From the joys of goal-scoring games to the lows of heavy losses, East Sunbury has had its moments across its first two seasons of competition in Airport Toyota Division Two.
In spite of some tough times, one thing’s for sure, these young women are a close-knit family and have each other’s backs through it all.
As an inaugural victory awaits the side, this team is growing stronger than ever, showing more and more attacking on the scoreboard.
One of the standouts this season has been Chantelle Harding.
Growing up in the Hadfield area, Chantelle started her football life at a young age for the Hadfield Hawks, a club to which she had family ties.
However, it was an early farewell to her footballing life, finishing up at the Under 12s level.
But a new football team in East Sunbury brought Chantelle back to footy.
“Since then, (Under 12s), I hadn’t played anything in a senior division," she says. "So last year was my first year of senior women’s football.”
Moving from Hadfield to Craigieburn, Chantelle moved to Sunbury ahead of the 2025 season.
“Now that I live a bit closer, that commute is a lot easier," she laughs.
With an existing men’s side, East Sunbury has had no issues bringing both senior men’s and women’s sides together.
With the women’s side training on Mondays and Thursdays, Chantelle fondly spoke about the connection between the two.
“The Thursday nights consist of meals for the whole club. That’s with both the women’s and men’s.
“I don’t hear a lot of other clubs that get together as a club with both men and women included in the meals. So that’s always a good thing.
“We hear our side’s team being read as well, along with the men’s, the Under 18s and the reserves. So, it’s good to feel included that way.”
In 2025, Chantelle moved from the backline to the midfield where she’s played six games and picked up two best-on-ground namings following outstanding displays.
With the side on the verge of singing the song for the first time, she discussed her views on the season so far.
“It has been tough, but the girls have got so much resilience within them.”
But it’s only been up from there, with the Thunder striking through the big sticks on nine occasions across five matches.
“That’s given the girls that boost of confidence of, ‘Hey we can do this, and we will’," Chantelle says proudly when speaking about the flurry of goals.
“The confidence they go out there with is amazing to see.
“The girls, they push themselves every week to learn new things.”
While there hasn’t been a win on the scoreboard as yet, Chantelle says that's not the measure of their success.
“We do get those little wins each week, and it’s something we take into every other game moving forward."
As the 2025 season draws to a close for East Sunbury, Chantelle discussed the monumental impacts the club has had on the local community.
“We’ve had two player sign-ons just from these girls coming down to watch our game because they’ve heard within the community how well we get along as a team. That’s a big win for us.
“It’s giving a purpose to the community.
“We’re more than just teammates. We’re like a family.
“There’s a real sense of unity, and every game we play we grow better, and we grow stronger.”
Inspired by Adelaide’s Anne Hatchard, Chantelle left with just one message to all girls out there who want to be in a position like herself.
“Football to begin with was a men’s sport, yes, but women belong here as well. Don’t let anyone tell you that it’s not for you. Women’s football is growing and there’s a place for every girl with a dream and love for the game.”
So, if Chantelle is anything to go by, East Sunbury has a bright future ahead of itself.
