New Box Hill Hawks VFLW Head Coach Patrick Hill is excited about the challenges ahead.
Coaching is a difficult caper in any regard, but as Hill takes the reins of Box Hill’s inaugural women’s side he has the added responsibility of bonding a squad that has originated from over ten local clubs.
The women have endured a grinding pre-season that started in late November, giving the coaching staff ample time to teach a level of tactics that many of his charges have yet to be exposed to.
"We've done a lot of work on structure and game plan over the last two months," Hill said.
"While contested ball and ball movement is important for us too, we've placed great importance on that teaching element."
Ahead of the Hawks' first home-and-away game on May 6, the Box Hill Women's side will have their first practice match against an unconfirmed local club in two weeks as the side looks to put their learning into practice.
"We're really noticing now that the girls are bonding and really coming together under one brand," Hill said.
"Our key focus now is getting to round one with something that we are really happy with, and we are confident this will happen.”
Hill, also a former member of the navy for 11 years, has an extensive career in football coaching, most recently with the Frankston Dolphins.
Hill said that he has been delighted by the attitudes and commitment levels of his players.
"You see with a lot of these girls that they are here for the love of the game.
"There's no money involved so you really get some great attitudes and just a great feel for everyone wanting to get better".
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The three girls that Coach Patrick Hill says to keep an eye out for:
Joelle Metres
"Joelle is 28 years old. She's got a great kick on her and her contested ball is good. Her other strengths include good game sense and her ability to run and carry. She's been very impressive on the track."
Emma Mackie
"She's been very good. An inside mid, and another one that's got very good contested work. She is strong at reading the ruckman's taps and really loves to run and carry as well, which is helped by her fitness being very good."
Abbey Tanner
"Abbey will likely play ruck for us. She's about 6 foot 1, which doesn’t sound that tall but in the women's competition and when she's standing alongside other girls you see that she has some good height about her. She's been great on the track. She works hard on her craft which is great. She has a vibrant personality too which has made her an important person to bring the mood of the group up."
