ONE could forgive Melbourne University if there was a heightened sense of expectation around season 2016. Moving into the newly formed VFL Women’s state league, supporters have plenty to be confident about.
Finalists in last seasons campaign, the side fell agonizingly short of reaching the Premier Division Grand Final, losing by a solitary point to eventual runners up, Diamond Creek.
Even more promisingly, Melbourne University’s Youth Girls side went one better, and finished the season as champions.
Indeed, Melbourne University presents an excellent resume, and ought to be considered dangerous. But the focus internally remains firmly on development, and the club has made it clear; even though the side may be title contenders, they will not chase wins if results harm player improvement.
“We never judge ourselves on win loss ratios,” senior coach Andrew Jago said.
“I come from a development background, and we will set our goals based around development again.
“We create indicators that we think are relevant to our girls and we will continue to measure them throughout the season, and see if they are improving.
“Obviously if that all works out, that tends to lead to good results on the ground as well, but we tend to judge ourselves on improvement criteria rather than a win loss ratio.”
It’s no secret that Melbourne University’s ace up the sleeve is their elite Youth Girls outfit, which is in position to feed talent through to senior sides over the coming years. But the club has vowed not to stunt the growth of potential future stars by throwing them in the deep end too early.
“Most of them (the reigning premier Youth Girls side) are still available to play Youth Girls, and we will encourage them to do so up until the National Carnival,” Jago said.
“After that, we will have a look and see what best develops them individually, whether that is playing a couple of senior games or continuing to play Youth Girls.
“If we need to bring them in, then we will, but only if it’s beneficial for them. If it’s just about winning and losing, and I know people struggle with the concept, then we wont, because we seriously don’t look at that.”
Youth Girls who may receive senior call-ups include Izzy Huntington, known for her excellent contested marking ability, defender-cum-forward Prue Cordes, and Monique Conti, who’s first step is “as good as you’ll see at Youth Girls level”, according to coach Jago.
With the weapons at their disposal, Melbourne University have the opportunity to build upon the success they had in 2015, and star winger Kaitlyn Ashmore knows that the team can continue to play at a high level.
“I think it’s come to that time of the pre-season everyone wants to come out and have a go. We are a young group, and we are still trying to find our feet but we do want to be playing finals again this year, and I think we are able to get there,” Ashmore said.
The speedy Ashmore is certainly one to watch heading into season 2016, after recording the best agility time at the AFL Victoria Women’s Academy trials, as well as second best efforts in 2km and 20 metre sprint categories.
Ashmore, who won the club’s best and fairest last season, attributes her success to the appointment of coach Andrew Jago, who she believes can take the side to a new level in the state league.
“I love Andrew, he has changed me personally, and he’s changed everything about my game. I was a half-back before he came, and I’ve improved out of sight. He seems to connect really well with us, and I think we will only get better.”
Melbourne Uni host Seaford in Round 1 at home.
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