Olinda Ferny Creek women’s side gets first strike in second ever match

Round two of the women’s competition saw a milestone event at Olinda Recreation Reserve in the division two ranks, with Olinda Ferny Creek scoring their first home win in just their second match ever as a football side.

Facing off against Seville/Woori Yallock, the Bloods had control of the match right from the start, eventually finishing off with a 54-point victory.

The final score was 9.7-61 to 1.1-7.

Olinda Ferny Creek Football Netball Club

Senior coach Simon Gilson was pleased with his side’s efforts over the weekend, citing continuous improvement in their abilities have contributed to the success.

“It was fantastic, the girls have been working really hard to improve themselves and their understanding of the game, which meant that we were able to put it to good use and it all pulled off for us,” Gilson said.

Captain Maddi Collins led from the front all day, with her tough approach to the football, bravery and skilfulness providing her team with the inspiration to get the win.

The lead-up to the first win for the women’s side is the result of hard work and preparation up to round one, with a clear emphasis on running and keeping up a strong work rate in all areas of the ground.

The energy levels seen in all members of the team up to this point have been phenomenal, with players showing a great level of enthusiasm and support for each other.

“We’ve got really good numbers and a great variety in age too with players ranging from the age of 15 up to their 40’s,” Gilson explained.

“So, having that environment has been fantastic for the team and with the great sense of community they’ve developed in such a short time, it’s certainly gone a long way towards getting that win where they’re supporting and trying to do the best for each other.”

Great crowd numbers have been present at both matches so far, ensuring the girls have felt well supported in their journey to date.

The goals for the remainder of the season for the women’s side are simple, with a continuation to learn the game and no expectation on results in the first half of the season allows the side to continue having fun together and building a culture around women’s football for the club.

From a game perspective, it’s around skills in addition to running and work rate.

While wins are a bonus for the club, the focus is to continue learning, developing and working together to make the collective side a better outfit.

Olinda Ferny Creek Football Netball Club

Gilson was appreciative of his players and members of the Olinda Ferny Creek Football Netball Club for their efforts to date.

“I would like to thank the girls for their hard work and the club for forging ahead with having a womens side this year as it was the right opportunity to do so,” he said.

“Helen Wositzky, who is an organiser at the club has been phenomenal, but Sasha Sullivan and Bruce Wilson have also been instrumental in helping to put it all together as well.”

The Olinda Ferny Creek women’s team will now take on bottom placed Thornton Eildon back at Olinda Recreation Reserve in their round 3 clash on Saturday 1 May.