North Hobart poised to set SFLW on fire this season

The SFLW is ready to get underway, with one club already poised as the flag favourite. SEE EVERY IN AND OUT FOR YOUR CLUB>>

North Hobart has emerged as the team to beat in Division 1 of the Southern Football League Women’s this season and the Demons will be put to the test in the opening round when they take on reigning premier Glenorchy at North Hobart Oval on Saturday night.

North Hobart vice-captain Libby Johnstone believes it is too early to make the call about the Dees’ flag favouritism.

“It’s hard to know this early, but it would be absolutely huge to win a premiership,” she said.

“We’ve got a lot of kids in our team and they’ve been successful in juniors so to bring that up into seniors it would be massive.

“It will be interesting to see how we stack up against Glenorchy. They’re a side we haven’t beaten yet so there’s something to prove for us girls.

“We’ve got three girls from Glenorchy but only two will play this week cause one is injured, and Glenorchy has got some great girls coming through their juniors so it will be a good game.”

SFLW Launch - Representatives of the SFLW teams for season 2022. Picture: Linda Higginson

North Hobart players have been working overtime in the gym to build their strength to complement their work on the track.

“It has been pretty full-on but the girls can see the dividends paying off so we’re excited to finally get into the season,” Johnstone said.

“We definitely want to be more of a running side this year. We’ve been more of a skills-based side in previous years.

“This season we’ve got more run off half-back and we want to use that, as well as through the midfield, so we will definitely be more a of a running style.”

North Hobart has two teams this year. As well as a D1 one team the Dees also have a Division 2 team, while Hutchins has stepped up from Division 3 to D2.

Hutchins defender Molly Garrett is excited to move up a level and have “more competition”, starting with North Hobart at North Hobart Oval at 7pm on Friday.

“Last year playing at full-back was a little bit slow. It got a bit cold standing down there so hopefully this year we’ll be up against some really good forwards,” Garrett said.

SFLW player pathways manager Jodie Mather ensures junior football players have the opportunity to advance to the SFLW divisions.

“There’s a lot to be excited about this season. The growth of the female game has gone through the roof in the past couple of years and we’ve seen that growth continue this year,” Mather said.

“A lot of female haven’t had the opportunity to play through the juniors like men so it’s not uncommon in the women’s league to see players jumping into footy for the first time in their mid-20s, so we are still getting an influx of those players into the women’s game.”

Garrett’s early tip for the flag: “North Hobart has recruited well so they would be the early favourite.”

ALL THE PLAYERS MOVEMENTS AND COACHES’ COMMENT

LINDISFARNE

COACH DARCY WOODHAM SAYS: This year the Lady Blues have lost a few experienced players to the TSL, and some retirements as well, so are rebuilding with a lot of first year players, which is an great opportunity for me as a first year coach to mould the team into a game style to suit and create a new era for Lindisfarne.

GAINS

Lara Williams - first year of footy, tall target with a great set of hands and very keen on improving.

Samantha Lord - tall target with a nice straight kick and another good set of hands down forward.

Morgan Saward, Lindisfarne.

Montana Archer - stepping up from Lindisfarne juniors, showing a lot of potential and skills are already up among the senior girls.

Lucy Hardner - first year of footy, keen and aggressive will play a big part in our backline.

Abbie Lawrence - played at Lauderdale, first year at Lindisfarne, tough young player, who shows potential to play a few different roles.

Kristy Lord - first year of footy, excellent straight kick showing some good attack on the ball in pressure situations.

Kate Le Roux - first year of footy, former soccer player, who has picked up footy skills pretty quick and has a quick take off handy on the wing.

Shannon Harris - returning to Lindisfarne after some time off. Level above with her composure and skills. Excited to see how this year goes for her.

Montana Gatty - first year player, another keen young player with a good set of hands. Potential to build into a key position.

Siobhan Shay - played at Lauderdale , first year at Lindisfarne. Skills are coming along nicely and a strong woman who will be hard to play on.

