Pies find balance

Some experienced heads blended with youthful enthusiasm could make for a solid year, according to Busselton Football Club women’s assistant coach Aaron Beckett. The Pies last season finished outside of the top four on percentage to Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault after falling to the Harvey Bulls in the final round clash at Sir Stewart Bovell Park. But Beckett, who will work alongside new coach David Whitehead in 2020, is heartened by several familiar faces committing for another season. “We have still got Ren (Rennie Meadmore) and Beth Beckett there, along with Gilian Power,” he said. “Along with this, we have picked up a couple of new girls who have come across from netball. “So we have got a fair few new players, with not so much football experience, but they seem really keen and are ready to go.” Another stalwart who will return for the Magpies is Angela Williamson, who has used the COVID-19 pandemic to overcome a niggling injury. “She had a bit of a sore knee,” Beckett said. “So it is probably a blessing in disguise the ‘ole COVID-19 for her as she is probably going to miss a few early games anyway. “But she is getting back to full fitness and it will be good to have her.” The Pies played one scratch match prior to COVID-19 restrictions being enforced, when they took it up to the Pinjarra Tigers for three-and-a-half quarters. Despite falling short, the Magpies coaching staff took plenty of positives from the effort. “We only lost by a couple of goals and patches in that game the girls played really well,” Beckett said.