By Tara Murray
Melton Centrals’ women’s side is looking to get back to their roots for next season.
One of the longest running sides in Melbourne’s north-west, Centrals’ Janelle Martin said they wanted to strip things back and rediscover why many of the team started playing football.
Centrals have re-signed a number of the long time players and have a revamped leadership group and committee.
“We want to rebuild the club back to the way it used to be when I set up the club,” Martin said.
“A great family club and we want to get back to grass roots football and what it was.”
Martin said they were looking for players of all ages to join.
She said while all players were welcome, they were hoping to pick up some younger players who can help lead the next generation.
“We need young blood,” she said.
“A lot of the players we have lost are older players and half the team has been playing in masters football.
“If you have kids, beautiful, there’s always kids around the club.”
Centrals finished sixth in the AFL Goldfields Women’s competition last season.
Martin said they would again be playing in an AFL Goldfields competition, but were still unsure of the format of the competition.
Centrals have introduced a player incentives program for next season.
Every player can apply for the program, which includes reduced fees and uniforms.
Martin said there had been a bit of interest in the program from new and old players.
“We thought the incentive program might be a way to get some of the younger girls involved.
“Football can be pretty expensive.
“We’ve got some girls who were looking at leaving, that are now are coming back. I’ve already got text messages and emails about the program.”
Martin said they hoped next year was a year they could use to build the future of the side.
She said the team was also looking at possibly amalgamating with the men’s club.
“Hopefully we can build something and we’re do everything we can to get the message out there,” she said.
“The youth girls will be training with us and we’re trying to bring them in and be more involved.
“We’ve got girls from all ages groups coming through, so it’s an exciting time for the club.”
Centrals start preseason on Wednesday (November 14) at 6.30pm.
Anyone interested can contact Janelle on 0413 148 807 or email the club on meltoncentralswfc@hotmail.com.
