Eltham women’s coach Darren Cardamone believes his side will benefit greatly from playing in first division in 2021.
Despite some nerves among the playing group leading into their first Mirvac Division 1 Women’s game last weekend, Cardamone is certain his team is up to the task ahead.
Talking to NFNL.org.au following the Panthers’ 49-point victory over Bundoora on Friday night, Cardamone said his side gained a lot during its four grading games, particularly in a difficult loss against heavyweight Diamond Creek Women’s.
“We’d never played a team of that quality. The girls learnt more playing that day than what you do at two or three training sessions, just watching the way those VFLW and AFLW girls played,” Cardamone said.
“The game on Friday night against Bundoora, I didn’t know what to expect because a few girls we’re nervous playing Division 1. After about 15 minutes I think they realised they belong in Division 1.”
Eltham trailed Bundoora by four points at quarter time, before booting 12 of the next 16 goals to secure an impressive win at Yulong Reserve.
It has been a long trek to the top, with Cardamone impressed by the team’s development since their inaugural season in 2018.
“Our fitness has risen up to the fore of our game because we’ve been able to run out games despite our low numbers, which has been good,” he said.
The Panthers continue to be well led by star midfielder Claudia Williver, along with forward Jacki White.
Williver sat third in the Coaches MVP voting at the completion of grading, while White has booted 10 goals this season.
“Claudia’s the captain for a reason. She leads by example out on the field, and she does pick her teammates up around her when she’s out there in the midfield for us,” Cardamone said.
“Having Jacki White up forward is pretty handy. With Claudia she’s the glue that keeps the team together. Every week you know what you’re going to get with her.
“Alannah Murray as well. She’s chipped in and played roles up forward, down back, pretty much everywhere.
“Kate Cardamone when she’s played, she’s a real presence up forward.
“But our backline, we try to keep a really solid back six there, with Maegan Devine and Sienna Gunning back they’re just holding the fort down.”
Cardamone is excited about the challenges and the lessons his team will face in the season ahead, particularly against the more established teams.
“The Diamond Creek Women’s game, despite not scoring, we took a positive out of the third quarter,” he said.
“We kept them to one goal in that third quarter. If we had that little bit more experience, we probably could’ve jagged one or two in that third quarter.”
After a season off last year, Cardamone added that his playing group was thrilled to be able to compete once again this season.
“We did all the pre-season from October 2019, got right up until the end of March (and were) about to play our first practice game. On that weekend that was when we went into that lockdown,” he said.
“So, to come back and even just to play that first practice match was just a fantastic feeling.”
Eltham will play its first home game in Mirvac Division 1 Women’s when it faces Montmorency under lights on Friday night.
