Wanneroo Wolves

Why a season with a reason (or reasons)? Firstly, WABL 2008 saw the girls graduate from the U/12 carnivals to become members of the ‘real’ Wolves as we entered our first season of WABL, and secondly, this season gives us the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to qualify for the 2009 U/14 Girls National Club Championships, which will be held in Perth. Both opportunities mean a lot to us for different reasons. Obviously, belonging to a Club with the success and history of Wanneroo is great for the kids, while the opportunity to compete against the best U/14 players in Australia is something that we have discussed as a group since I took over the coaching job with the team!

So, we are we at as we reach the WABL bye? Our record of 9-1 sees us on top of the Northern Conference on percentage from a very tough Perry Lakes team, with our only loss so far being a one point home loss to Cockburn (where we very much shot ourselves in the foot!). Our first half of the season has been good enough to guarantee us a spot in the finals BUT simply making the finals isn’t what this team is about.

Talent is definitely not a problem with these kids. Having coached in this age group for around 20 years, I can honestly say that these kids are probably the second best team I have had in terms of ability. We legitimately go 10 players deep, everyone can handle the ball, we are an aggressive team defensively, and we can flat out score, as our record shows. Still, as a Coach, I am not 100% happy with where we are at, and the kids know and accept that. Our big problem is that we are terribly inconsistent in games, fading in and out. This has to be addressed before finals, and if it is, we will be very, very tough for anyone to handle!

I am continually pushing the girls hard in this area, and to their credit, they keep on showing up, working hard, and trying to improve and I am very happy with their work ethic – definitely one of the best that I have seen in a team of this age!

Lastly, these kids are the nicest bunch of girls that I have been around for many years. They genuinely get along together, support each other, and appreciate and enjoy the success that they all achieve! I really hope that success comes their way, because they certainly deserve it BUT we know that teams aren’t going to beat themselves when Wanneroo show up, we have to go out and beat them!

Well done so far guys, but now the hard work starts!

Mark Loxley (Head Coach)