RED CLIFFS
COACH: Romany Bowen
2023 SEASON: Ninth
FIRST MONTH: Wentworth (A), Irymple (H), Robinvale Euston (A), Bye
ARRIVALS: Zara Copley
DEPARTURES: Mikayla Mole, Lola O’Connor, Rubie Cope, Jacqulyn Bell
THE Tigers went winless in A Grade last season, with only a draw against Imps to show for their hard work in 2023.
However, a win seems just around the corner after a strong 2024 pre-season under new coach Romany Bowen.
The MyoSports Recovery Centre owner, who is a qualified sports therapist and Pilates instructor, has paid just as much attention to getting the players’ minds right as sharpening their skills.
Bowen said she focused on the players’ fitness early in the pre-season, before turning her attention to “our team and mental approach”.
“I want their minds to be right heading into what we see as season of growth and more development of the juniors,” Bowen, 37, said.
“A win would be a great reward for the girls. I can’t fault their attitude and commitment during the pre-season.”
Club stalwart Yelena Richardson will be a guiding on-court light as the Tigers continue to develop their fine crop of young talent.
“She’s a great club person and mentor to the juniors, and she’ll play a key leadership role, both in As and Bs. I can only do so much from the sideline,” Bowen said of Richardson.
The Tigers face a tough start to the season, away to defending premiers Wentworth in round 1, before hosting this year’s likely big improvers, Irymple.
“It’ll be a big test, but we’re excited by coming up against a benchmark team like Wentworth early in our campaign,” Bowen said.
“Irymple is definitely another team I’ve flagged as an up-and-comer.
“We can really see how our pre-season’s been and where we need to improve to compete against these top teams.”
