2022 WEST FOOTSCRAY PREVIEW

The lead-up to Round 1 has been a much smoother process compared to last year, West Footscray coach Ian Fox says.

Fox took over the coaching reigns six weeks before the start of the season last year. However, this year, he has been able to approach the 2022 season with a key focus.

“We didn’t have a pre-season last year, so the focus was to actually have one and then to work on our offense and defence and the transition between both and to make sure all players understand it,” he said.

“We have left no stone unturned and have given ourselves the best chance to have a decent season.”

West Footscray has recruited up to 12 new players to its squad this season, including adding the likes of James Spencer, Sam Stephens and Pat Frappell.

“We are going to be better this season,” Fox said.

“We have added in 12 players who will have a significant impact and we have only lost four players. Our list is stronger and fitter than last year.

“We needed to improve to become better and we have.”

West Footscray will take Albion at Shorten Reserve on April 2.

By KEL ROWE

When last year’s season came to an abrupt close, the West Footscray’s Senior Women were on the top of the Division 2 competition ladder — staring down the barrel of an exciting finals series.

Off the back of claiming the 2021 Minor Premiership, coach Shane Windridge and the women of West Footscray are keen to continue their fierce and fun brand of footy, all the way to the big dance.

Windridge has returned to take the lead once again and is hoping for less interrupted year of footy.

“We were looking forward to an exciting finish to the season; the chance to experience finals footy,” he said.

“This year, I’m looking forward to an uninterrupted season — where the team can take their development and hard work from the training track into games. Where we can see how the improvement in our skills produces exciting football on the weekend.”

Despite some big player movement in the off-season, the Roosters have recruited well, with many fresh faces keen to pull on the red and white and have a run with the footy.

As the West Footscray Women’s side ready themselves to defend their top-of the-table status, Windridge says they’ll be sure to bring “their exciting, attacking brand of footy and always walk off the ground with a smile on their face, no matter the score.”

Catch the Roosters in action against North Sunshine on April 9.