With some more young recruits for 2023 we gave SWC a good crack. I am sure that the other young, beautiful opposition underestimated our talent at the start of each game. With their long lashes and hangovers, they didn’t expect to be pushed to their limits each game, especially when some of their opponents were in bed by 8pm drinking tea the night before.Instead they had to turn up and play. Although we were bottom of the table our results each week definitely did not reflect the season that we had. The scores were kept low each week and we even managed one win and one draw- Which we celebrated like we were the Matildas.

We welcomed the newbies  Julie- (Our Saviour) Michelle, Belinda, Bree, Caitlin and Vanessa to our team.

Julie is our new hero!! We put her to the test from game 1. Broke her, but she came back. Probably not what she signed up for but we are so glad that you are ours now Jules!! You saved us week after week with your diving and consistency in goals.

Michelle made her soccer debut this season with flying colours trying out numerous positions along the way. She found her feet and her chosen position late in the season and has cemented herself in our backline. Always good to welcome an international footballer.

Belinda also cemented herself into our backline and never took the smile off her face. With quite a few hits to the face, that smile still didn’t fade!!

Caitlin was our brick wall in the back, not much got past and when she made an appearance in the mids scored a couple of cracking goals.

Bree, our youngest recruit was introduced to the old girls this year!! We were just getting her warmed up when she unfortunately fractured her foot in a non soccer related injury and was not able to return for the season.

Vanessa, “boy can she run” Simonsen… what a great introduction to soccer! You may not have got that goal this year Ness, but you were always there and it will come (for the right team 😊)

Ava you are consistency!! Holding the mids well and excelling as sweeper when you were needed most. Another solid year, faultless.

Mez is a trooper, so strong in defence always willing to put your body on the line!! Very solid year Mez. The snipers were out this season a few times.

Another amazing season from Loz!! So strong in the mids and sometimes got a run in your favourite position. Definitely knows how to and can kick a dead ball.

Ash had so much fun with us last year came back for another go! So strong in defence until injury shortened the season so you will have to come back and complete a full season.

Clare we would be lost without you!! You are such a solid player always consistent and a very valued member of our team, especially when you stick it to the young ones.

We also saw the return of Suze, not at training, but game day never giving up and tough when needed to be.

Our highest goal scorer Val. Still never stops running and outrunning the opposition. Always using her height to her capabilities. Always with a target on her back when the young ones realise that an old girl is faster than them, the only way to stop you is to take you out!!

Christine “I am everywhere” Chigioni…. Says it all, whenever you look up, whether up front pushing the ball forward or dropping back in defence, Christine is everywhere.

We also had the middle-aged legs of Renee who was also everywhere. Solid in Defence, sweep them out of the park or push her forward and she’ll run all day!!

Charlotte… back injury, pfffttt saw straight through that one!! Looking forward to welcoming #2 into your family and having you back on the park!

Rach also returned to the park after a year of resting the knees. We missed the dolphin headers last season.Made a few appearances, hoping the body will hold up for a return next season. It did, and she will return.

Next year may be different, it may not….

But it doesn’t matter what grade the association says that we have to play in, when you play with an awesome bunch of ladies and are guided by some of the best, turning up is not hard and never an issue.

We play hard, party hard and have a great bond as a team that is clear to see on and off the field. Getting through ups and downs is much easier when you have a strong group around you.

It’s been a pleasure again this year, looking forward to seeing you all again for season 2024!