VU POLYTECHNIC SENIOR WOMEN’S PREVIEW: YARRAVILLE SEDDON EAGLES
After 3 seasons in the competition and a year in Division 1, the Yarraville Seddon Eagles have worked hard to build up their team and its culture — and according to head coach Peter Lazzaro — their 2023 preseason has been key to setting his side up for success.
“A highlight of preseason was our camp to Daylesford — this gave us the weekend to go through most aspects of football in theory and then the opportunity to put some of this into practice; as well as get to know each other better,” Lazzaro notes.
A 3-time premiership coach himself, Lazzaro is keen to steer his team towards finals in 2023 and has welcomed a host of new faces to join his core group of ‘Eagals’ this season.
“We have a really good core group of existing players from previous seasons and have been able add a number of quality recruits who have fitted in really well — both as players and personalities —which has helped to continue to develop our culture,” Lazzaro reflects.
Off the back of some pleasing practice match form, and 2 wins from 5 games in-season, he is keeping his focus on footy and fun. “I’m really looking to continue the girls’ development; with effort, skills and enjoyment of the game, alongside progressing with our fantastic team culture,” Lazzaro says.
The side have claimed two scalps so far this season, a 34-point win over Division 1 newcomers Point Cook Centrals, and significantly, a 10-point win over the reigning premiers Caroline Springs. Lazzaro had been looking forward to the latter of those match-ups, sighting the Lakers as a standard to meet and beat.
“I think most teams look forward to matching up with Spotswood and Caroline Springs, as they have been the best 2 teams in the competition for a number of years, and we are certainly no different,” he reflects.
As they continue their season, Lazzaro hopes that belief is central to his side’s motivation, one that sees them trust their ability to compete with any opposition in Division 1. “We have the balance of teamwork, effort and enjoyment of game and each other, and this will result in a very positive outcome.”
The Eagles will meet the Parkside Spurs this Saturday morning, 10:00 am at Yarraville Oval, eager to turn the final score in their favour and claim victory #3.