The 2024 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. First out of the women's sides, we chat to Airport West coach Marcus Barclay who provides some insights on their 2024 campaign.
2023: 1st, Division Two Premiers, (13W, OL, 1D, 2630.77%)
Coach: Marcus Barclay
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"We've been trying to recruit quality players for the step up into Division One, but it's been incredibly difficult with the salary cap introduction as we don't pay players. We've missed out on over a dozen girls being offered money at the higher level.
"So keeping the group positive and altogether has been our major focus with minimal recruits."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"There hasn't been any real standouts over the preseason – literally all the girls are excited to test themselves in Division One!"
2024 OUTLOOK
"The number one goal is to be competitive. Going up a division is always tough, so pushing for finals would be a huge effort."
RAPID FIRE WITH MARCUS BARCLAY
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Emily Gipp
Biggest pest at the club?
If you wrote 'pests', I could say all of them take turns on that one!
Who might be viewed as the coach's pet?
They’re all my favourite.
Who’s the pre-game DJ? Are they any good?
Don’t want to mention one girl on this one because they all share their songs pre-game, but their music taste is 3/10 at best.
Which side are you looking forward to playing the most and why?
Looking forward to playing against my old side Keilor Park in Round 1. It’s an amazing effort to get a women's team up and running so I’m rapt for them and hope they go really well.
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Airport West are coming off an incredibly dominant season going undefeated and taking out the flag with a healthy percentage. Their top-end talent should make them competitive and they should have a few opponents earmarked as well and truly gettable. They'll kick off their season against newcomers Keilor Park, but they'll have to wait until Round 5 for their 2022 grand final rematch against Tullamarine.
2024 FIXTURE
