STORM TAKING IT ONE WEEK AT A TIME

It is a cliché, but Manor Lakes Senior Women’s Mark De Girolamo is taking it one week at a time in 2022.

Like many other teams this season, the Storm have faced challenges in terms of injuries and players getting Covid, so De Girolamo and his squad are not getting too ahead of themselves.

Last week the Storm forfeited its Victoria University Polytechnic Division 1 match against Spotswood due to these exact challenges, but will be back and ready to fire this Saturday when they take on the Yarraville Seddon Eagles.

“It has been difficult at times, we have had some players retire, get pregnant and choose not to play footy, but we have also have some new girls come to the club and it has been exciting to see some new faces and people involved,” De Girolamo said.

“I’ve never had to forfeit in my life, but we had to last week, we had Covid cases, and some injuries and we had no other option.

“We are good to go this week and have some new girls who will get their opportunity.”

De Girolamo said he was looking forward to the Eagles match, saying last year’s encounter was an exciting one.

“Last year we played them on Anzac Day and we felt the scoreboard didn’t reflect the contest, so we are looking forward to playing them on their ground,” he said.

“I remember playing at Yarraville Oval when I was younger and it is an exceptional ground.”

Manor Lakes faced Werribee Centrals in Round 1, losing by 34-points. They bounced back the following week, winning against Hoppers Crossing.

Currently sitting in fourth place on the VU Polytechnic Division 1 ladder, De Girolamo says that on any given day anyone could be beaten.

“Everyone has an opportunity…it is a pretty even competition. You need to be playing at your best to win,” he said.

“We have 30 players to pick from, but when you have injuries or players have other commitments or if someone gets Covid, things can change pretty quickly. So our focus is to just do our best and enjoy what we are doing, that is our goal.”

The Yarraville Seddon Eagles will host Manor Lakes on Saturday at 12.15pm at Yarraville Oval.