Recruiting slam dunk for VU Western Spurs
AN APPETITE for women’s football is attracting athletes from outside the sport to the game, says VU Western Spurs coach Debbie Lee.
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AN APPETITE for women’s football is attracting athletes from outside the sport to the game, says VU Western Spurs coach Debbie Lee.
The women’s football legend has seen it first-hand at her VFL women’s club, with more than a handful of “newies” joining the western suburbs club.
“I’ve got 38 girls competing for spots in Round 1,” Lee said.
“Out of the 38, I’d say 14 or 15 played seniors last year. We’ve got some basketballers, an Australian softballer, a soccer player ... obviously athletes in their own right.
“I think the AFL talent search and promotion of the national cup has caught sports women’s eyes.”
The Spurs battled in Victorian’s Women Football League Premier Division last season, going winless and averaging less than three goals per game.
But a move in home base — from Kings Park Reserve, St Albans, to Henry Turner Reserve, Footscray — has led to an influx of recruits to the club.
“I think there’s probably a combination of how they got to the club,” Lee said.
“The move to Henry Turner oval has been remarkable; also, to move near Victoria University, our partnership with them and recruiting drives.
“As a coaching panel, we’ve also recruited quite a handful.
“(Last year) we were working from a low base — we had 44 on the list. Now we’ve got 70 on the list.”
Former Keilor basketballers Ashleigh Gunn and Jessica Francke headline the inclusions, while Caroline Hardeman and Amanda Tessari will add some much-needed height to the side.
Lee also earmarked Ainslie Kemp as a player to watch this season.
“Obviously to win more games than last year would be a great outcome, and be more competitive on the scoreboard,” Lee said.
“If we win four or five games, that would be a great result.”
The Spurs will tackle Geelong away from home in the opening round on April 3.
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