Lady Hawks prepare for shortened season

THIS season will be different from any other for Drysdale’s Lady Hawks, as they return to training with new recruits and new protocols.

The 2019 Division 2 grand finalists recently announced the recruitment of former VFLW star Sarah Chapman.

Chapman captained both Williamstown and St Kilda Sharks during her time in the VFLW. Now she is offering her expertise to Drysdale as both a player and an assistant coach.

Chapman said she had been looking for a club to join after moving to the coast, with Drysdale being the standout candidate.

“I had heard through some contacts from my old clubs about Drysdale and that it was a good club.

“It’s got such a rich history, but more importantly it’s just got such a welcoming feeling to it.

“My wife and I, as soon as we came down they made us feel a part of it. It’s a place where you want to be playing and you want to be around those people.”

Lady Hawk player Jess Case said Chapman was “an awesome addition to the team.”

She said the experience Chapman had when initially visiting the club was indicative of the atmosphere the club aimed to create for everyone.

“We pride ourselves on welcoming new players and making them feel right at home.

“Drysdale Football Club – especially the Lady Hawks – is so much more than just a football club, we are a family.”

Case is serving as the club’s Covid safety officer having completed the COVID safety course through the state government.

She said there were plenty of strict criteria she needed to ensure the club is following.

“You have to be present at every training session. We have a register that I have to complete to log their name, their contact details, and I have to ask them if they’re feeling well. Then I have to make sure that they sanitise. Then my job for the rest of the night is just to make sure everyone is adhering to the rules and making sure the footballs are wiped down after every drill.”

Contact training is set to be allowed on July 13, with an eight-game home and away season to follow.

Case said the team was still open to recruits, with experience by no means a necessity.

“Just get down and give it a go; even if they want to just come down for a couple of training sessions and see how it pans out for them.

“I came into the team and had never played footy before. So you have (players from) my level experience to Chappy’s.”

People interested in joining the Lady Hawks can contact coach Stuart Craven by emailing [email protected] or phoning 0417 010 364.