Tara Murray
The Truganina Hornets women’s side were winners before they even took to the pitch in the FV state league 5 north-west competition this year.
Having not fielded a women’s team in a number of years, the Hornets entered a side as they looked to increase female participation at the club.
The side exceeded all expectations, going through the season undefeated on the way to claiming the title. They finished equal on points with second placed Western Eagles, but claimed the title on goal difference.
Hornets committee member Josh Banks said they were thrilled with what the side had been able to do.
“It didn’t matter whether they won a game or went through undefeated, they were a success in our eyes,” he said.
“It’s our first year of having this team come together with a new coach and new group of players. “We were really keen on developing and giving women an opportunity to play competitive sport.
“We’re incredibly proud of what they have achieved.”
Banks said none of the women had played at the club before and not many of them knew each other.
He said coach Tyson Scarcella was the driving force behind getting the group to come together as a team.
“He did an awesome job galvanising this team,” he said. “They came together not just as a group of players, but they were able to come together and have that team culture.
“The enthusiasm within the group was just so strong. They gelled as a group and worked hard week in week out.
“It was enjoyable to watch.”
The Hornets were back in action on Sunday as they faced state league 5 south-east winner Chisholm United for the overall state league 5 title.
Chisholm won 4-1.
Banks said in the end they were beaten by a good side.
“We were really proud how they approached the match as it was outside of the official season,” he said.
“There was no drop off and real focus on trying to get over the line. They just came up against a really good team.”
Now that they’ve got a women’s side back on the park, Banks said they were keen to further increase female participation at the club.
“The club is focused on improving our female footprint,” he said. “We want more females at the club in coaching, juniors and seniors.”
