Mel was part of the Women's team that took out last year's title and also did a magnificent job as coach of  the 16 Girls.  She's back again this year in both roles and is also training all the girl 'keepers.  As you can see, she's a futsal tragic.  She cares about the game has a lot to say about the game and how the girls' game is developing.

Editor:  You were part of the Women's team that finally got that elusive title last year coming from 4th position. How was that experience for you?

Mel:  I was!  After playing futsal for ten long years it was almost a relief to win a Women's premiership. It was relief, followed by excitement and a massive sense of accomplishment.  I cannot stress enough even though I am the oldest Women's player, how much admiration I have for the girls that played beside me.  They are the best bunch of girls and very talented futsal players that are dedicated to themselves and those around them.

Winning the Grand Final felt ten times better because you know not only were you playing for yourself, you're playing for those around you.  As a goal keeper I''m blessed.  The girls listen to everything, every instruction, every piece of advice.  'd say the experience was that good I would like to do it two years in a row!

Editor:  You seemed to have embraced the Quake spirit coming back again as a player and a coach. What is it about Quake that you like?

Mel:  As a coach the girls are committed.  They want to train, they want to listen.  The parents are easy to get along with and they let me do my thing and trust me with their children.  That's massive for me.

As a player there is plenty of support, no drama and it's fun. I have developed some of my closest mates at Quake. When you play for your team mates you get a great sense of accomplishment. I also love how the young age groups stay around to support the other teams.  Also, you can't go past a pink keepers strip.

I am also excited about the Gilligan duo coaching us.   When it comes to futsal the brains of Jimmy and Scott  are something I think I can learn from and I am excited to learn from them.

Editor:  Do you play outdoor? What is it about futsal that you like?

Mel:  No, I don't play outdoor. I'm loyal to futsal. Is fast, fun and unpredictable. I also don't mind the social aspect which I'm sure many would agree with. Every player commits to a club and defends their colours all year round until nationals and then we become one giant big colour and all support each other. It's a great sport.

Editor:  Can you see yourself involved in the game in the long term?

Mel:  11 years long enough.??? I'm not done yet. I definitely enjoying coaching more now so hopefully I can continue on with that. As for playing I'll hang around to Dana is ready to take my spot. She is like my little apprentice so I will actually be excited when she knocks me off,  She is an amazing talent and when that day comes I'll be ready to hang up my rabens.

Editor:  Finally, all the girls women's teams did so well last year and the squads look very promising again this year. Tell us why everybody should watch the girls and women play the game.

Mel:  Like I said in my profile, the girls and womens games have come along way. It's faster and smarter and coaches are teaching better tactics. It is no longer boys learn one way and girls learn another. Girls are learning like the boys do and are now getting to be as exciting as the boys.

Watching the younger girls age groups I see a lot of talent and some similarities that mimic what it was like when I first started playing futsal.  Back when I started girls couldn't get enough of futsal.  We would go all day, call in sick to work to go to training, miss the most important occasions to hit up a futsal court.  I can't say our parents loved it but they learnt too.  For some years that same passion, I feel, went missing in some grades of girls but I see that same dedication shining through again.  Girls are proving that we can compete with skill and flair and we aren't whingers when we get tackled hard, we just get back up and tackle harder.

I have no doubt the 16 Girls comp will be strong.  The likes of Magic , Rovers and Vipers will all be up there again.  The comp seems to be growing stronger.  Last year Boomerangs made a significant impact and made the finals in their first Premier League year. No one is ever a right off which makes good futsal.  Also there are some exciting coaches in this age group.  I believe Magic will be well lead under Robbie Maiorana, Vipers are blessed with Erkin Osman, Sydney City have Tom Thomson, who lead Quake Women's and 16s to victories in previous years developing them well so I have no doubt Sydney City will benefit from him, and Boomerangs are lead by Kristian Collins.  All exciting coaches with a world of knowledge to help their teams.

The Women's comp is just at a new stage in futsal life.  The teams are young with a few old wise heads still running around guiding the pups.  As champions of the previous season I have no doubt teams are aiming to hunt us down.  I believe the team to challenge us will be Dural.  With the likes of Rachel Perrin , Jacqui Frier, Demelza Howard and now newly recruited Nat Spirovski I know this game will be fast paced and the result will revolve around who ever makes the least mistakes.  Sydney City will always be pushing for semi finals berths, the quicker they get Tonka back the more lethal they will become. Rovers have rearranged there team this year but will still have plenty to offer the comp gaining equally talented players to replace the ones they lost.  Magic will still be strong with the likes of Natasha Loguidice and Rose Scarlato.  Doris is back for Vipers and I'm certain under Erkin she will produce plenty of magic this season and I believe Phoenix will be strong in their first season in Premier League.

It has been noted that there is a push for Futsal in the Olympics .  Although there is no Women's Australian team it is important we develop the girls as much as possible so if one day the chance to represent arises we are ready.  There is a lot of talent in the 12s, 14s and 16 Girls and they are the future.

Finally, I'd like to tell you about one little girl at Quake .  She is a goal keeper in her first year.  I have trained her once with hopefully more to come. The determination on this little girl's face to get better and train hard and make saves to me is so inspiring.  She smiles when she makes a save and uses her best manners to thank me after training.  It's watching these kids that enable you to find a sense of accomplishment and the urge to better those younger then us.  After all once upon a time we were all that little girl.