The driving force behind Romsey’s women’s program will coach the side in next year’s Riddell District Football League season.
Nicole Steward, who helped set up the team as she wanted to play in her hometown, has been announced as the Redbacks new coach.
Steward, who as the side’s inaugural captain, said it was pretty special to take on the role.
“It’s so exciting and I’m so thrilled,” she said.
“It’s my little baby and I love it. I want it to grow bigger and better each year.
“We managed to get a few wins this year and I want to build on that.”
Steward said coaching had always been in the back of her mind, but thought it would more likely occur once she was at the back end of her playing career and thought she would likely start with juniors or as an assistant.
She said when the club offered her the role, she wasn’t going to say no.
“The club fully backs me,” she said. “The support has been through the roof.
“I’m still looking to play, but we will see how we go. I’ve got some good support around me.”
Steward said the 2025 season was more than the group could have ever imagined.
After not winning a game in their first two seasons, the Redbacks won four games.
Just 12 points separated the second through to the Redbacks in sixth.
“The girls worked so hard and there’s a community within the team,” Steward said. “Everyone gets along and there’s support on and off field.
“There’s been hard work over a few years and we’ve now got the reward. We were hoping to win just one game.”
Steward said after the success of this season, finals would be something they would look at heading into next year.
She said there wasn’t much between the sides this year and only a couple results were the difference between making finals and missing out.
“We’re striving for finals, so we’ll see how we go,” she said.
Steward said they were keen to build the squad and what they’d been doing.
She said anyone who wanted to come down and play was welcome.
“People who have played before, those who haven’t can come down and try,” she said. “It’s an open environment. You can come and see if you like it.
“If you can’t fully commit we will make things work.
“I started the team so people in this area have the opportunity to play footy.
“I’ve always loved it and want to see more opportunities for other people. Come down and have fun.”
The Redbacks are set to start pre-season later this month.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/RomseyRedbacks
