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 Coburg Districts coach Gavan Wray-McCann who provides some insights on what their 2024 campaign will look like.
Coach: Gavan Wray-McCann
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"The biggest focus this pre-season was improving our overall skill level. We have a lot of new faces with approximately 13 not coming back from last season. Our numbers are good but there's a lot of new faces."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Beth Millsteed is one to watch this year, she's just an absolute trooper. Helena Katsios is coming across and she'll be my assistant. Harmoni Chivell who's coming across from Sunbury Kangaroos is another one.
"Jacinta Brew is another returning player and she'll be probably played out of position to where's she played in the past and that's why I think she'll be one to watch. She won't be run into the ground playing a bit more forward but it'll be exciting."
2024 OUTLOOK
"Our aim is to add a new string to our bow each week. Footy's not rocket science but a lot of people tend to carry on like it is. We just want to keep improving each week and add new dimensions to our game so come finals time, we're as prepared as we can possibly be to take that flag.
"This club is really on the front foot in regards to women's football. A lot of clubs I've been involved with have been tokenistic, but Coburg Districts is heart and soul. There's some really exciting times ahead for the women's program at this football club!
RAPID FIRE WITH GAVAN WRAY-MCCANN
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Harmoni Chivell.
Biggest pest?
The cheekiest one is Larissa Sahyoune, we call her 'Shorty'.
Who might be viewed as the coach's pet?
Every single one of them! I feel really fortunate from a coaching perspective that they're a fantastic group - I've just got to get them all together!
Which side are you looking forward to playing the most and why?
There's not one side in particular. I'm looking forward to playing everyone because every match gives us an opportunity to see what we have to add to our game.
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Despite being the only finalist from this division last year, Coburg Districts will face new challenges in 2024 with them facing just one upcoming opponent in the 2023 season. They split two games with Sunbury Kangaroos before being knocked out in the first week of finals but will enter 2024 with a fresh mindset following the appointment of Gavan Wray-McCann and the inclusion of a number of new arrivals.
