“Who knows, finishing in the top five might not be unrealistic for this group (in 2017).”
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That was Confederates coach Fiona Reith at the end of the 2016 women’s Premier League Hockey (PLH) season which, while the side finished eighth of nine, proved a promising one for the young, developing red and blues.
Feds scored two wins last winter – including a stunning upset of eventual sixth finishers Bathurst Souths, which ended the two blues’ season – and another three draws, they were just two points off Lithgow Zig Zag in sixth as well.
Now, after several months off, Confederates’ bid to march up the women’s PLH standings is starting, Reith and her troops will officially launch the club’s pre-season on Thursday night.
Feds’ first pre-season session starts at 6.30pm on Thursday afternoon, at Jack Brabham Park’s softball diamonds side.
“We haven’t seen a draw yet, but last season kicked off in early March so that would give us about eight weeks from now to get ready,” Reith said, before explaining the squad will take a different tact in this year’s preparation.
“Last year we were a bit warm and fuzzy with pre-season, but I think after the way we finished last season we’ll be a bit harder and work a lot more on the fitness side of things.
“We saw where we needed to be last year and while we weren’t big on long-term goal-setting, I think we’ll speak about an end goal this year.
“That might be top five, but whatever it is the girls will need to know if they want it they’ll be working hard for it.”
As Reith said, Feds’ primary focus early on in the pre-season will be fitness, before they move into developing more as a team.
The fact the entire playing group from last year is set to return is a massive boost in that department.
“I’ve heard from most of the girls and they’ll be back, they were so enthusiastic and prepared to work for each other last year that I think they want to continue as a group, which is great,” Reith said.
“We eased into everything last year but I think we’ll just launch straight into it this time around.
“It’s all positive at the moment.
“I think we’re all excited to get into it.”
Anyone interested in joining the club, or chasing more information, can contact Reith on 0448 053 783.