By David Nagel
The Pakenham Football Club women’s team is a proud representative of its town and is looking for a new breed of players to share that wonderful experience with during the 2022 season.
The Lions women’s team began its journey in 2018, finished runners up in 2019, before Covid had its overwhelming impact over the last two years.
It has left the Lions with a solid core group of players, but with ample opportunity to see some fresh faces represent the club this season.
The Lions have a new president, Derrick Brown, a new women’s coach, Rick Stalker, that are keen to see the women’s program thrive over the next few years.
“The Pakenham Football Club is fully supportive of the women’s team and we’re committed to seeing it grow into something much bigger now, and into the future,” Brown said.
“Pulling on the Pakenham jumper is something I did proudly in my playing days and it’s great to see our women’s team enjoying that same experience as well.
“We’re looking forward to a very exciting year and getting more players and volunteers to come down and be involved in women’s football.
“It’s a great club, we’ve got new facilities opening soon…so it’s a great time be involved.”
Stalker, who has great experience as a coach, said players of all levels are welcome to jump on board.
“My coaching philosophies are built on building from the ground up, getting the basics right, and that can be taught to players who have played lots of football…or never even touched a footy before,” Stalker said.
“Once we get those skills right, across the board, we can improve as a team.”
Stalker said the team aspect of football is something that is very important to him, and an aspect of the game that should never be underestimated.
“Just watching the girls jog a lap, or doing a drill together, you can see the team spirit building and that’s what football is all about to me.
“Some of these girls never even knew each other before they started playing football.
“It really is a great way to build friendships and to really feel part of something special.
“Just come down to training.
“New players will be welcomed with open arms and encouraged to learn at their own pace.”
One player who has experienced the learning process over the last couple of seasons is Donna Monckton, a mum, who only began her football journey last year.
“It’s something I should have done a lot earlier,” Monckton explained.
“Last year was my first year playing football and I learned so much about the game and I can’t wait to learn even more about it this year.
“You rely so much on your teammates when you run out on the ground and that helps build some really strong friendships.
“Hopefully more players can jump on board and share the experiences that we get to enjoy.”
Monckton said she is enjoying Stalker’s coaching style.
“Rick has been fantastic and taken us right back to basics,” Monckton said.
“He has so much experience and knowledge about the game and my handball and kicking skills have already improved so much under his coaching.
“His coaching suits players who have never played the game before, but his knowledge is also helping improve the senior players who have been here since the start.
“It would be great to get more players to the club who are keen to learn and enjoy.”
The Pakenham women’s team train on the main oval at Toomuc Reserve, at 6pm on Monday and Wednesday nights.
New players can simply come down to the club on those nights or contact coach Rick Stalker on 0408 053 117.
