VFLW 2022: Williamstown excited by return of Jasmine Kawa as season begins
The return of a star midfielder and a young gun plucked from obscurity are just some of the reasons Williamstown are excited about the new VFLW season.
Vic Womens
Don't miss out on the headlines from Vic Womens. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Williamstown coach Penny Cula-Reid is like a kid on Christmas morning on the eve of the 2022 VFLW season.
The third year Seagulls coach is excited about the prospect seeing her team develop across the course of the season.
But she’s most excited about seeing individuals grow.
This season will bring a new look Seagulls who have again introduced a range of new faces into the group as they seek to improve on 2021’s 11th place finish with two wins, 11 losses and a draw.
“There’s been a lot of list changes but that’s a similar situation for other clubs,” she said.
“In my second year I learnt a lot about coaching and I’ve taken that away in the off-season and continued to develop myself.
“Our goal is going to be stick to the process and play a different brand of footy to previous seasons and back ourselves in.”
Despite the changes it’s the return of Jasmine Kawa which is arguably the biggest boost for Cula-Reid’s side.
“I can’t wait to have her back in the middle of the ground,” she said.
“Unfortunately Jasmine missed all of last season after injuring her knee while in Queensland in 2020. She sat in the coaches box with us all last season and it was terrific for her to see that side of the game.
“But to be able to throw her straight back in the midfield is a massive bonus for us. She came back super strong and fit.
“We can’t wait to see her back out there.”
One player Cula-Reid said to keep an eye on this season is Blackburn’s Ellie Cleland who came to the club through an assistant coach’s connection at local level.
“Ellie has been really impressive during pre-season and has improved dramatically,” she said.
“One of our coaches was at a Blackburn training session and came to me and said you need to give this girl an opportunity.
“She never thought she could reach the level but I think we’ve found a player with untapped potential who should have a really exciting year.”
Cula-Reid also pointed to former Carlton AFLW player Bridie Kennedy as a player who could have a big impact on the competition.
She joined the club from Port Melbourne with Cleo Saxon-Jones.
“Bridie has been a standout in our practice matches,” she said.
“She has shown she can play anywhere on the field after becoming a real star in defence.”
Sharnie Whiting has also returned to the club after she was named in the SANFL Team of the Year last season along with West Adelaide.
Also among the new faces are Elsa Mangan, Lori Stepnell, Kaitlyn Carew, Alana Serec and Olivia Woods.
Erin Meade will captain the side.
Williamstown will face off against Darebin in the opening round on Saturday.
WILLIAMSTOWN 2022 PLAYING LIST
Sasha Long, Caulfield Grammarians
Cleo Saxon-Jones, Williamstown CYMS
Ellie Cleland, Caulfield Grammarians
Paige Nash, Edithvale Aspendale
Thalia Wright, Spotswood
Sofi Georgas, Williamstown CYMS
Lana King, St Kevins
Kaitlyn Carew, Eastern Devils
Eliza Straford, St Kevins
Erin Meade, Edithvale Aspendale
Scarlett Dunell, St Kevins
Jasmine Kawa, Redan
Kate Scott, Old Xavier
Bridie Kennedy, Blackrock
Amanda Maginn, Caulfield Grammarians
Payton Ozols, Burnside Heights
Asha Price, Melbourne Univeristy
Elsa Mangan, West Brunswick
Christy Landwehr, Caulfield Grammarians
Lori Stepnell, Redan
Alana Sarec, Old Xavier
Alanna Doherty, Bacchus Marsh
Olivia Woods, West Brunswick
Ella Baxter, Caulfield Grammarians
Tayla Dinnucio, VU Western Spurs
Madison Blackburn, Lyndale
Olivia Purcell, Edithvale Aspendale
Sharnie Whiting, Williamstown CYMS