Darebin Falcons gain injection of experience, youth to boost VFLW season

After a horror start to the VFLW season, some young blood and a dash of experience has helped turn Darebin’s campaign around, despite a heart-breaking loss to Casey Demons.

Lauren Arnell in action for Darebin.

An injection of experience and youthful exuberance has helped turn Darebin Falcons’ season around in recent weeks.

After starting the VFLW campaign 0-5, the Falcons have won three of their past seven games.

AFLW stars Lauren Arnell (Brisbane) and Elise O’Dea (Melbourne) have returned to Preston City Oval in the past month in a sizeable boost.

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Northern Knights NAB League premiership winners Nell Morris-Dalton and Sarah Sansonetti made their debuts in the impressive 16-point win over finals contender Geelong in Round 12.

Arnell celebrated her 200th senior women’s appearance with a best-on-ground performance against the Cats but missed the heart-breaking one-point loss to Casey on Saturday.

Speaking before the game, the inaugural Carlton AFLW captain said there was plenty to like about the Falcons’ season despite the win-loss record.

Elise O'Dea puts the pressure on Renee Garing. Picture: Hamish Blair

Lauren Arnell in action for Darebin. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“I think there were a few better on the ground than I was (against Geelong) … it’s nice to be back at the club that has been home to me since I was 18,” Arnell said.

“Elise O’Dea has been back for the past three and Lauren Pearce is having potentially a league best-and-fairest year.

“We’ve got some really great players in the team.

“Reni Hicks is hoping to find another AFLW opportunity and has put her absolute best foot forward.”

Arnell coached Morris-Dalton and Sansonetti during Vic Metro’s Under-18 National Championships campaign and was rapt to see them step up to VFLW.

“I was fortunate to help coach the girls at the nationals (championships) on the Gold Coast,” she said.

Lauren Pearce win the ruck tap. Picture: Hamish Blair

Nell Morris-Dalton makes her VFLW debut. Picture: Hamish Blair

“To be able to run out alongside the two 18-year-olds in Nell and Sarah and to watch them absolutely dominate was really exciting for an old girl like me.”

While the AFLW and VFLW expansion has seen Darebin’s dominance reduced in recent seasons, the Falcons remain synonymous with women’s football.

Darebin sits second in the Northern Football League’s Division 1 women’s competition and on top of the Under-18 Girls ladder.

Arnell said while on-field results were important, the off-field legacy of the Darebin Football Club remained critical.

“To have ex-teammates as assistant coaches is something that shows the growth of women’s football and a hopefully a pathway for female coaches as well,” she said.

“What’s most important to our club and the players is our culture … team and personal development through the last few games is a priority.”

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