Page 645 - History of Parkside Football Club (1897-2017) Editied Version Completed_optimized

Parkside Football Club 1897/2017

Womens Reserves (White)

Coaching football was nothing new. The challenge for 2001 was to coach Parkside's ‘white’
(reserves) team. The level of skill and knowledge in women's football ranges from exceptional to
never played before.

We started the season with a big win in our season opener at North Heidelberg. We saw a couple
more wins before our first hurdle. Injuries began to take their toll on our players and our numbers,
losing to Hadfield. Our only other loss for the home and away season was on our long and always
difficult journey down to East Geelong. This trip seems to be a common bogey for most teams; ours
was to be no exception.

We managed to win our semi, therefore earning a week off. Almost everyone was all smiles and
looking forward to a big grand final. As I said earlier, injuries were still a major factor in our season,
the list was still growing. Laurel (Captain), Kellie, Barb and Narelle were long term losses that in the
end we were unable to cover.

While our grand final loss is still hard to swallow, we should remember how far some of us have
come. Jenna, Jess, Lou, Tania, Casey and Lisa are all first year players with bright futures if they
continue. I am sure most of us can and will learn something from the loss, and the season will not be
wasted.

I would like to thank Eddie for his enthusiasm and assistance during the year, Laurel for her valuable
input whilst on the sidelines, Chookie for goal umpiring, and all those players that filled in for us
when we need help. Nikki Barber, as our trainer, had a very bloody initiation into the team and still
stuck around.

Whilst disappointed with the end result, I am pleased with the overall commitment and endeavour
from the girls for the season. Hopefully, we can go that one step further in 2002.

Peter Brown

Coach 2001

***

Juniors

This year we had Auskick, U10 and U12 sides. Unfortunately we were unable to get enough players
for an U14. The numbers were also low in Auskick.

The pleasing fact for the year was the number of parents who were willing to help and also
expressed interest in assisting next year.

Once a Parksider, Always a Parksider