After four years at the helm, inaugural Women’s coach Roy Fenton has called time on his tenure leading the side.
Fenton came from Whitehorse to lead the Women’s side in 2017 during a series of exhibition matches, before officially being handed the role in 2018, where he led the side to a win in it’s first ever VAFA game over eventual premiers in Westbourne.
Off the field, ‘Feno’ as he was affectionately known as, would become a staple of the Animals Thursday nights as he and his partner Kerryn selflessly donated their time to provide dinner for at times well over 100+ member of the Animals family.
A covid interrupted final 2 years saw the 2020 season be completely wiped out, and only 10 of a possible 14 games in 2021 played.
In a post to the 2021 playing group made on Saturday, Fenton said “This decision was not an easy one to make as I have very much enjoyed coaching you girls but I think after 4 years it is time for a new voice, with new and fresh ideas to take on the role”
”I would like to thank you all and I hope you all stay with this fantastic club and with a good pre-season and commitment to the team, success is just around the corner.”
The 2021 Animals Women’s side featured only 9 members of the original 2018 group, and 25 players who made their debuts.
It left Fenton in what was an unenviable task of blooding a fresh group with little football experience into a season with little preparation time.
It would be a season defined externally by the scoreboard, but internally by the performance. A young group learning their craft and learning to play with each other. It would culminate in their only win of the year when they took down Parkside by 7 points, a game where extreme character would be shown by all.
Club President Glen Davis had nothing but praise for Fenton and his tenure.
”On behalf of the committee I would like to thank Roy for all his efforts as the inaugural Women's coach. He has been tireless in his efforts to support the Women's team.”
As for 2022, Fenton stated he would not be going far.
“I will continue to be involved with the club next year and will be around to support and cheer you all on in 2022.
President Glen Davis added “As a committee we appreciate what he has done and we do not want to loose his skills. I have had long discussions with Roy and I am glad to announce he will be staying with the Animals in another capacity going forward.”
Decisions on the coaching set up going in to 2022 will be made in the coming weeks, with the process to find a new coach for the Women to be finalised shortly.