The meteoric rise of the Banyule women’s football program has been something defender Casey Woodward is proud to be a part of, as her side look to culminate their three years of development with a Division 1 premiership in 2023.
Like their senior men’s team, the Bears made their mark from the outset in their inaugural season in the women’s competition, finishing as minor premiers in Division 3 during the shortened 2021 campaign before reaching a Division 2 preliminary final last year.
After a brilliant opening four games in 2023, Banyule moved into the top flight and have settled into the new competition seamlessly, currently sitting in second place with eight victories, and are all but certain to finish in the top four.
21-year-old Woodward has been an integral part of the club’s program from the beginning, playing 36 games to date across all three campaigns, being named in her side’s best in 20 of those matches.
Speaking to NFNL.org.au, the star defender explained how nervous her side was about the move into Division 1, before they quickly found their feet in the competition.
“We were nervous to make the move, Division 1 is a huge jump compared to Division’s 2 & 3 so there was a lot of hesitation,” she said.
“Division 3 is a lot more fitness and overall natural sporting ability. When you go into Division 1 it becomes a lot more of a structured game rather than a big game of markers up.
“But now that we have played all the teams once, we are feeling a lot better about our position and how competitive we can be.”
And that comfort has translated into Woodward’s personal game, saying that the move has allowed her to be a better footballer.
“I can definitely see the difference in my own performances in terms of applying football knowledge and making moves that I wouldn’t have done in Division 2. I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity for improvement,” she said.
Woodward also reflected on the development shown by many players in the side throughout the last few seasons, explaining how those improvements have made the team a well-balanced outfit.
“[From] starting off by just learning how to kick and handball in Division 3 and then moving three years later and putting in place a full-blown backline and forward players, is absolutely phenomenal,” she said.
“It’s very hard to pick out the best players on any given day because it could be any one of our girls. Being able to play in a team and improve as a team is making us stronger and stronger as we go on.”
With five games remaining in the home and away season, Banyule look to be in a prime position to not only make the finals, but to finish in the top two and earn a double chance in this year’s finals series.
It would be an achievement that not only can allow the Bears to set their sights on their first piece of silverware, but also expand their program in the near future and build on the 31 players currently on the list.
“To land as high as we have is so unexpected and definitely something that has put a fire in us to say, ‘we know we can do it now, so let’s go for the big one’,” she said.
“We’re hoping to push for a second team in the upcoming years…but we want to make sure we are not starting a second side that we won’t be able to put as much time and effort into as a first side.
“However, that Division 1 flag is looking mighty reachable in the next couple of years, so I think that’ll be a big priority as well.”
Their next step in reaching the ultimate success comes this Saturday when they take on top of the table Montmorency at Beverley Road Oval. The Bears last encounter with the Magpies saw them go down by 15 points just over a month ago.
The determination of the whole side to get one back on the ladder leaders is strong according to Woodward, who says a fast start will be the key to victory.
“Our attitude entering the game is that we have to blow them out of the gate and hopefully hold that lead for the whole match rather than let them get the jump on us this time,” she said.
