Sport
23 February, 2023
Lady Redbacks prepare for seniors return with AFLW training session
The Carisbrook Lady Redbacks successfully launched their women’s footy season on Wednesday night, with a strong contingent of over 40 girls from all age groups participating. AFLW players, including former Lady Redbacks players, Collingwood’s...
The Carisbrook Lady Redbacks successfully launched their women’s footy season on Wednesday night, with a strong contingent of over 40 girls from all age groups participating.
AFLW players, including former Lady Redbacks players, Collingwood’s Lauren Butler and Essendon’s Paige Scott, as well as Magpies duo Jordyn Allen and Joanna Lin, were on hand to provide expertise as guest coaches for the night, guiding the group through expansive drills and lending their experience in the game.
It comes as the Lady Redbacks start to step up their training in anticipation for the Ballarat Football League Women’s (BFLW) competition in 2023, with the promise of a return to senior women’s football after withdrawing last season due to a lack of playing numbers.
Butler, who was born and bred in Carisbrook prior to her AFLW career, said she was thrilled to be back in town for the night.
“It’s good to be back in Carisbrook. We’re in our off-season at the moment, so a bit of time off has been nice. It was great to have Jordyn, Joanna and Paige come down as well to experience local footy here and it was great to see so many girls, it created a good atmosphere,” she said.
“I think it’s starting to show from the AFLW, it’s filtering down in popularity and I can’t believe how much it’s grown. In my first training session six or seven years ago, there were about 10 girls that showed up. To now have 40 or so is just really good. It’s exciting for Carisbrook, but also the wider Maryborough area.”
With Butler’s parents, Greg and Jo, playing a massive role in shaping the women’s footy program, Lauren paid tribute to them, while also providing some perspective on her own experiences.
“Greg, my father, has played here since he was a little boy. So we’ve always been around the area and the club, and it’s not just mum and dad, but also people like Phil Hooper and other people around the club that have really supported it, and I think that while they are helping grow women’s footy around the area, it’s also helping grow the club with the new changerooms. It’s awesome,” she said.
Lauren said that it was a visit from Magpies teammates Allen and Lin which convinced them to participate in the session, while having Avoca local Scott was also a good factor in providing some quality AFLW experience for the Carisbrook cohort — with many just starting their journey in women’s football.
“Jordyn and Joanna are good mates. They came outand visited my house a few weeks ago with a few of the other girls, and really enjoyed it. So I dragged them down. While it’s off-season, something we all really enjoy is getting out to jobs as we all coach younger kids as well. We were keen to do it,” she said.
Lauren is currently taking the opportunity to relish a break, with the AFLW’s shift to a spring competition meaning players effectively participated non-stop from January through to November last year.
After finishing sixth and bowing out in the semi-finals with Collingwood, Lauren is looking to take the next step in her development.
“As we have such a long off-season, some take it as an opportunity to rest, and others take it as a chance to get better. We’ve been given running and gym programs to do while we are away from the club, and we also go into the club from time to time. Some of the younger girls will play a few VFLW games to get their experience up, but the other experienced girls will keep their fitness up until the next AFLW season starts,” she said.
Carisbrook Lady Redbacks senior coach Matthew Johns said he was thrilled with the turnout on Wednesday night.
“It was a great turnout. There were a few new faces and a few old faces, and a number of the under 18 girls have stepped up. There were a few absentees but we’ll work on that,” he said.
“It’s good hearing the AFLW players’ perspective and talking about themselves, how they progressed. It encourages the girls and give them someone to look up to.”
With anticipation growing for the return of the Lady Redbacks to the BFLW competition this season, Johns is still looking to get the best team he can get out on the park this season.
“It’s been up and down to an extent, especially just after Christmas, going back to work and mums having family commitments. Hopefully after a night like this, things will continue to look good,” he said.
“I’m just taking it day-by-day and week-by-week at the moment. It’s a big thing, but it’s something we’re looking forward to getting going, and some of the girls are really looking forward to it — especially those who haven’t played footy before. We’re still busy trying to get a couple more as well.”
Carisbrook will now look to build for the first round of the BFLW competition, which is slated to start on Sunday, April 16.
For more information about the Carisbrook Lady Redbacks women’s program, contact Jo Butler on 0429 612 975.
