By Tara Murray
It’s been a pleasantly surprising start for the Suns in the Western Football League women’s season.
After making finals in their first season, the Suns have had a little bit of change in the off season.
With that in mind, coach Leanne Meyer has changed the focus and the goals for the team this season.
“We had a bit of turnover in the list and lost about a dozen players,” he said. “There’s a lot taking a year off football.
“Pre-season was tough in the trenches but we slowly got there each week. We never gave up hope and in my experience, players often come in late during the pre-season.
“That is what happened. Between two months ago and now we’ve picked up eight or so players.
“It’s given us a bit of breathing space.”
Meyers said they had a lot of younger players and players stepping up to play football for the first time.
She said it meant that it was a different dynamic and the message to the playing group had changed this year. The side has also increased its coaching panel to focus on development.
“They are learning how to play the game and how to play with each other,” she said. “Rather than focusing on winning, it’s about keeping it simple with one of two key messages.
Meyers said with games now being filmed they have the opportunity to watch back matches and look at things they can improve the second time they play teams.
She said the message might change then, but it’s about that gradual improvement.
The Suns have started with three wins to start the season, but know there’s big tests ahead for the side.
Meyers said they were yet to play any of the other finalists from last season in the first three rounds.
“After this week we start to play the finalists,” she said. “We will be challenged by them.
“As long as we play with integrity and maintain the key messages.
“Win or lose, that is irrelevant, we want to be united and sticking together. We’re happy with the start, but we know there will be more challenges.”
The Suns faced Point Cook Centrals on Saturday in round four.
The Sharks in their return to the competition are yet to win a match.
It was the Suns that came away with the points, winning 8.4 (52)-4.3 (27).
Jennifer Plumb, Matilda Brown and Lyndal Ridder were named the Suns best.
For the Sharks, Chloe Elkington, Emma Davis, Nya Chuol were their standouts.
Elsewhere, Werribee Centrals beat Yarraville Seddon, 4.8 (32)-4.6 (30).
