Tara Murray
New Darley women’s coach Brett Faulkhead is too old to play so he wants to pass on some of his knowledge.
Faulkhead takes on the coaching role at the Devils after Jack Hanneysee stood down as coach of the Ballarat Football League side.
He joins the club after a couple of years off football, but has plenty of passion for the female game.
“I had been at Bacchus Marsh for a few years in a few different coaching and committee roles,” he said.
“I had a couple of years away from the club and had looked elsewhere for something different. This opportunity at Darley came up and they offered me the role.”
Faulkhead moved to Bacchus Marsh in 2005 and has called it home ever since. He has long been involved in the sport and has a passion for coaching.
He was introduced to female football when his twin daughters played at Bacchus Marsh and he coached them in under-13s.
“I am too old to play and I love the game so coaching is a way I can stay connected to the sport,” he said.
“I really enjoy the teaching side. If I can pass on things I have learnt and develop players with skills whilst at the same time bringing enjoyment to the team then I am satisfied that I have achieved that task.”
Faulkhead said the female game was still fairly new and there was a long way to go both locally and at AFLW level.
“It’s bringing new opportunities,” he said. “There’s a long way to go and I want to play a part in the development of some of the young girls and ladies at Darley.”
Faulkhead takes over a side that is coming off their first grand final appearance. He said the first thing the playing group said to him there was unfinished business.
“We have a good base to work off,” he said. “Nothing is guaranteed in terms of finals or a grand final next season.
“The girls need to take ownership of what they want to achieve and if they want to take another step.”
Pre-season training is set to get underway in the coming weeks, with fitness to be the focus early on with skills and game plan the focus after the Christmas break.
Faulkhead said any females, both women’s and juniors, were welcome to come down to training.
“The door is open for anyone wanting to have a kick or wanting to learn the game.”
