STORM LOOK FORWARD TO 2018 CHALLENGE

By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS 

MANOR Lakes has been a female football pioneer in the west, with the club fielding a Senior Women’s team for the past three years.

The Storm were involved in this year’s combined WRFL/EDFL Women’s competition, ending the season as Runners Up behind the all-conquering Keilor Football Club who ended the season undefeated.

The club is determined to go one better next season.

The Storm is also excited about the prospect of playing footy in their own backyard after the WRFL announced a standalone Senior Women’s competition for 2018.

Manor Lakes president Shane White said he isn’t surprised by how quickly female football has grown in the west.

He says credit should be given to the clubs in the region who have recognised the importance of female football.

“I think the possibility of men and women playing for the same clubs on the same weekend is fantastic,” White said.

“I also think being aligned with our juniors and seniors will benefit us and all clubs.”

Manor Lakes began their pre-season training last month, with the club able to retain almost all of its playing squad from this year.

Up to 25 players have been training with the group, including coach Nathan Smithwick, who is back on board for another season.

“Training has been fun,” White said.

“Last season was very much a broad fitness and skills based pre-season. However this year Nathan has obtained some more assistant coaches, which has enabled us to split groups up to cater for the different skill and fitness types amongst the playing group.”

If you are interested in getting involved with the Manor Lakes Football Club, please contact coach Nathan Smithwick on 0402 710 371.