Jones believes Goulburn women can "go all the way" after big win

This belief was vindicated earlier today, when the Goulburn women scored an 8-1 victory over Central in Goulburn.

The match was a resounding return to form for Goulburn after a 5-1 drubbing at the hands of St Patrick's last weekend. Following the final horn today, Jones praised her team's refusal to let one bad match sour their mindset.

"We've had some ups and downs, this week's been a really good week," she said.

"Last week we didn't play to our potential or ability, but to come back from a heavy loss and put on a really good performance like that, I'm really proud of them.

"It showed their resilience, and their ability to adapt and move forward."

The result of the match was never truly in doubt, as Goulburn took an early lead and at no point looked in danger of relinquishing it.

Up 4-1 at half time, Goulburn poured on the pressure in the second half to add four more goals to its tally.

Goulburn's ability to score heavily, Jones said, was in part due to the strong relationships growing between the older, more experienced team members and the youngsters in the side.

"I think the leadership my more experienced players are giving to the younger ones, that's what's really nice about it," she said.

"There's a bond growing between the players that have been there for a while and those that are coming through, there's something to aspire to. They're both doing really well."

With three wins and two losses so far, Goulburn currently sits at third on the ladder. This start to the year continues a meteoric rise which began in 2020, when, roughly halfway into the season, the team enjoyed a stunning win streak which propelled it into finals.

With the confidence of last year's semi-final run behind them, Jones knows her players can continue to challenge top sides for silverware in 2021.

"It's exciting to see the hockey the girls can produce, and they haven't hit their potential yet," she said.

"There's still more growth that can go on there, and it's exciting to see what they could deliver by the end of the year.

"They absolutely have the potential to go all the way this year."

But Jones is careful not to overestimate her players, and said they still have to develop in some key areas to take a place among the elite teams in the Capital League.

"There's lots of room to improve still, our receiving could be better at times, our vision could be better at times," she said.

"But that's to be expected of a young team, and they definitely take feedback well and implement those changes."

The players have a week to rest and recuperate next round with a bye, which will be followed on Saturday, May 22, by a clash with Old Canberrans Hockey Club in Goulburn.

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