New Macedon coach Matt Laing is keen to give something back and help the Cats further develop in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition.
Laing steps up to coach the Cats as they come off their second premiership in as many years.
He replaces Chris Nolan, who has had to step down due other commitments, and Bevan Uren, who is the Cats football operations manager.
Laing said he was excited by the opportunity.
“I’ve been around women’s footy and juniors with my daughter,” he said. “When she went to Macedon I was watching on the sidelines.
“I was the runner this year and when the position came up a couple of girls said I should go for it.
“I thought I wanted to give something back and develop them even further.”
Laing takes over a side that hasn’t lost a game in the past two seasons.
He said the performances for the last couple of seasons are a reward for the players and supporters.
Laing said there’s still more to come.
“I don’t believe anything is perfect,” he said. “We can still learn and focus on the game plan and go to another level.
“There’s a keenness from the group and everyone is headed in the same direction. I’m keen to do the job at hand and building the culture and things like that.
Cats premiership skipper Brianna Woodburn has been named the Cats assistant coach.
Laing said Woodburn was wise beyond her years.
“She’s a genuine leader,” he said. “She’ll be a good link to the playing group.”
Laing said one area that he’s keen to focus on is bringing through some more younger players into the side.
“It’s really important in the development of the Macedon Cats that juniors are filtering into the senior side,” he said.
“We’re confident we’ve got the right people in the program and the youth feel confident to continue into seniors.
“We are a slightly older group.”
Laing said they expected most of the playing group to return next season, while there could be a couple of players coming back to the club.
Among the re-signings announced include Ruby Watts, Taya Konias, Nina Harbinson and Bride Kinghorn.
He said with the integration of more juniors into the side, they were in a good spot.
Laing said he’s biggest focus was about development as a whole team.
“I’m really excited and happy to help be part of the girls team,” he said.
“They’ve been successful and we want to stay successful and to get even better.”
