Healesville FNC – 2022 Season Preview

Following a few seasons where Healesville have not performed to the level they hoped, the Bloods have put in a strong pre-season campaign where it is hoped season 2022 can be the foundation for long-term success.

Stepping up into the senior coaching role following a year in charge of the U19’s is Healesville life member Dean De Munk, who has led Healesville through an inspiring, yet hard working pre-season campaign where improvement of fitness and match day execution has been high on the agenda.

“What has come about, subsequently, is his ability to attract back some of the kids who had dropped off,” said incoming club president Toby Millman.

“He has been all about bringing Healesville back to Healesville and already, we are seeing the fruition of the hard work he has put in to his players.”

All teams across football and netball have enjoyed a fantastic pre-season training campaign to date with the combined seniors, reserves and under 19’s players putting in a lot of work together, while the Bloods will once again field a veteran’s side in 2022.

The women’s football side have trained with the U18 Girls team from the junior club, where the focus has been about building a strong relationship with the juniors and selling the aspiring vision to them for what they can be capable of once they reach the senior team.

In the netball department, Healesville have had good numbers for training, but remain hopeful of being able to field enough numbers across all senior sides.

Nicole Schoche and Jodi Chandler will take control of coaching duties in 2022, with a particular focus on developing their junior program for the future, where they have managed to retain many from last year while recruiting more young girls to the club.

“Our junior program is fantastic, we are just putting the building blocks in place to make ourselves desirable for our netballers to encourage them to stay around into their senior career with us,” Millman explained.

Ahead of his first year in charge of the senior club, an enthusiastic Millman is working hard alongside all on his committee to build a vision where improvement of culture and good inroads on the football field and netball court are part of a three-year plan.

“My values for the club are all about community and one of my pass marks is if have 80 or more people to dinner every Thursday night,” he explained.

“What we want to do is create an environment where not only club people, but local community come out to enjoy the day too.

“I’m excited for this year because I have a fantastic and dedicated committee and everyone involved with the football and netball departments including the coaches have a clear understanding for what’s expected this year.”

Millman’s expectations for his club this season are simple without going over the top, with clear objectives revolving around off-field stability and ensuring they perform well on the sporting arena.

“Off-field, we just want to stabilise our position and engage with our community,” he said.

“Increasing game day attendance is high on the agenda for me.

“Ensuring we have an environment that is based on the simple principles of respect and care is important for me too because I want to make Healesville a place where people look forward to coming to.”

Ahead of the seasons commencement in three weeks, Millman is grateful to his club for their efforts so far and is looking forward to the year kicking off.

“I am really appreciative for committee members, volunteers and everyone across the football and netball departments for what they have produced over the pre-season,” he mentioned.

“But I also want to thank everyone at Outer East Football Netball for their leadership in recent times as we prepare for the year.”