VU Western Spurs enjoy an impressive start to VFL Women’s season

VU Western Spurs are flying and near the top of the ladder after an impressive start to the VFL Women’s season.

VU Western Spurs celebrate a goal earlier this season. Picture: Sarah Matray

VU Western Spurs are flying and near the top of the ladder after an impressive start to the VFL Women’s season.

With back-to-back big wins — registering 40 shots to seven in the two matches — the Spurs sit second on the ladder­ behind Geelong.

But while they could not have hoped for a much better opening, coach Debbie Lee is retaining a cautious optimism for the season.

“We have a young and enthusiastic­ playing group who want to learn and get better,” she said.

“We’ve really changed our game style and implemented a lot of new structures which the girls are putting into place.

“There is still a bit to do, but they have shown a great willingness to learn and they are taking some risks, which is pleasing.”

While the club has welcomed a lot of new players — expanding from two senior teams to four — Lee said the group was still inexperienced.

Among the newcomers are AFLW players Sarah Jolly, Angelica Gogos, Ellyse Gamble and Tara Morgan.

“But players like Harriet Cordner and Aliesha Newman have only played seven games ever — they just happened to be AFLW games,” Lee said.

Lee, who founded the Spurs in 1993 and is Melbourne AFLW football operations manager, said it was terrific to see how much her players had improved due to their experience through the summer.

“They’ve just been able to take it up another level,” she said.

“It has really helped educate the girls about what they need to do in terms of training, nutrition and ability.”

With 140 women now playing at the club, Lee said she was enjoying the sport’s growth.

“It’s just great that we’re able to provide everyone an opportunity to play footy, whatever their ability,” she said.

“We will ensure we continue to develop the players and help them achieve their aspirations, whether it’s enjoying footy or playing in an AFLW season.”

The VFL women’s competition observed a general bye on Saturday, with the Spurs to resume their campaign against last year’s runner-up Melbourne Uni on Saturday.