OUR SEASON THAT IS:
Tuesday, 15th August 2006

ROUND 12, 2005, the Greenacres Women’s Football Club had notched its 12th straight loss in a row, losing to the Eagles by over 200 points.

That Tuesday at training, which lasted just over 40 minutes - It was cold, wet and not much fun. The mood was sombre and the six or so players that had actually turned up, were trying their hardest not to let the weekends result deter them from giving up completely.

The chatter about the finals series was non-existent.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006, the same club has just lost its 10th game for the season, however despite the injuries and challenges set in their path, there are 15 girls out on the track, completing a sharp, solid training session. Each vying for a starting position on the ground next Sunday, and each with the belief the games anyone’s and is up for grabs.

The chatter is still there, and it’s still not finals related.

To any other club, finishing the season on just 3 wins and triple the amount of losses would be considered an “ordinary season” by far. However this year, though it has indeed been bleak at times – our success has not been measured by game day scoreboards or ladder positioning. We’ve gauged our club on the glimpses of good form and momentum, the abundance of eager youth showing up to training – and the strong direction of where our playing group is heading.

Every match review on a Tuesday night from Coach Space, starts with a gentle introduction, followed by the cold hard truth. We could have kicked better or tackled harder or won the stoppages. More importantly, we could of started the game better, not 4 goals behind. We all sit there and listen intently. Some nod heads in agreement, some reflect on how they perhaps could of better contributed, some promise themselves to remember these words to take into the next game, and some just simply smile.

The differences between 2005 and 2006 are obvious. We got strength in our side. We’ve got determination. We’ve got onfield talk. We’ve got “surprise packets” to keep the opposition on edge and we have a coach who is giving his all to the team, and more importantly - giving us that direction. We’ve also got 14 first year players, 5 second year players & only 4 three plus years.

Despite this, the playing group is a much tighter unit.  There are golf days, dragonquests, meals in the club rooms after training.  Girls supporting other girls in their other sports.  There is an abundance of enthusiasm and friendliness.

And while we don’t have an experienced playing roster or as much fitness and fine ball skills as other teams – excuses aside, this year we definitely had our chances to up there in the contest for a finals spot. This massive positive leads me to think we have a solid base to go forward.

No doubt, the character and fabric of our club and its players have been heavily tested the last two years. That’s why, when we one day we do find success – it is going to feel all the more sweeter.

This year may be seen as a failure by other people not part of our club, but for those Dragons officials, supporters and players who you stand beside in the changeroom – it’s been a year of growing, learning and developing a future.

If there were a grand final trophy issued for heart, dedication and improvement of a club. Greenacres would be premiers.

Well done in season 2006 girls!