The 2024 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to new Taylors Lakes coach Joseph Antonetti who provides some insights on their 2024 campaign.
Coach: Joseph Antonetti
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"We have definitely been focusing on skill. The assistant coach Evan and myself are big believers in getting the basics right and keeping it fun and engaging as well. We are both seeing big improvements!
"Now that we’ve finally had our first practice match, we are working on being more positive and taking the game on. We want the women to back themselves and continually improve."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Charlie Goodwin was outstanding down back in our first practice match, and in any match simulation we’ve done at training. She is strong in the air and cut off several forward entries. Obviously also Courtney McCormack following on from her huge 2023 is a midfielder who runs all day and is fearless.
"One that surprised me was Jaime Wulf. She’s a very quiet girl in person, but was absolutely tenacious all day and has the ability to play anywhere we needed her. Amelia Alexander is another one we’ve brought in that brings class. She is good by foot, is strong overhead, and goes forward and knows where the goals are.
"Rebecca Foggie, who joined us recently, was a standout on-field leader who is good at directing and is just a smart footballer who makes good decisions."
2024 OUTLOOK
"Being the first women’s team in the club’s history, there’s a big focus from everyone at the club to ensure the environment is good. We want new players to come to the club and enjoy it. It’s about consolidating and making sure this women’s team is around for many years to come.
"In saying that, we still feel we have enough quality all over the ground to do something special this year, but with a lot of new teams it’s difficult to gauge at this stage so we won’t put a bar up to measure it by!"
RAPID FIRE WITH JOSEPH ANTONETTI
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Surely one of our co-skippers and stay at home full forward Sarah McNally. She has a good set shot routine (the five and five rule) and is always relaxed. It’s a toss up between her and Amelia.
Biggest pest at the club?
Tough question. But it’s probably between Hannah Sullivan and her good mate Jorja Brink. They are both funny and cheeky. They are great characters who bring a different dynamic that you need in any team.
Who might be viewed as the coach's pet?
No one stands out the most, in general we have a really good group of people. But you’ve always got to make exceptions for club legends so I’d have to say Sarah McNally wins that again and a close second for being a good sport is probably Hazel Bursic who has racked up the most nicknames during the preseason by far.
Who’s the pre-game DJ? Are they any good?
So myself and Evan have mysteriously been banned from that responsibility somehow. So I think that goes to his daughter Abbey who has been responsible for a lot of the team bonding stuff away from the club. Her list would be a bit more inspiring than mine and Evan’s favourites!
Which side are you looking forward to playing the most and why?
We had a great finish to 2023 with the Sunbury Kangaroos, and I met some lovely people there and leave with good memories – so personally I’m looking forward to that one. It will be a day of mixed emotions but it should be a tough match. They have a lot of quality, are a tough outfit, and will be one of the contenders so it will also be a good test for us as well.
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
It's a new dawn for Taylors Lakes who enter their own women's side for the first time in the club's history and they've managed to build a strong list. On top of a well-sized list with a good blend of experienced and younger players, new coach and former Sunbury Kangaroos coach Joseph Antonetti has managed to bring Team of the Year member Courtney McCormack to the Den to aide in achieving on-field success as early as possible to retain and build their burgeoning program.
2024 FIXTURE
