The 2025 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Gisborne coaches Bernie Marantelli and Phil Hawkes who provide some insights on their 2025 campaign.
Coaches: Bernie Marantelli and Phil Hawkes
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"This pre-season we've focused on building fitness and game toughness, supporting the playing group to understand and implement fast, well-structured football, and ensuring our new players feel welcome and connected to the club.
"We want to be strategic about how we train and how we communicate to reinforce structure and game plan."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Amanda Crooks and Olivia Peterson will really step up their game this year and be ones to watch. Alexia Todorovic is a welcome addition as she exhibits good strength and attack at the ball.
"Teagan Ainslie, Kareena Jacobsen-Logan, and Belinda Hateley have joined us from Kyneton Women's and are always solid and smart footballers. Luce Lenius will be a great addition as a utility being a new recruit and new to football. Brooke Cowan will be one to watch.
2025 OUTLOOK
"We want to make sure our two playing groups can come together to have a successful season where they grow as players and a group, but also have a lot of fun and bond as a united playing group.
"We also want to see how as individuals, players can improve and get the most out of their football."
ON THE RECORD WITH BERNIE MARANTELLI AND PHIL HAWKES
Who is the unsung hero at your club?
Steph Brancatisano and Shannon McFerran are loyal to the club and a key reason Bernie came across.
From a Kyneton perspective, Skye Sinclair does all the jobs that don't get the accolades and doesn't complain. Bernie also would like to shout out President Nat Korinfsky who has worked tirelessly.
Player most likely to become a coach one day?
Peta Turnbull and Amanda Crooks (already started!).
Biggest pest at the club?
Teagan Ainslie and Steph Brancatisano without a doubt.
Who has the quickest set of wheels?
Mairead Murphy and Alexia Todorovic.
Favourite piece of coaching wisdom?
Bernie: First option is your best option.
Phil: 90 per cent of the match is played in your head. Don’t think... doooo!
Flag tip outside of Gisborne?
Roxburgh Park.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Lucy Lenius (Melton), Ebony Cole (Melton), Cheyene Macumber (Airport West), Alicia Chadwick (South Barwon), Ayesha Nicholson (South Barwon), Peta Turnbull, Heidi Erasmus, Emily Gibson, Jane Rolls, Emma Williams, Mairead Murphy, Jordan Savoia, Charlotte Bracey, Shannon White, Teagan Ainslie, Courtney Johns, Belinda Hateley, Natalie Korinfsky, Skye Sinclair (all Kyneton Women's).
Out: Ava Osborne (Riddell), Lauren Shaw (Riddell), Samantha Pointer (Macedon), Eliza Consiglio (Lancefield).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Gisborne is back in the senior women's ranks after a one-year hiatus and is raring to go in Division Two. Women's football legend Bernie Marantelli was last year announced as coach, and will be joined by Phil Hawkes who joins the club with Kyneton senior players in 2025. It's exciting to have Gisborne back in the competition in an off-field victory, hopefully some on-field success can come with it.
