VU POLYTECHNIC SENIOR WOMEN’S PREVIEW: BRAYBROOK
By KEL ROWE
Life in the WRFL hasn’t always been easy for the Brookers, but the newly reformed Braybrook Women’s side are keen to start a new chapter in Season 2023. Leading the charge is new Head Coach Charlie Fenech, recruited by the club in the offseason to restart the Women’s Program; after their joint side with Albanvale folded mid-season in 2022.
“As a coach I am looking forward to increasing our numbers so that we can field a team each week; and so that we can continue building for next season 2024,” Fenech said.
“I am enjoying teaching our players all aspects of our game and seeing the improvement each week. I also love the way the players listen and take everything in that you are trying to teach them.
The Division 2 team couldn’t have asked for a better teacher in Fenech, who has a wealth of football knowledge and coaching accolades, amongst which includes an EDFL Coach of the Year nod — earnt during his time coaching the Maribyrnong Park Lions Women’s Premier side in 2021.
Fenech notes that it was a slow build at first — with just 5 players training in the early days of preseason — but steady growth has seen the team expand, offering a chance for many to play footy for the first time. “A highlight has been the number of new players we have been able to bring to our club, many who have never played our great game before,” he reflected.
Whilst only registering a single win so far, Fenech has encouraged his side to take lessons from each game, with the matchups providing valuable insight into the team’s development. “I’m looking forward to matching up against all the teams in our competition as it gives you a clear direction on how your team is improving — it’s a learning tool to see what areas you need to work on,” he said.
“And the players get to learn how to play on players in the top sides, just as they do with those in the lower sides.”
When asked about any players to watch in his fledgling side, Fenech is quick to praise the efforts of twin sisters Kaitlin and Paige Bojarowski, both of whom have regularly featured amongst the best for Braybook this season. As for his leaders, Fenech has full confidence in the skill and experience of both his Captain Jennifer Tang and Vice-Captain Sarah Jamieson — who are two of just four original players to remain with the side.
Ahead of this week’s challenge against Division 2 contender Spotswood, Fenech hopes that the Brookers continue to learn as much as possible and work to make improvements as both individuals and as a team. “Footy is for fun, building new friendships, gaining fitness and enjoying playing football,” he said.
Catch the side in action this Saturday morning at Pennell Reserve, as they take on Spotswood in Round 10 of the Division 2 VU Polytechnic Senior Women’s Competition.