Tara Murray
It’s full steam ahead for Gisborne as it aims to reestablish its women’s team for next year’s Essendon District Football League season.
After pulling the pin on having a side this season due to a lack of numbers, the Bulldogs have been busy trying to get the side back up and running.
The club announced former Strathmore premiership coach Bernie Marantelli as coach in May, while Ben Crooks has taken on the under-18 girls coach role.
Marantelli said they were happy with how things were tracking at this point of the pre-season.
“We have been training the last few months,” she said. “It’s been for those who have wanted to keep tough up with a bit of a gap year this year.
“The numbers are pretty good and we think we have a good core group for next year. We are excited about it.
“We feel confident to build on this early next year when we start back for the second part of pre-season in February.”
The Bulldogs have already announced seven player signings for next year, headlined by Shannon McFerran.
Chloe Bullen, Gemma Ellis, Holly Vescovi, Chiara Dickins, Olivia Peterson and Steph Brancatisano are the other players that have been announced.
Marantelli said they had signed some recruits that had come from other clubs who had reached out.
She said they were likely to get back a couple of players who had played elsewhere this season.
“The signs are positive, we need a few other things to fall into place though,” she said.
“Training has been a lot of skill development and also have fun. That is my mantra, they have to enjoy what they are doing.
“We certainly want to encourage people on the basics and develop the skill level, while having fun.”
Marantelli said a lot of work was being put in with the under-18s to ensure that the pathway between the sides is there.
“That is really positive,” she said. “We’ve gone back to basics and Ben who is coaching the under-18s, has a girls academy going.
“They’ve had seven sessions with AFLW coaches and players mentoring which has been really good.”
The Bulldogs are seeking players for both their senior women’s and under-18s girls teams for next season.
Players with experience or looking to begin the game are encouraged to come down as the club starts a new era.
Details: Bernie, 0409 554 141 or Ben, 0422 432 322.
