Exciting talent drives Southern Saints’ positive start in VFL Women’s

A FORMER Australian volleyball player and elite basketballer have fuelled the Southern Saints’ strong start to the VFL Women’s season.

Alison Drennan of the Southern Saints in action during the VFLW round three match against the Casey Demons at Skybus Stadium. Picture: Graham Denholm

A FORMER Australian volleyball player and elite basketballer have fuelled the Southern Saints’ strong start to the VFL Women’s season.

Rhiannon Watt, an ex-professional volleyballer who is new to football, has quickly emerged as a ruck star, while ex-Nunawading Spectres hoopster Alison Drennan, in only her second season of footy, has sparkled in the midfield.

The Saints have won two of their first three games, including a stirring come-from-behind victory over Casey Demons at SkyBus Stadium last week.

St Kilda AFLW coach Peta Searle and assistant coach Nathan Burke. Picture: Michael Klein

“It’s been a pretty positive start,’’ Southern Saints coach Peta Searle said.

Searle said Drennan has been “outstanding’’ in the midfield and has already attracted the attention of AFLW scouts, while Watt’s athleticism has been a stand-out.

“Rhiannon has never played footy before and she’s dominated the hit outs, but it’s what she does around the ground that is impressive, too,’’ she said.

Several teenagers have also made their mark for the Saints. Courtney Munn had a great game against Carlton in round one. “She’s got a lot of talent,’’ Searle said.

Rhiannon Watt (right) competes against Carlton’s Breann Moody.

Kayla Ripari has applied good pressure around the ball and Dayna Smith has quickly adapted to senior footy.

Searle said the Saints had no grandiose goals this season, other than growing together as a team.

She expects the competition to get tougher as opposition sides strengthen once AFLW players start playing.

“We are under no illusions what’s ahead of us,’’ Searle said.

“But it’s good to get a couple of wins early, just for reward for effort but we still know what we are up against.’’

In other Saints news, defender Meg MacDonald is sidelined after breaking a finger at training and Georgia Ricardo, a skilful player, hopes to play in the backend of the season after injuries and illness.