LAST season was all about improvement for Rupanyup, as they jumped up from bottom of the ladder in 2016 to missing out on finals by just one position last year.
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This year, focus is firmly on cracking the finals.
“Finals are the main goal for the 2018 season,” coach Kayla Woods said.
“We improved a lot last year but will be looking to capitalise on our improvement and go deeper in September.”
Woods will be setting her expectations high this year, with the side maintaining their core players from last season.
They have added Sadie Slorach from Navarre and Woods said she would look to last year’s leaders to step up again this season.
“Alex Downes and Hayley Reading will be looking to have a big year and build on their momentum from 2017,” Woods said.
“We have maintained a core group from 2017 so we are looking to build on the progress we made last year and have a great year all round.”
With a sense of consistency and familiarity around the team this pre-season, Rupanyup are every chance to earn their way back into finals contention.
“Consistency is the key and maintaining a large group from last year will reduce the time to gel a new team,” Woods said.
“Everyone is really committed and we have a good pre-season.”
Rupanyup starts its season against Edenhope-Apsley on April 7.
Q & A with Kayla Woods
What has you most excited about this season?
We have had really consistent and strong numbers throughout the preseason and everyone has been really excited to start the year.
Who do you expect will take a step up this season?
Kiarah House will again step up from juniors to A Grade so we are looking for a big year from her.
How will your coaching style be changing this year?
This year I will be setting my expectations higher, we have a lot of our group from last year and some new girls and I know we can work together and build on our successes of last year.
