Melton Centrals women’s football team is enjoying the challenge of being in a more even competition in the Victorian Women’s Football League.
With changes to the competition over the off-season, the Centrals are facing teams they haven’t played before in division 3/4.
“Last year you were either thumped or being thumped. We were mid-range of the table,” says club manager Sarah Monaghan.
“It means a bit more travel but a bit more of an even competition.
“Anyone can win the flag this year. There will be two grand finals when they split into division 3 and 4 later in the year.
“It would be great to be in division 3 for next season or even to be able to play in either grand final; you play football to play in finals.”
On Sunday, the Centrals got their second win for the season, against South Morang, winning 6.15 (51) to 2.1 (13).
“We’ve had some really close matches; we won our last game against Jacana,” said Monaghan last week.
“We had a one-point loss and a couple of goals’ loss in our other games.”
After struggling to get players in the off-season, Monaghan said they had had enough players to take the park but were still after more recruits.
“We’re able to field a team each week but ideally would like a couple of extras.
“Towards the end of the season when you have injuries and player drop-offs, you struggle to field a side.”
With a solid start to the season, Monaghan says everyone has lifted their game.
“We have players who have come back and haven’t played for a while and it doesn’t look like they have missed a thing. Everyone has lifted and it’s a hard decision each week to decide who’s the best six on ground.”
