NEW Turvey Park women's coach Michael Ness is confident the Bulldogs will prove competitive in their debut season.
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Ness has been appointed coach of Turvey Park's inaugural women's team after a couple of seasons in charge of reserve grade.
Ness coached Farrer League club Marrar's reserve grade team in 2019, before returning home to Maher Oval and leading the Bulldogs' seconds for the past two years.
He has found his brief foray into women's football so far refreshing.
"You don't have to be so serious all of the time," Ness said.
"It's been refreshing. After coaching at Marrar and then Turvey for the past two years, it's all about structures and game plans. But this year I coached the Wagga Swans under 10s and it was good just to go back to development and instilling a bit of confidence. It's good to start from scratch.
"It's been a breath of fresh air, coaching the girls. They don't take it too serious but take it serious enough to get something out of it. It's good."
Turvey Park are one of a number of AFL Riverina clubs that will join the Southern NSW women's competition for the first time in 2022.
The competition starts in February and the Bulldogs have held eight sessions and will resume again on January 10.
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Ness has been impressed by what he has to work with.
"We've got a good mix of youth and experience and they're all picking it up really quick," he said.
"I reckon we'll go alright. Some of the girls there are lightning quick, some can already kick 50 metres. I've got a rough game plan worked out that will suit them.
"Everyone has got around each other and once we can get everyone together then it should come together pretty well. I think we'll be alright."
Alongside Ness, Turvey Park has appointed Michelle Lumsden as team manager, while Cooper Harmer will be assistant coach.
The Bulldogs have already welcomed a couple of players from North Wagga and Riverina Lions, along with plenty of newcomers to the sport.
"We've got a good mix and a lot of people from outside the club, which is good," Ness said.
"We've got two or three of our netballers looking to play but everyone else has come from outside of Turvey, which surprised me."
Turvey Park have a solid group of about 18 players but are still looking to welcome seven more so they can enter with a squad of around 25.
Turvey Park's women train on Monday and Friday nights from 6pm-7pm at Maher Oval. They have finished their pre-Christmas block but will resume training on January 10.
Any interested players are welcome to attend, or contact Ness or the club.
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