2022 HOPPERS CROSSING PREVIEW
By KEL ROWE
In 2021, Hoppers Crossing started their maiden season in the VU Polytechnic Senior Women’s Competition with a bang —winning seven matches and finishing third on the Division 1 ladder. This year sees the Warrior’s side with a new coach and a fresh line up, ready for the challenge of Season 2022.
Coach Kerry Saunders, who joins the Warriors after a stint at Point Cook, says that with some player movement in the offseason, the focus is on building her young group, whilst having fun with their footy.
Saunders reflects that the close battle with Spotswood in Round 9 last season was a highlight amongst the returning players, and that this year, she is ‘looking forward to running all teams to close and hard-fought results.’
In particular, the Hoppers Crossing outfit are keen to match up against 2021 Division 1 minor Premiers Manor Lakes.
“Manor Lakes has been dominant for a long time — they are well drilled and hard at the contest — anyone who thinks they have a chance, needs to get past this lot,” Saunders said.
As they prepare for their Round 1 hit-out, Saunders says her players are keen for victory, but with fun and enjoyment firmly in the mix. Catch the Warrior Women in action against Caroline Springs on April 9.
By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
This pre-season has looked a little different for Hoppers Crossing.
“Coming off COVID we went about it (pre-season) differently, we gave our senior players, the most experienced players, the chance to join pre-season later-on. We found that we needed to refresh mentally after COVID,” Warriors coach Steve Kretiuk said.
“We wanted to make sure they (senior players) came back mentally ready rather than physically ready.”
Kretiuk said giving the senior players a chance to join pre-season after Christmas allowed the coaching group to turn their attention to the younger players.
He said the club has always given opportunities to the younger players making their mark at Under 18 level and will continue to do so in 2022.
“We will have a different outfit this season. The departures have forced us to change a little bit and that has aided us in a way,” Kretiuk said.
“We will play a new brand of footy, that we are still getting used to, but it means we will be more unpredictable, which is exciting.”
Hoppers Crossing’s first game of the season will be against Sunshine at Kinder Smith Reserve on Saturday.