VAFA: Westbourne women’s footy team prepares to return

A VAFA club which spent the 2023 season in recess will return to the field this weekend with a Western Bulldogs champion at the helm. We go inside their rebuild.

Chris Grant addresses his new side.

Westbourne Grammarians will officially return to the VAFA this weekend and a famous footballing name is leading the charge.

Western Bulldogs champion Chris Grant, alongside Ian ‘Scratcha’ Allen will coach the Warriors women’s team after the club spent a year in recess in 2023.

And they’ll return at one of footy’s most famous grounds, against Fitzroy at Brunswick St Oval on Saturday.

Westbourne hasn’t fielded a women’s team since pre-Covid and is returning with a bang - competing in Premier B, the second highest division in the competition.

It’s a level which will see the Warriors field seniors and reserves teams.

Chris Grant addresses his new side.

Club president David Hudson credited the co-coaches for being the drive force behind what he’s already described as a “promising” return.

“We’re very fortunate to have Chris and Scratcha leading the way. They have an outstanding level of experience and have enjoyed great success previously with Spotswood,” he said.

“Our goal is to create an elite pathway for our players to play at the highest level we can.

“When we set out about bringing back the women’s program, we were hellbent on playing in the highest division possible.

“We’ve done a lot of work behind the scenes now we need to just get out there and play some footy.”

Westbourne Grammarians in action.

At the end of the 2022 VAFA men’s season, Westbourne found itself in a difficult position facing relegation to Division 4 after a winless campaign.

A move to the thirds competition was then touted before the committee made the decision to hit the reset button.

Now with an “amazing bunch of coaches and determined playing group”, the women’s team is ready to help the club take its next step forward.

“We want the Westbourne name to be out there,” Hudson said.

“The club was probably at its lowest point when we faced relegation and then it got lower when we had to pull the side. Everyone involved has done a remarkable job to help turn it around.

“We’ve welcomed a lot of players with lots of experience who were seeking a new challenge. Some of the players have crossed from Spotswood where Chris and Scratcha have previously coached.

“Our focus for the short-term at least is going to remain on continuing to build the women’s program.”

The reserves will be in action from 11.40am before the senior game at 2pm.