Emily Canham - first of footy, very quick learner. Quick on her feet and shows signs of moving into the midfield as her game knowledge picks up.

Hollie Jane - first year of footy, a lot of potential to be a very dangerous forward. Showing good leadership and intensity at training.

Gabby Lee - first year of footy, taking on a big role in the ruck. A very athletic woman who’s picking up the game and skills quickly.

LOSSES

Melinda Green – New Norfolk

Georgie Bailey – Kingborough

Jodie Mather – Kingborough

Olivia Johnson – Kingborough

Rebecca Norquay – Kingborough

NEW NORFOLK

Senior Women’s Coach: Dean King

Senior Women’s Captain: Sophie Farrow

2021 B&F Winner Womens: Sophie Farrow

COACH DEAN KING SAYS - After a few tough years, the women improved to win their first ever game last season and participate in finals. With natural improvement and with the addition of some new and some experienced players from other clubs, season 2022 promises to provide another step in the development of the club.

We will continue to work on the players’ techniques and game plans with the aim of going deeper into finals this season.

Sophie Farrow (Top), New Norfolk.

Training commenced in November and at least thirty different faces have rolled through over this period. With a strong group of underage girls coming through to join a passionate group of existing players, 2022 is going to be an exciting year for New Norfolk.

GAINS

Zoie Crawford – Glenorchy

Olivia Harris – Brighton

Chloe Ford – Brighton

Melinda Green – Lindisfarne

Siobhan Smith – New

Montana Percy – New

Nikayla Roach – New

Melody Bell – New

Clancy Topp – New

LOSSES

Tahlia Walker – Brighton

NORTH HOBART

COACH DARREN MCCONNON SAYS: This season is one for North Hobart to build on after the good work we put in to 2021.

Making the finals last season has given the girls extra drive for 2022.

We have been lucky to have recruited some quality players and people to our group and the team has had a good solid preseason.

We are looking to consolidate our position in the top four and with the aim to improve throughout the season so that we are matching it with Clarence and Glenorchy, who have been the bench marks of the competition.

GAINS

Tia Moffat

Steph Cowdry

Libby Johnstone (centre), North Hobart.

Elise Barwick

Laura Negri

McKenzie Williams

Anjelica Clark

Laura O Malley

Matilda Harvey

Mena Mcleod

Marahn Atkin

Emily Hobden

Caitlyn Denny

Bellah Parker

Maddie Lamb

Grace White

Alex Hullah

Keira McCoull

Maddie Webster

Hannah Cowen

LOSSES

Maddison Chapman

Sophia Bellars

OHA

COACH GREG GRUBB SAYS: On paper looks to be a huge turnover of players. But when you look at the list and know the reason behind the 14 players leaving it is understandable.

OHA for season 2022 are looking to improve on 2021.

As a club and playing group we understand it takes time to develop a new team and receive the rewards that go with development.

We have a bright future and look to develop and recruit to our list.

The club culture is important to us. Both on and off the field.

Improvement on field will happen as a result of the hard work every player has and will be putting in at training.

GAINS

Alanna McSherry

Stacey Shultz, OHA.

Ali Churchill

Amy Hoskinson

Sandy Czyzowicz

Tanisha Chatterson

Theresa Boucher

Rosie Young

Misty Brickell

Alesha Weston

Brooke Halbwirth

LOSSES

Sammy Roberts

Kim Hepworth

Danielle Denehey

Courtney Glover

Deahnna Briggs

Zhane Ripper

Chelsea Hepworth

Keren Scotney

Zoe Bird

Khayler Hogan

April Bradford

Dani Woolley

Amanda Fitzpatrick

Tikayshia Spencer

CYGNET

COACH JASON KLUGA SAYS : After making the 2021 GF Port have retained the majority of last year’s list, and have welcomed some exciting inclusions to give us some real depth. We aim to keep pushing hard to get the best out of ourselves and maintain a great team environment.

