2023 Season Report

W13A Season Report

This year we moved up to A grade after having a draw in last year’s Grand Final. Grading saw some of our old team members depart and some new ones join the team, and at first I was really concerned that we wouldn’t be competitive in the division. However, as usual the girls stepped up and we found ourselves in the semi finals. It was a really tight competition this year with most matches being decided by a single goal so it was competitive right until the end and this is the type of competition you want to play in as it challenges you each week to do your best.

I am really proud to say that all the girls did their best as a team. Of course players have good and bad weeks but as a team we fought hard each week and deserved to be there in the final four. Unfortunately we had a penalty in the box in the last minute of the semi final game and lost to the same team we faced in last year’s grand final.

Our regular goalkeeper was Gemma who played at least a half in goals each week. Dee and Alana helped out sharing the role and towards the end of the season Jordy also had a few stints in goals. I think Goalkeeper is one of the hardest positions to play and probably involves the most pressure but all the girls did their best and also developed their skills as the season played out. Special mention here to Gemma who really embraced the role and toughed out some really trying moments throughout the season.

Backs this year were Mia, Emily, Jody with Alanah playing sweeper. Our backs were a great group of natural defenders, and our for and against total was a direct result of the girls defending strongly, communicating and dictating terms to opposition forwards week after week. The backs did a really good job of holding their positions and easily moved into cover positions in support of each other. It showed towards the end of the season how they would trust each other and really knew what each other would do before it happened. My special mention goes to Emily who moved into the centre back position and took good control of our defensive line. Wonderful throw-ins when you got the chance as well.

Mid field this year consisted of Amika, Addie, Skyla, Sophie, Chloe M and Chloe V. Mid field is the engine room of any soccer team and all the girls worked hard each week and put up with my constant yelling to drop back or move forward. It’s hard work in the middle but the effort each player made to improve their fitness at training and play hard each game was great. All the girls developed their reading of the game and maintaining position. The mids all got better each week at passing and moving the ball forward to the forwards and then backing up the attack with some long range opportunities finding the net. Well done midfield for your hard work, understanding my subs and instructions even when I didn’t. Special mention to Chloe M in mids this year – you really stepped your game up a notch this season, winning the ball and sending quality passes forward.

Forwards this year saw Noa and Lily up front and we scored some great goals as a result of enthusiasm and two girls who learnt how to work together as the season went on. Forwards often carry the pressure of expectation and every time there is an attacking run and the crowd yells the forwards feel an expectation to score. Obviously this can’t (and often doesn’t) happen and both girls learnt how to deal with that pressure in their own way. Special mention to Noa who scored most of our goals this season and who really developed throughout the year and we saw some calm and considered shots being made at opposition goals.

This year’s utility player was Dee and she played almost every position on the field when we needed her to fill a spot. Thanks for being that person Dee and giving it your best no matter what position you played.

Choosing Coach’s award this year really was a challenge and as I have previously stated I look to a player who puts in and helps at training, gives it their best during the game and shows a consistent effort and improvement of skills during the season. I narrowed it down to a few girls but ultimately in the end it goes to a player who has shown that consistency each week this season and really stamped their dominance against opposition teams. Congrats to that player this year you really deserve the recognition.

This team of girls is a competitive group who have grown over the past few years into a true A grade team and it’s my hope that they all come back next year and continue to learn and grow together. We really should have been in the grand final but that’s sport and whilst we missed it this year as a team you definitely have the opportunity to be there next season. Thanks to the wonderful group of parents,grandparents and friends who turned out in numbers to support the team each week.

Special thanks to Dave who helped coach the girls this year. It made a huge difference having you coach with me, sharing your knowledge and understanding of the game and helping all the girls develop and improve week after week. We shared the frustrating fun of coaching 13 year old girls together and thanks for jumping in the weeks I couldn’t make it.

Final thanks to my wife Heidi who managed the team this year and did all the behind the scenes work that only a manager understands. You also managed me when I was getting crazy, the girls, parents and opposition as needed and for that I am very thankful.

Great season girls and I truly hope you all find yourselves back together again next year. I have really enjoyed coaching you all – it’s great to see you playing sport and loving it as a team and as individuals. I’m proud of you all.

Jon.