Vermont Football Club steps up to Eastern Region women’s senior ranks

After establishing a successful junior girls footy program, Vermont has taken the next step this season, entering the senior ranks of the Eastern Region women’s competition.

Vermont's Abbey Rutherford heads forward with the ball during a clash with Knox .Picture : Ian Currie

After establishing a successful junior girls footy program, Vermont has taken the next step this season, entering the senior ranks of the Eastern Region women’s competition.

And, after just a few rounds, that move appears to have been a more-than successful one.

With three wins in their first four games, the Eagles top the Division 1 ladder with a handy percentage advantage on Mount Evelyn, Upper Ferntree Gully, Knox and Heathmont.

Clint Wheeler, president of both the junior and women’s programs at Vermont, said establishing a senior team was largely about continuing the pathway the club had developed at a junior level.

“That was probably the biggest driver for us,” he said. “When we started in 2016 we had 12s, 14s, 16s and 18s in that first year, we were just overwhelmed.

“So I started talking to a couple of families and we started to set up a (senior) team.

“It hasn’t been about going out and getting players, it’s been about training the players and putting a culture in place.”

To that end the club needed a seasoned mentor for its first foray into senior footy and settled on the experienced Meredith Denvir.

It’s been an inspired choice.

Vermont coach Meredith Denvir lays down the law. Picture : Ian Currie

“It was through a family connection at the club. We knew she had a bit of interest in getting back into footy (after having children),” Wheeler said.

“She’s tougher than any men’s coach I’ve seen. She doesn’t expect any less of them just because they are women.

“We’ve really struck gold with her.”

Building slowly and steadily, Vermont has signalled that it’s in for the long haul, enjoying being part of the boom that is the recent growth in women’s footy participation.

“There’s always been that undercurrent of girls wanting to play,” Wheeler said.

“Out in the Eastern Region it’s just gone crazy.

“The step by step improvement you see in the girls is just so heartwarming.

“We want to make sure all the pillars are in place.”

Vermont’s Casidee Cullen looks to break a tackle. Picture : Ian Currie