The Premiership defence begins!

After a hugely successful 2022 with our Seniors taking out the top division flag, and our reserves just falling short in the fight for the division four flag, the Devils are ready to bounce back after their first year in the EFNL.

Training will re-commence on Monday November 21st, and return twice a week on Mondays & Wednesdays at 6.30pm. The club is keen to continue its upward trajectory in 2023.

An exciting pre-season will be lead by 2022 Premiership coach Jason Cridland with some sensational guest appearances along the way.

“I am really excited about the challenges ahead in a second season in the EFNL and testing ourselves against opposition that are now familiar with our club and players. I’m excited to see if we can take our game to another level and excited to welcome new players to the club and to get to know them.”

2022 Premiership Coach Jason Cridland

The Devils are estatic to welcome VFLW Coach of the Year Brendan Major onto the team for the pre-season period, who will be running a program that helps players improve on those basic skills that are the staple of football and a key ingredient to the Devils success. Major returns to where it started for him in womens coaching, after leading the Devils Senior sides in the VWFL competition from 2014 – 2017.

We also look forward to seeing the return of John McNamara to the coaching panel, and welcoming Chloe Laan (2021/22 Essendon VFLW Development coach) as a development coach through pre-season.

Despite having some brilliant hands on deck, the club is still searching for a head coach for the Reserves side in 2023.

“For anyone who has an interest in becoming a coach, you couldn’t find a better time to join the Devils. Having guys like Jason, Major, John Mac & Chloe available to pick their brains and have as mentors, it really doesn’t get much better at a womens local level. If coaching is on your radar, now is a fantastic time to jump on board.“

Sarah McNamara – 2022 Captain

We will be welcoming down past players who have made it to the AFLW stage. Throughout pre-season there will be visits from Collingwood’s Sophie Casey & Stacey Livingstone, Richmonds Sarah D’Arcy and Gold Coast Captain, Tara Bohanna.

The club is so lucky to have the history and connection with past players who are always so generous at giving up their time. These players will be assisting with drills, passing on hints about how they play their role and and giving some insight on what its like to play at that next level.

The club is also keen to partner and work with local Junior clubs, welcoming younger members to trainings on Wednesday nights for skill development. Players who may not be of age to play senior womens football just yet, but may be interested in understanding what is required at that next level. It is of no cost to join in.

The committee is working hard to ensure we can offer the best we can for the girls in 2023, by getting the best hands available on deck and growing each year as a club with awareness on all levels. The club is striving to ensure all feel welcome and included. Women, those who identify women and non-binary individuals should know that they are in a safe space.

Find us at Mulgrave Reserve, 136 Garnett Rd, Wheelers Hill.

For any players who would like to contact us for more details, head to the Contact Us page. Or reach out on our socials.