Drysdale Hawks playing long game as young side builds for future

CALSEY Taylor’s Hawks are playing the long game.

With four wins this season, the Drysdale coach is focused on retaining players and building a foundation for future success.

Several pregnancies at the end of 2025 led to a rebuild this year, with Taylor prioritising young players to establish a strong top-grade base.

“Yes, I want to win. I am so competitive, but I’m also about the future,” Taylor said.

“You can easily have quick fixes for a year, but I am more about the future of this club.

“Whether I’m here in five years [or not], I’m still planning towards what that team will be.”

Despite several challenging seasons, Taylor said she does not want the Hawks to become comfortable with losses. Five of Drysdale’s eight defeats have been decided by two goals or fewer.

The second-year coach said despite narrow scorelines, the side will not be drawn into enjoying those results.

“I don’t want to be that team that’s OK with those losses,” Taylor said.

“It still is really promising and yes, there’s good things to take away from it, but it’s more about knowing what we can do next time.”

 

Already planning for next season, Taylor will begin end-of-year reviews with players in the coming weeks.

Confident most players will remain with the club, she said the group has built a strong culture.

Looking to ladder leaders Geelong Amateur, Taylor said she is inspired by the club’s longevity.

“They’ve been together for years and that’s what we’re trying to create at Drysdale,” she said.

“We have that culture where the girls want to stick around, so hopefully that will be us in a few years.”

The Hawks have six games remaining after the league bye, which Taylor said came at the right time.

They will return to the court against the Surf Coast Suns, who Taylor said have been a surprise packet in their first season in the competition.

After securing a six-goal win in their first meeting with the Suns, Drysdale is looking forward to returning refreshed in round 14.