Senior Coach Lisa Webb has said Walyalup cannot be defined by their ‘top’ players, and instead chooses to focus on an ‘all-in’ mentality that has seen her side reach a 6-3 win-loss record, with two games left to play in the regular home and away season.
Speaking on SEN WA on Monday morning, Webb said while the loss of key pillars in Kiara Bowers (pregnancy), Ange Stannett (knee injury), and Áine Tighe (knee injury) has added obstacles for the side, she prides the group on knowing their individual roles.
“Obviously having Hayley miss the last two is a challenge. Let’s call it for what it is, it’s been a challenge,” Webb said to Mark Duffield.
“From the start of the year, we’ve been massive on the buy-in – all-in (mindset), so making sure every player understands that we can’t be defined by those ‘top’ players all the time.
“Previously, we’ve relied so heavily on them, so our younger players or less-experienced so-to-speak have really bought into what we’re trying to do and understand what their role is.”
Webb used defender Jae Flynn and the role she played on West Coast’s Charlie Thomas at the RAC Derby as an example of this mentality.
“Flynn on the weekend who came in after a few weeks off, to play her role on Charlie Thomas,” Webb said.
“How much we valued that as a role was just absolutely pivotal for us and achieving success.
“Jae Flynn is so tough – I thought she did a really good job.”
Individual accolades aside, Webb touched on what it will take for Walyalup to continue to build.
“(We had) 21 buying in on the weekend,” Webb said.
“Ensuring they understand that it’s not about disposals and stats, it’s about how much they can effectively play their role will make us a better team.”
Webb praised the non-playing players who continue to push for selection in the team, playing a part in driving the entire squad for success.
“Even our non-playing players – they trained their butts off on Saturday morning,” Webb said.
“I came down and watched them do a session and it’s just seriously impressive to see the girls that are working hard.
“We have six girls just training there over the weekend trying to fight their way into the team.
“Just having that ‘all-in’ mentality has helped us significantly this year.”
Walyalup currently sits sixth on the ladder and will take on the 16th-placed GWS Giants on Saturday 26 October at Henson Park, 11.05am WST.
