THE Hamilton Kangaroos are expanding their women’s coaching ranks with 2022 Western Victoria Female Football League (WVFFL) premiership player, Emily Huglin, stepping up into a joint coaching role alongside Pat Sherlock.

The pair will guide the senior women’s team during its premiership defence in 2023, and Huglin said it was about pushing herself and expanding her knowledge of the game which led her to the decision.

“It was a bit of a surprise, I got a message from Pat a few weeks ago and he sort of mentioned whether I would look at taking on more of a leadership role within the team and here I am,” she said.

“Just looking at trying to challenge myself further and trying to progress women’s footy in Hamilton and beyond.

“For me, it is about learning from Pat and developing from there and in the latter part of the season take on a bit more.”

Coming off the WVFFL senior premiership this year, there is a bit more buzz around the team and Huglin said she was excited to build on that momentum going forward.

“I think it was really a step forward for the Kangaroos, we struggled the first year I played and even getting enough players on the ground, but that has got better, and we peaked at the right time,” she said.

“We are starting to build a really strong culture among the playing group and that should hold us in good stead and make my job a lot easier.”

Sherlock will offer the group the experience and leadership alongside Huglin and said it was exciting to share his knowledge with others going forward.

“I think we are well in front of where we were at this time last year,” he said.

“Early on the role be with me and then Em will take more on as she grows and evolves as the season goes on.

“I think it will benefit me, it will benefit the girls and it is fantastic to have girls get involved in the administration of women’s footy.”

Despite having a big target on the team’s back as reigning premier, Sherlock said he backed the team to continue developing and improving leading into the 2023 campaign.

“I am under no illusion that we managed things well last year, but we still have plenty we can improve on.

“There is still plenty of growth and room to move forward.”

Fraser Robinson has once again put his hand up to coach the Under-18 girls and is hopeful the Kangaroos will have an increase in numbers to facilitate a team in 2023.

“We should hopefully have plenty of girls get involved, there has been a bit of word getting around and the senior women’s premiership hopefully adds some enthusiasm,” he said.

“I just really enjoy teaching the girls, I have found it really easy to coach them and it is very enjoyable.”

There will be combined senior and Under-18 sessions on November 7 and 9 for anyone to come and have a go before another couple of sessions the following Monday and Tuesday leading into the start of pre-season.