Saints strive for sustainability

ST MARY’S coach Alf Della Monica says the club’s female program is booming, as the Saints look to secure their second victory of the AFL Barwon Senior Female Division 1 season.

He said the club had about 230 players across the whole program with strong junior numbers and 54 in the senior group.

“It’s in a really healthy state and a sustainable program we’ve got.

“That’s what we pride ourselves on and that’s how we’re just going to keep building.”

He said the Division 2 side featured a host of new players to the game.

“It shows that we’re a bit of a destination club,” he said.

The Saints have been working on their spread from contest and delivery into the forward line ahead of tomorrow’s (Saturday, April 19) round two clash with Anglesea at Ellimatta Reserve at 4.45pm.

St Mary’s beat Barwon Heads 7.17 (59) to 1.0 (6) in round 1 with St Joseph’s recruit Bella Gilham booting three goals.

“Our pressure was great and our skills were really good and that’s one thing we’re working on, our skills by foot,” Della Monica said.

The coach noted the Saints had 13 different players in the team compared to their eight-point elimination final loss to the Seagulls last year.

The mix features recruits, players who have recovered from injuries and former juniors.

Elsewhere, Torquay host Barwon Heads today (Friday, April 18) at 5pm.