A quadruple header opening delight as well as thirteen games linked with the Senior and Reserve Men’s sides highlight a promising fixture for the Wattle Park women in 2023.
After a winless 2022, an off-season overhaul saw former Swinburne Uni coach Mel Dell’Olio step in to the vacant role. His appointment has rejuvenated the women’s program at Bennettswood, and the man affectionately known as “Bull” is excited about what the new season will bring.
“(I’m) as excited as popcorn in the microwave. It’s a fantastic fixture & gives us the opportunity to be amongst animals footy for more hours in the day, learning & improving from those conversations that arise as we support club mates whilst in the joys of competition. Club unity & identity will thrive if we use this time to do a little bit extra away from our playing commitments to give others those belongingness vibes.”
The new season brings the Animals three new teams in to their division, with Canterbury, South Melbourne Districts, Preston, and Elsternwick remaining from 2022. The latter the team who the Animals will open their season with at home.
A return of an old foe in Power House AFC, who the Animals drew with in 2018 at home but lost to at Albert Park Lake, will mean an exciting home and away triple header day in Rounds 2 & 9. Power House were relegated from Division 2 last season after a 1-13 record.
The one win came against fellow Div 2 strugglers La Trobe Uni, who will also slide down the Divisional pyramid in 2023. Round 3 & 10 triple header days are scheduled, with this not being the first trip to Bundoora for the Animals after playing a preseason game in 2019 against now Premier C side Richmond Central.
Old Carey will be the third addition to the division after they ended their Women’s recess after 3 years. A 6-8 season in 2019 in Division 2 did see the Panthers miss out on finals, but they will pose a tough opponent if they manage to retain their top line players.
Dell’Olio acknowledged the challenge the new sides will present in 2023, but will look to take advantage of the unknown.
“Women’s footy changes significantly from season to season, so we have to be ready for any curve ball thrown our way from all our opponents. Best way is to prepare well ourselves & developing that flexibility to adapt. Belief that we can be anything if we keep surging forward together will continually be reinforced at each challenge.”
The first eleven rounds of the season have been scheduled as such that the Senior Men and Reserves will be at the same ground as the Women, with trips to Power House, Canterbury, Elsternwick, and La Trobe Uni all allowing the Animals to coordinate their travels much easier.
It’s not until Round 11 when the sides will split up for the first time when the women head to South Melbourne Districts for a rare 2pm start, which matches the Senior Men whilst they battle Hawthorn.
After the return from the rep bye, the split continues with the Women facing a tough trip to Bulleen to take on Old Carey, followed by the infamous 4.45pm start at Preston the next week.
“Yes the late games are a bit of a challenge, as it’s difficult to work out what to do earlier in the day, when to eat, how many social things you should do before switching on, how many coffees, etc. you can only wash the car 3 or 4 times. Good thing is that these games do become things of legend if we’re able to go there & steal the chocolates so bring it on.”
The home and away season ends with triple headers at home to Power House and away to La Trobe Uni also constitute the two sides the Women will have to play three times in 2023.