Tara Murray
Gisborne is tracking along nicely in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 1 competition.
The Bulldogs entered the weekend’s bye as part of the split round, sitting in third spot, just four points behind ladder leaders Greenvale.
Bulldogs coach Jason Peak said while they would have liked to have been undefeated at this stage, they are happy with how things are going.
“We’re going along OK,” he said. “We’ve only had one loss so far.
“We kind of where we thought we might be. We’re playing Strathmore next and that will give us a bit more of an indication.”
Peak said there were a few unknown teams heading into the season, like the Sunbury Kangaroos and Essendon Doutta Stars, which they had been able to account for.
The Bulldogs one loss came to the Jets, who are undefeated.
Peak said Jets coach Troy Newton said after the match, that the score probably flattered his side in the end.
“The match got away from us early,” he said. “There were a few things that we could have done better.
“Against Greenvale it was more of a structured thing. More than half their goals came from over the back.”
Peak said they had a mix of experienced players, with some youth that was working well for them.
Ruby Watts, who is just 17, is sitting equal third in the side’s goalkicking this season is one player he rates highly.
Claire Bourdon and Brianna Woodburn continue to lead the way for the side, while Charlotte Noonan has kicked 10 goals for the season.
One key pick up for the Bulldogs this season has been that of Shannon McFerran.
McFerran, who hadn’t played for a few years, is recognised as one of the best female footballers ever.
Peak said they were thrilled to have McFerran, who lives locally, as part of the side.
“She only wanted to keep fit and play masters,” Peak said. “I said come and play for us, even if it’s every second week.
“Once she got into it, she wanted to play every week. It meant I could take a week off and Shannon took over training.”
It was a second straight week the Bulldogs hadn’t played a game, with Pascoe Vale forfeiting last weekend.
Peak said it wasn’t ideal having two weeks off in a row.
“The forfeit was a bit disappointing,” he said. “We didn’t get a lot of warning, so it’s a bit frustrating so what can you do?
“We had a non-compulsory training session on the Saturday, with most of the girls turning up.”
Tara Murray
