Sunettes prepare to shine
The Meander Valley Sunettes are looking forward to a bright future.
From left, top row: Kate Bowland (asst coach), Kaitlyn Shaw, Jessica Totham, Caitlin McLaughlan, Emily Macinnes, Bree Bowen, Des Austerberry, Jocelyn Gee.
Middle row: Matthew Brooks (runner), Molly Spencer, Abbey Bellchambers, Jemma Lawrence, Kayleigh Crawshaw, Jacqui Hodgkinson, Elena Grixti, Tiffany Whitney, Rebecca Hearps, Charlie Giddins.
Front row: Anthony Johnson (assistant coach), Montanna Eastley, Paige Maynard, Juanita Stevenson, Sophie Townsend, Isabelle Booth, Meg Wilkinson, Scott Bellinger (coach). Photo supplied
David Claridge
A strong first win for the Meander Valley Sunettes against Longford 0n May 8 has given them a big boost with a score of 88 to 13 on the final siren.
For a group of players who started the season with around fifty percent of the team never having played football before preseason, they have come a long way.
Coach Scott Bellinger praised the success of the Sunettes and shared the work he has done with them to give them the best chance of success on field and off field.
‘For us, it’s about building the correct culture at the club, getting the numbers on track. I’m really excited that we have around 30 players’, he said.
‘It’s not about the wins and losses, but constant improvement, and making sure that the women who haven’t played before get basic skills and understanding of the game to set us up for the future.’
The club has been fortunate to have guest speakers, including Brownlow Medal winner Dane Swan and Tasmanian football identity Brennan Savage, to teach some skills.
The Sunettes also took part in the Indigenous round in May against Old Launcestonians.
Scott commented, ‘It was a gala day. Not for points, it was about indigenous culture.
‘We have a few women playing for us who are really passionate about it. It was a privilege to be a part of it. It was great to go through the education side of things.
‘We rested a lot of players, gave some game time to players who haven’t played yet and they held up really well against a good opposition team.’
