CAN season 2014 be the year Confederates rise to become a competitive side in the women's Premier League Hockey competition?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
New coach Mark Pengilly is hoping it can.
Taking the reins of the women's PLH wooden spooners for the first time, Pengilly is hoping he can help 'Feds find the killer instinct required to be a success in the women's premiership and, with a tough pre-season under the side's belt, there's no better time than the present.
"The girls have been training well," Pengilly said.
"There's a new enthusiasm at this stage. We're just trying a few different things at the moment."
Pengilly lauded Lithgow Panthers as the side to beat while, having trialled against them this pre-season, believes Bathurst City will lay claims to being a premiership threat come August.
But, for the time being anyway, 'Feds must simply continue to focus on their own backyard.
Pengilly said a higher level of skill and renewed desire would be key to transforming 'Feds from easybeats to a competitive unit.
"I just hope to improve the skill level of the girls," he said.
"I want them to become hungry for the ball and enjoy their hockey. If I can get them to enjoy the game and improve the level of competitiveness in the squad, then I'm doing my job."
Pengilly said the last two campaigns have probably been "too defensive".
He's hoping a new attacking brand of hockey will net the club just its second women's PLH victory since returning to the competition in 2012.
"I'd like to see them win a couple of games," he said.