Tara Murray
Romsey might not have any wins on the board, but something special is growing for the Riddell District Football League women’s side.
Fielding a women’s side for the first time, the Redbacks have shown massive improvement in the first half of the season, while creating a lot of interest.
Coach Aaron Paterson said he was thrilled with how the group had really come together.
“They are loving it,” he said. “The numbers have grown dramatically. We’ve had 30 players who have played.
“The interest is obviously there and the girls are thoroughly enjoying themselves. The girls have taken responsibility for it and are really driving a great culture and hopefully it looks good for the next few seasons.
Paterson said the biggest surprise for him was seeing the pure enjoyment of the group on the field.
He said the group just looks like they are having so much fun out there.
“We haven’t had a lot of great success to start the season, but they walk off with a smile no matter the results.
“The little aspects and just being part of it. I’m rapt for them.
“They kicked four goals on the weekend and the whole club was so excited for them.”
Paterson said they had a real mix of footballers from different backgrounds. He said that there were a number of players who had really impressed him.
“Nicole Steward is the captain for a reason for her leadership on and off the field,” he said.
“Elise Putyra has only played a couple of games and is still really raw, but will make a good ruck in a couple of years.
“Eilish Flagg in defence has been good, while Casey Rayment has come from netball and has added a really competitive edge.”
The Redbacks had a bye on the weekend due to the King’s Birthday weekend.
Paterson said while a win would be nice in the back half of the season, it wasn’t their main aim.
“We go into every game trying to win, but the wins column doesn’t really matter,” he said.
“For me it’s about kicking goals and continuing to learn the game. We would love to get a win to finish the season and we have identified the Mount Alexander game.
“If it doesn’t happen we won’t’ lose any sleep, we are building something special and that is big.”
