MOUNT EVELYN WOMENS SEASON PREVIEW

by Alyce Collett

After coming so close to the ultimate prize in last years Eastern Region Womens competition, Mt Evelyn are determined to come back and go one better in season 2019.

Last season was a great season for Mt Evelyn. Through the home and away season, they only lost once (to Chirnside Park) and finished two games clear or top of the Division One ladder. When finals came around, after losing to Vermont, they came back with vengeance and thrashed Bayswater in the preliminary final before ultimately losing to Vermont once again in the Grand Final.

Mount Evelyn lost to Vermont in last seasons decider. Photo Mount Evelyn Football Netball Club Facebook

This preseason has been one where Mt Evelyn have looked to improve their fitness and skills. One of the things a number of players mentioned that went wrong for them in the Grand final was their fitness, with Vermont out lasting them. 

In terms of skills, coach Daniel Byrnes says ‘if you can’t execute a game plan then you can have all the strategy you want,”

“You need to be able to hit targets and do the basics right.”

When asked who they players to watch out for this season are, there were many names mentioned, so keep an eye out for Isabelle Urquhart, Georgia, Jess, Lauren (nickname Sully), ‘Chip’ and Demi (Byrnes remained coy and did not mention players surnames).

There seems to be a consensus as to who the toughest opponents will be this season. Their 2018 Grand Final opponents Vermont remain high on the list. They have been described as a tough team and after losing their last two matches to the Eagles, no doubt they will be wanting to get one back against their rivals. 

Mount Evelyn face Chirnside Park in round one. Photo BH Photography

The other team mentioned multiple times was Chirnside Park. After having a mixed bag of results against their seconds side, Mt Evelyn will have the challenge of battling their firsts after they transferred across from the South East in recent times.

They won’t have too long to wait to test themselves out against Chirnside Park, with their round one match against the Panthers at Kimberley Reserve on the 27^th April.