History created
Wildcats women’s team in action against MDU at Meeniyan Football Oval on Sunday
The Woodside Wildcats women’s side has celebrated a dream beginning, recording a historic first win in the club’s inaugural women’s football match on the weekend.
The Wildcats defeated MDU by 23 points, finishing with 2.11 (23) while keeping their opponents scoreless at 0.0 (0).
It was a memorable day for the club, with the newly formed side rising to the occasion in front of supporters.
Head coach Amanda Hancock spoke on behalf of the coaching group saying they were thrilled with the players’ efforts.
“We are extremely proud of the players’ first game,” she said.
“A historic event being the first ever women’s game for Woodside FNC, the team were not only able to secure their first win, but they played to the key instructions given to them.”
There had been confidence building throughout the week after months of preparation on the training track.
“There was a sense during the week that this result was building as we’ve been training together for several months now,” Amanda said.
“We’ve been doing a lot of match simulation to prepare the team for game-like conditions.”
The Wildcats’ discipline and ability to follow instructions was one of the standout features of the performance.
“As a coaching group, the most pleasing thing about the performance in the first game was that the playing group were able to follow the key instructions given to them prior to the game,” she said.
The victory was especially significant given more than a dozen Wildcats players were making their football debut.
“Confidence is so important for our group as we have more than a dozen that were playing their first ever game of football,” Amanda said.
“By securing a win and a good performance, these first-time players will certainly be believing in themselves.”
While the coaches praised the contribution of every player, several were recognised for strong performances, including Laura Johnston, Lydia Trotter, Jackie Chan, Bek Poynton and Mea Perkins.
The side’s defensive pressure also drew praise.
“The effort from the whole squad today was immense,” Amanda said.
“We were so impressed, particularly with the defensive effort across the ground, which is a key pillar in our game plan.”
After the final siren, the focus was on celebrating the moment.
“After the final siren, the message to the players was really just that we were so proud and pleased that everyone enjoyed the day,” she said.
The Wildcats also acknowledged the support of club members, volunteers and supporters in helping establish the women’s program.
“It has taken an army to create this team, the culture and the connections that we have,” Amanda said.
“The club committee and members are directly responsible for this, and we cannot thank them enough.”
With the first game now complete, attention has quickly turned to the next challenge.
“We will slowly start to step up the intensity and expectations at training,” Amanda said.
“There will certainly be some tough games ahead. However, we welcome this and we are ready to put ourselves out there.”
The Wildcats second match will be against Nar Nar Goon at the Nar Nar Goon Reserve on Sunday May 10 at 1 pm
Photos courtesy of Wildcats
