Seasoned Wickers ready for the fray

By Ben Hope
AFTER four months of pre-season fitness training the Berwick Wickers are ready to hit the ground running for their second season in the Premier Division of the Victorian Women’s Football League.
Wickers coach Norm Berry said his team was looking good after picking up eight new players without losing anyone from last year’s side.
“Last year our inexperience cost us a bit but in our second year in the premier division we won’t be so overawed,” Berry said.
“It makes a huge difference. We missed out by one game last year when everyone thought we would be an easy beat.”
State players Kara Donnellan and Romy Timmins will both return to the Wickers after recovering from injuries.
Berry also expects fellow state player Katie Loynes to lead the charge for the Wickers this season.
“Loynes is known for her relentless running, there are not many players in the competition that can keep up with her,” Berry said.
“I am also looking for huge improvements from Stephanie Richardson and Georgia Harris who should step up and carry a lot of the burden.”
The team began training nearly four months ago and has concentrated on fitness leading up to the season kick-off. After losing five players to injuries in practice matches last year, the team won’t play a pre-season game this season.
“We want to hit the ground running without injury,” Berry said.
“The team is really fit and we will now focus on our skills so we are ready to have a good crack at it.
“We are based around speed and skill rather than height. It’s not a bang-crash side, it’s more about running.”
In their first game of the season the Wickers will meet division one newcomers Scoresby in a home game on 18 April.
“It will be a big step up for Scoresby coming from the South Eastern Women’s League and we are looking forward to playing them,” Berry said.
The support of the Hawthorn Football Club has also given the Wickers a boost and the team will play in the Hawks’ away colours.
“Hawthorn wanted a women’s side to represent them and have signed the Wickers for three years,” Berry said.
“It’s a boost to our footy that will hopefully provide opportunities for juniors to come and play at the highest level.”
Providing opportunity for junior girls is a central part of Berry’s coaching philosophy.
“I usually leave two positions open for juniors to play in each game,” he said.
“It gives them a taste for it, the footy is better and they play better. The hope is they will then play with us when they move into the seniors.”