Squad's potential excites coach
There is a quiet optimism about where the Otago Spirit could head this season.
Head coach Matt Direen unveiled his 35-strong squad last week with an exciting blend of experienced heads and new blood to compete in the Farah Palmer Cup Championship this season.
The Spirit made it to the Championship final last year, where they fell short against the Manawatu Cyclones.
Direen knows what it takes to get there, having made the step up to head coach this season after several years as assistant, and is excited by the "unrealised potential" among his squad.
"I think this squad has ability to go a long way and I don't think they potentially realise [yet] ... exciting to be sort of helping them reach that potential," Direen said.
"Obviously some new girls coming in that bring quite a lot and established players that have proven they can do it.
"Getting them all to realise just how good they can be as a squad is what we're trying to achieve at the moment."
Several wise heads are back, including Tegan Hollows and Eilis Doyle, who played for Matatu, and Georgia Cormick and Sheree Hume, who played for the Western Force in Super Rugby Women.
Exciting backs Charlotte Va'afusuaga, who was the Spirit's MVP in 2024, and Naomi Sopoaga also made their Matatu debuts.
Former Tasman back-turned-loose forward Sarah Jones has shifted south, and halfback Abigail Paton — both were part of Matatu — returns home after a year with Canterbury.
"The value of experience in today's game is massive," Direen said.
"Having a few older heads having been in and in amongst that, and know what's required in terms of training and preparation.
"You can tell those things from a coach, but seeing them modelled by players like Tegs, and Eilis, and those sort of girls, it's way more valuable than my words."
Another experienced campaigner in Greer Muir will take over the captaincy this season. She replaces Julia Gorinski, who has retired but remains with the squad as assistant manager.
Muir had developed as a calm head in pressure situations, set high expectations and delivered clear messages her players responded to, Direen said.
"You notice a player when they talk [and] everyone else is quiet and Greer's that kind of person.
"We've got a few leaders in that space, but Greer was certainly someone that stood out."
Bella Rewiri-Wharerau has been ruled out for the season, but remains as an analyst, and Zoe Frood, Paige Church and Te Atawhai Campbell are also among the injury list.
Campbell should hopefully be available at some stage, but the others were "not looking quite as promising", he said.
The Spirit make the trip to Lincoln on Sunday to play a "game of three halves" against Tasman and Southland.
They then head away to play Canterbury ahead of their Farah Palmer Cup opener.
Both games were vital for "bridging between club footy and that next level" and preparing them for the season ahead.
The Spirit open their season against North Harbour at Forsyth Barr Stadium on August 10.
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