WOORINEN is poised to challenge for a spot in the Bendigo Junior Football League youth girls’ finals series, following a stirring Round 12 win over Kyneton on Saturday.
The Tigers have drawn level with Strathfieldsaye on points but will have to move ahead of the Storm on games won thanks to the latter’s superior percentage.
It’s a challenge that the Tigers — who face North Bendigo in a vital game at Woorinen on Sunday — are ready to meet head-on, according to team manager Brenten Hogan.
Hogan said at its best the side could challenge everyone from second-placed Huntly down.
“In the next few weeks we have to play Kangaroo Flatt and Strathfieldsaye and that will determine where we finish up,” he told The Guardian this week.
“When we’ve got a full side we’re as competitive as anybody. Castlemaine are a cut above the rest but the rest are pretty even from second right through.”
Hogan said the Tigers had improved ahead of their expected schedule since deciding to field a team in the competition at the start of the year.
“I thought commitment might have been a challenge but it’s been completely the opposite. The girls have been fantastic and embraced it,” he said.
Centre half forward Jordyn Jolliffe, centre Paynton Jolliffe, half forward Megan Williamson, half back flank Tara Thomas and goal kicker Sharni Ferrari were again among the better players on Sunday.
But the most important improvement had come from the Tigers’ bottom 10 players, Hogan said.
“The biggest improvement has probably come from the newer players who have developed a lot quicker than we thought,” he said.
“We’ve been a bit lucky that way, our bottom 10 girls have improved so much and now we’re starting to win some important games.”
Hogan said the coaches commitment had been matched by an enthusiasm from the players which had helped the Tigers exceed expectations.
“Everyone’s made a commitment to wanting to go further which has been great,” he said.
“That was always going to be the challenge of how far they could develop their skills — our players will have improved and developed even more for next season. There’ll be a fair bit of interest for 2016.”
The Tigers next crucial encounter is on Sunday at Woorinen, when they face North Bendigo from 12pm.
