Pointers to use thrill of win as inspiration

THE elation of last year’s S-League Senior Women’s grand final win can be a driving force for the Pointers in 2023.

The Pointers were the story of last season, making an unexpected run to the final match of the season and defeating Mildura City 2-0 for the crown, just three months after an 11-0 scoreline in the opposite direction.

A strong mix of experienced players and youthful enthusiasm gelled as the season went on, and coach David Inglis believes the side can take the same path in 2023, albeit starting fresh.

“For us this weekend is about starting off again,” he said. “From last year we lost a few players and gained a few as well so for us it’s about getting the feel back again.

“We’ve got quite a young team this year and a few players newer to the sport or returning from some time away.

“There’s definitely still a lot of optimism for the new season. We could be a little slow out of the blocks but I think we’ll build into a really good team as the season goes on.”

Pointers lead the race for the Rudi Horvat Round Robin Cup after City forfeited last week, leaving the girls in orange with a bye and and contest against Irymple Knights on Sunday.

Inglis said the squad’s focus across pre-season had been on technical skills and communication, with the tactical nous to be developed as the year progresses.

Reigning competition best and fairest Isabella Gove and player of the grand final Christine Cottrell will lead the side again, but Inglis has been impressed with young players putting their hand up for selection.

“Honestly I don’t think I can single out too many players because I’m really pleased with how the whole team is coming together,” he said.

“I’m really enjoying working with the younger players and I think they are adding a lot to the playing group being so mobile and having that capacity to take on instructions.

“Your three main aspects to work are technical, communication and tactical, and our focus has been more on the first two so far.

“In a way you’ll do a fair bit of coaching on game day, especially early on in the season.”

Inglis said despite being just three teams in the Senior Women’s grade, the quality of games is extremely strong.

“I think’s it’s going to be a great season, because the quality each side is very high,” he said.

“In the past we’ve had more teams but there were a number of one-sided games.

“Mildura City and Irymple Knights have both been really well coached sides that are always hard to come up against.

“Last year I thought we were in the race as the year progressed and I think we can do well again this year, it just might take a bit of time before we hit our straps.”