Tara Murray
Heading into the inaugural Riddell District Football League women’s season, Macedon wasn’t sure it wasn’t going to have a side.
Fast forward 12 months, the Cats program is going from strength to strength off the back of a stunning first season.
The Cats’ Tamara Collins said it had been an amazing off season.
“It’s really exciting and we’ve getting numbers like we’ve never had,” she said. “It’s all come together and it’s really good we have a few more younger legs that will help.
“We were an older group last season, so it’s nice to have some more younger players.”
Collins said they felt they were able to build their list on the back of making the grand final last season.
She said the atmosphere at the grand final day still talked about a really well run competition also helped that.
“There were about 20 players at our meet and greet and last year there were three including my daughter, who was determined that she wasn’t going to be playing with older people.
“Hopefully it means we don’t have to seek players, which will be great.
“Hopefully we’ll also run a few more of the younger players through the senior side as well.”
The Cats have picked up a number of players from Gisborne in the off season.
Ruby Watts, who has been Victorian Football League listed, Brianna Woodburn and Charlotte Noonan, are three players who will bring a lot to the Cats line up.
Collins said while they are coming off a really strong season, they haven’t set high expectations on what they want to achieve this year.
“There was no expectation last season and we’re the same this year,” she said.
“The main focus for the entire group is to have a good time and enjoy our football. We’re really keen on having a pathway for the junior girls when they age out.
“Winning a premiership would be nice too.”
Damien Slater is coaching the Cats again, which Collins said was a big reason why so many players stuck around.
The Cats kicked off their season on Saturday against Woodend-Hesket.
The Cats jumped out of the blocks with four goals to one.
After quarter time they were able to keep the Hawks scoreless on the way to a 9.7 (61)-1.1 (7) win.
In other results, Mount Alexander beat Romsey, 8.16 (64)-1.0 (6) under lights on Friday night.
Kyneton started its title defence with a 9.8 (62)-3.2 (20) win against Melton.
