"FRESH start, new comp, hope for the best."
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That is the outlook of new Oberon league tag co-coach Shannon Foley as she thinks about what lies ahead in 2020 when the Tigers switch from Group 10 to the New Era Cup.
It means facing a whole new set of opponents from clubs such as CSU, Portland and Lithgow Bears - opponents Foley and manager-coach Lourie Bailey know little about.
But it is a challenge Foley is keen to embrace as she steps us to act as a league tag player-coach for the first time.
"It is exciting, a bit nerve-racking. I've not really coached at all; when I was younger I coached junior soccer, but nothing other than that," she said.
"But the girl that I am coaching with, her and I have both played for a few years and we know most of the girls in the team who are interested in playing, so we thought we'd take on the challenge.
"I am excited. We've got a pretty good side, a good couple of girls who are keen to have a run. It should be good. I'm not sure how we'll go, but we'll just see."
Foley was too young to play when Oberon first entered a league tag side in the Group 10 competition, but for the past four seasons has donned the Tigers' colours.
It has not always been easy - like the Tigers' senior men's ranks they have struggled for player depth - but through it all Foley and her team-mates have improved and enjoyed competing.
"We've found it a bit tough over the years and have sort of stayed at the bottom of the ladder, but we've been getting better, growing as a team. Everyone has sort of stuck around and there are a few new faces," she said.
"We normally start off strong, but with travel it makes it hard. We have a lot of young girls and they find it hard to make all of the games.
"While the boys were able to buy in players, we were struggling to get numbers ... you're not going to buy in league tag players."
Like Dallas Booth, who will coach the Tigers' men's side in the New Era Cup, Foley feels the switch from Group 10 will help boost player stocks.
Saturday games opposed to Sunday mornings in Group 10 is something she feels will be of particular benefit given many of the league tag players balance other sporting commitments like soccer, hockey and netball.
"I think we've struggled a little bit, but having a new comp and taking a bit of the pressure off, I think that will make it a lot easier. We can just go back to a local club and enjoy playing a bit of footy," she said.
"A lot of the girls play other sports too - anything you can do they step up and do. I'd say Saturday afternoons will be better."
