VU POLYTECHNIC SENIOR WOMEN’S PREVIEW: LAVERTON
By KEL ROWE
In 2023, the Laverton Magpies mean business, with their core team goal to move up the ladder being one that reflects the perseverance and dogged determination of the women’s football program at the club.
New Coach Steve Kewish can sense the excitement amongst his group, noting that a strong preseason has helped build the vibe. “There was a big focus on getting past and new players back to the club, [we had] 20 players at our first preseason training! The girls are motivated by each other and lifting Laverton back up the ladder,” Kewish says.
Laverton joined the Women’s competition in 2018, making finals in their first season. In the time since, changing personnel and some pandemic-stalled seasons have made it difficult for the side to match the efforts of their debut. 2023 presents an opportunity for the team to turn that around — driving for success with a refreshed team roster and a dedicated coach in Kewish.
“As the coach, I’m looking forward to getting the absolute best out of every single player on the list,” notes Kewish. “And of course, singing that song after our first of many wins!”
The Magpies snagged that first win in Round 2 — registering their biggest ever victory — defeating Nth Sunshine by a huge 114-points. The side featured 9 individual goal kickers on the day, with Summer Farley, Jadene Kirk, Mirae Holland and Rosa Deverell all bagging multiple majors.
Kewish is clearly proud of the efforts of his side in the season so far, noting that all bring something to the team dynamic, “Players to watch? Every single one of them, they are all awesome!” he says.
After coming up against them in Round 1, Kewish regards their competition West Footscray as a standard that they are keen to meet. “I think they looked a very good side and that’s where we want to be. As I have said all preseason — why can’t it be us?”
The team are clearly taking their Coach’s words seriously, running extremely close to competition contender Spotswood during their Round 4 clash. Despite losing the match by 11-points, Laverton restricted the fast-running side to just two behinds in the second half of the game — a clear signal of their determination for growth and success in 2023.
The Magpies go head-to-head with Caroline Springs during the second week of the split Round 5, on home turf at TIV Oval, Laverton Park.