Boomers coach targets skills

Developing skills is more important than winning for inaugural Eaton Boomers women’s coach Phil Napoli.

The club’s former president has taken control of the team which began training last week, with Napoli saying just two out of the 12 players knew how to kick a football.

“By the end of it the skills were amazing and by Thursday night’s training I could not believe how much they had improved,” he said.

“I think skills are going to be the most important thing.

“And I believe by the first game they will be onto it.”

Napoli said Boomers president Gary Bock had approached him about the role.

“I thought it was a great new concept and I would give it a go,” he said.

Napoli said he had realistic goals about what his team could accomplish in 2018.

“In the first year I think it is just about enjoyment,” he said.

“I do not expect big things from them, but if it happens, well then it happens.

“It is more of a fun thing this year and if we get positive results then that is good.”

Napoli said the women’s team was a great addition to the club on and off the field. “It brings more people into the club,” he said.

“I think it builds a better culture around.”

The Boomers’ women’s team is also one of the luckiest in terms of facilities, with the redeveloped Glen Huon Reserve featuring women’s changerooms.

“We took them through the other night and they were excited,” he said.

“Because they do not clash with the boys, I think they are more comfortable.”

FORMER Bunbury footballer Sean Creasey has replaced Nola Marino Medallist Trish Lake as the coach of the Bulldogs’ women’s side.

Creasey’s daughter Molly and son Harry played in Bunbury’s women’s and men’s premierships last season.

Lake left the club at the end of last season, relocating to Perth because of work.