Strong depth driving Queenscliff’s push towards September

STRONG depth and a hunger for pressure are keeping the Coutas in the hunt for another finals berth.

A comfortable win over Barwon Heads in round 14 has Queenscliff two games clear in fifth place and well-positioned to return to finals.

But with six games remaining, head coach Laura Cayzer knows the job is far from done.

“We are pushing for that fifth spot at the minute, and the girls know that and they feel the pressure,” Cayzer said.

“Luckily for our girls, pressure is something that we warmly welcome.”

Cayzer said the team knows it must lift its level if it wants to play in September and is confident the group can do the work required.

The recent bye came at the perfect time, allowing players to rest and refocus.

Wing defence Caitie Kennedy was among those to benefit, recording 12 gains in the win.

“She had an absolute ripper on the weekend. She worked really hard attacking that ball and had such an incredible game,” Cayzer said.

“She’s improving every single week and it was really exciting to see.”

Kennedy joined the club from South Barwon in 2025 and has quickly become an important part of the Coutas, including off-court leadership roles.

Cayzer said the midcourter has been a pleasure to coach and continues to influence the group positively.

“She’s found her feet completely this year and she is an absolute sponge – you couldn’t ask for more as a coach,” Cayzer said.

“You tell her to do something and she goes out there and from the first ball she is doing it.”

Midcourters Anne Church and defender Jessica Rankin missed the win through injury, allowing Lucy Mawson and Felicity Rush to step up from B-grade.

Cayzer said the pair’s performance reflected the club’s commitment to developing depth and future-proofing its playing group.

The Coutas are focused on building momentum through their final six games, starting with this weekend’s clash against Newcomb.

Cayzer expects a strong contest against the Power, who have been one of the competition’s surprise packets despite sitting seventh on the ladder.

“We won’t be taking this week lightly. It’ll be a really good tussle and nice to have some minutes against a really quality opposition,” Cayzer said.