Women’s side all fired up for Sunbury Kangaroos

Dani Green is part of the Sunbury Kangaroos' women's coaching panel.

It’s full steam ahead for Sunbury Kangaroos women’s football side.

Having flagged their intention late last year to field a women’s side, the Kangaroos last week confirmed they had the numbers to field a side for the first time.

Kangaroos president Allan Walters said they had 15 or 16 players on board, which is more than the 12 needed to get a team running.

But he said the club still looking for players.

“The team is 100 per cent committed,” Walters said.

“We have worked so hard to get the team up and running and we also have coaches, team manager and goal umpires.

“We’ve got no expectations coming in the season – we’re just really excited to get the team up and running.”

The side had its first training session last week, with Walters impressed by the skills and fitness of some players.

Dani Green and men’s Kangaroo player Braiden Wilson will be part of the coaching group, with the club possibly looking to add at least one other member in coming weeks.

Braiden Wilson is part of the Sunbury Kangaroos women's coaching panel. Picture supplied
Braiden Wilson is part of the Sunbury Kangaroos women’s coaching panel. Picture supplied

For Green, this will be a return to football.

She first played football with the Kangaroos when they were known as the Rovers. Her senior women’s football career has included playing with the club now known as VU Spurs.

As well as coaching, she’ll return to the playing field after three years off.

“I live in the same street as Jarrod [Dixon], the men’s senior coach,” she said.

“He approached my husband about getting involved in the club and then he said he wanted to speak to me, too.

“I’d never considered coaching and I laughed. The more I thought about it, I liked the idea.”

Green said it was an exciting time for women’s football.

“It’s a good time for girls and women to get involved, as there’s idols out there for them,” she said.

“The club has been really welcoming and inclusive. The team trained with the men on Monday night and that’s unusual.”

Walters said the side would play in an AFL Goldfields women’s competition.