Sammy Kluger, Cygnet.

GAINS

Sophie Penney (Thornton Eildon FC Vic)

Amalia Clifford (Southern Storm STJFL)

Avah Polley (Sandy Bay STJFL)

Chloe Ashlin

Emily Duggan

LOSSES

Abbey Reinmuth

Abbey Tromp

UNIVERSITY

COACH ERIN CHIVERS SAYS: 2022 for the TUFC Women’s Program sees a new coach, new assistant coaches and a new approach to our pre-season.

We have been able to retain all but one of our premiership 20, which is testament to the club culture and team dynamic.

Our pre-season has been positive and the attendance and commitment has been second to none.

Annie Lord, University.

We have some very specific goals as we head into the season and are all very excited to see what the 2022 season holds for the Girl Bows.

GAINS

Kristel Roeifs

Kate McMaster

Kylee Chivers

Hannah Nichols

Nikki Cunliffe

Chelsea McDonald

Zoe Witkowski

Kelcie Miller

Natalie Long

Jess Brown

LOSSES

Jorja Threlfall - Claremont

Maggie O’May - QLD

Anna Mack - ACT

Gabby Watson - Injury

Leah Bartlett – Basketball

BRIGHTON

COACH MICHAEL WHITE SAYS: This season we have gained some good young talent moving from other clubs, showing very good signs.

Bri Oates coming from Clarence and has also played in the Devils Girls side. Bri is showing great on ball skills.

Gemma and Sophie Smith moved across from North Hobart. Both have speedy ball skills.

Great most of last year’s girls have returned and picking up where we left off showing plenty of determination and skills.

Unfortunately we have lost a couple of girls this year, Chloe Ford and Olivia Harris moved to New Norfolk, both girls are a loss to the midfield.

Emma Groves headed south to Huonville to try out her luck kicking goals with them. All are a big loss to our team.

Natalie Heggie also went to Claremont Div 1

GAINS

Katelyn Butler

Belinda Dredge

Ruby Foster

Bella Hill

Shabbecah McWhirter

Bri Oates

Katie Rimmer

Sara Robinson

Sara Schofield

Neave Schofield

Sophie Smith

Gemma Smith

Chloe Smith

Tahlia Walker

Steph White

Jamie Lee Willrath

Zoe Woolley

LOSSES

Chloe Ford – New Norfolk

Olivia Harris - New Norfolk

Emma Groves – Huonville

Natalie Heggie – Claremont

CLAREMONT

COACH CAMERON DUFFY SAYS: The women’s squad has been training since December and both sides are eager to hit the field for round one. With a completely new coaching group for this season, the players have been working well together, with a focus on improving their skills, and building on the fundamentals of the game. With most player’s re-committing to season 2022 and the addition of some new faces at the Magpies, we are excited to see how we match up against our opposition in both division’s this coming season.

GAINS

April Bradford (back), Claremont.

Nat Heggie (Brighton)

Jorja Threlfall (University)

Olivia Smith (returning player)

Katelyn Mayne (returning player)

April Bradford (OHA)

Codi King

Nakisha Grimsey (Glenorchy Juniors)

Montanna Dawes (Glenorchy Juniors)

Shakaya Butler (Claremont Juniors)

Hayley Rice (Claremont Juniors)

Caitlin Wright (Claremont Juniors)

LOSSES

Sharni Wylie (year off)

Isabella King (year off)

Gemma Hutchison (Lauderdale)

CLARENCE

COACH ANDY SMITH SAYS: The club is looking to bounce back after a very disappointing end to the 2021 season. The playing group have been working hard over the pre season and are looking forward to showcasing their footy skills.

GAINS

Mel Wise – returning from injury

Vanessa Delpero (back), Clarence.

