Cranbourne is one of the 10 teams in the new VFL Women’s competition

AFTER taking the premiership last season, Cranbourne is ready for the challenge of the new VFL Women’s competition.

Women's football: Cranbourne v Knox at Casey Fields, Cranbourne. Cranbourne's #35 Bianca Jacobsson kicks at goal and scores. Picture: Jason Sammon Saturday 4th July 2015

THE Cranbourne Eagles are ready to fly with the best.

After winning the Victorian Women’s Football League Division 1 flag last year, Cranbourne has moved up to join a 10-team top-tier competition, the VFL Women’s competition.

“I expect it to be harder, faster, and the girls are going to hit harder,’’ Cranbourne coach Kris Smith said.

“It will be up a level and it’s up to us to rise to it.’’

Cranbourne will be thrown into the deep end straight away, scheduled to meet powerhouse club Darebin in the opening round on Sunday, April 3.

“I’m under no illusions,’’ Smith said.

“We know what we are up against. It’s going to be real tough. Sides like Diamond Creek, Melbourne Uni, St Kilda…the sides that have been there for more than 10 years, they’re well accustomed to playing that level of footy.’’

Cranbourne, though, will take a strong list into season 2016 and has the talent to feature strongly.

It has retained the majority of its premiership side as well as adding Courtney Clarkson, Shannon Barnes and Tess Butler.

Highlighting Cranbourne’s depth, it has six players in the AFL Victoria Women’s Football Academy.

Smith has boosted his coaching panel, with Brett Andrew stepping up to be assistant coach and Mitch Dyer becoming runner.

Smith said Cranbourne was eager to bolster its seconds and welcomed new players. “No experience is necessary, just come down and have a kick and have fun,’’ he said.