ACE on learning curve

New season, new challenge for one of ACE’s most successful squads
THE age groups have gone. Pre-season is finished. Now open competition and a steep learning curve await one of ACE’s most successful teams.
Holland Park are the first opponents for the new ACE City 1 women’s squad, on Friday at Brendale, kick-off 7.50pm.
All but four are from the girls’ squad which finished second in last season’s Under 16 Division 1 and won the grand final. The team has taken a big step up, but the signs are encouraging.
ACE, with two new players in their 20s and one aged 18, have beaten Annerley 4-1, lost to Pine Rivers 4-2 and drawn 4-4 with The Gap’s BWPL Reserves side in pre-season.
“It is going to be a big leap, a learning curve for the young players,” said coach Matt van Daarlen. “It will be a lot more physical and faster for them – 16s