Megan Harper – returning from injury

Josie Crowden

Morgan Whitney

Niki Deiter

Alision Cashion

Gemma Blackburn

Halle Whitehead

LOSSES

Club Captain Grace Mitchell - Retired

2021 B&F Winner Jacinta Limbrick – Pregnant

Jess Williams – Hawthorn VFLW

Hallie Meaburn – Golf Scholarship

Bri Oates – Brighton

Hayley Poole – Work

HUONVILLE LIONS

COACH CHRIS SQUIRES SAYS: The Huonville Lions women are looking forward to being fierce and competitive in the 2022 season. Pre-season is showing plenty of promise in many players, including a few new players who you almost wouldn’t believe haven’t played a single game of footy before. We have done a lot of work in regaining our structure and we are confident we will be a tough team for anyone to face up to on game day.

GAINS

Ellie Hills

Airlee Lawson

Anna Stanway (centre back), Huonville.

Steph Miller

Sarah Scott

Jane Richards

Emma Groves

Rachel Wynter

Laella O’Neill

Roxy Burdon

Angela Jones

LOSSES

Holly Upston

Sherilyn Upston

Christie Pepper

Demi Fussell

Beck Squires

Alanah Grubb

HUTCHINS

COACH ED BURROWS-CHENG SAYS: We’re excited to the see majority of the ‘21 group return with many new faces joining us. Div 2 will be a great challenge for the girls, and while we have lost a couple of key stars due to university, travel and work, we’re really pleased with the additions to the side with the likes of Mimosa Middleton Miller, Annie Pitt and Georgia Kelly to name a few.

The girls have been training hard with great numbers week to week. Can’t wait to see what they can do in a new division.

GAINS

Madie Warmbrunn

Mimosa Middleton Miller

Georgia Kelly

Mia Lilley

Annie Pitt

Elysse Cornford

Lucy Balmforth

Sarah Lakoseljac

Laura Johnston

Ellie Clapman

Tilly Baker

Molly Dineen

Pinky Watchorn

Ali Badenach

Kaite Andrewartha

LOSSES

Meg Purdon

Sophie Hughes

Molly Gardner

Abby Burrows-Cheng

Annie Clarke

Georgia McMullen

Issie Burrows-Cheng

Indi Watchorn

Lucy Absolom

Madelin Reynolds

Lydia Newton

Courtney Rickards

Sophie Rule

KINGBOROUGH

COACH CHRIS JACKSON SAYS: Whilst we have lost some talented players both locally and interstate, we fully support the girls and their choices and we will welcome them back in the future. But have retained the core of the list, while also picking up some extremely talented key position players with experience and physical maturity that will complement our young talent coming through.

GAINS

Jodie Mather – Assistant Coach

Georgie Lee Bailey (Lindisfarne)

Rebecca Norquay (Lindisfarne)

Liv Johnson (Lindisfarne)

Marley Beaven (Qld)

Grace Daniels (new)

Liv Nichols (new)

LOSSES

Kiirra Johns (Apsley, Qld)

Mimosa Middleton-Miller (Uni)

Maggie Bones (Lauderdale)

Georgia Purton (Penguin)

Racheal Odwogo (Qld)

Abbie Kemp

Lili Williams

LAUDERDALE

COACH ANDREW HOPWOOD SAYS: Fantastic start to the year with amazing numbers at training comprising much new talent being a mix of experience and inexperience. We have lost very low numbers and as a result our depth is strengthening, and our main focus will be keeping the total list engaged given there is only 22 who can play each week.

GAINS

Annie Johns

Maggie Bones

Jess Percy, Lauderdale.

Gemma Hutchinson

Maddi Cooper

Bianca Harris

Chloe Worbey

Clarie Hodgman

Courtney Turnbull

Elina Otto

Ella Pietraroia

Ellie Busch

GraceKnowles

HannahStockley Smith

JessicaBentley

Mia Carpenter

Rea Roberts

Rosalind Herbert

Sam Richardson

Mia Carpenter

Katie Andrewartha

Thea Pulbrook

SophieWatson

LOSSES

Ayla Rance

Emily Burrows