It was such a shame that we played so few games in Season 2021. Our 12B’s were playing a strong season and I’m certain that they would have had the chance to experience finals football for the first time this year, finishing 3^rd on the table.

We welcomed a few new faces to the squad this year and they took no time to settle in.

Jersey deservedly earned his spot in grading this year and showed throughout the season that he belonged exactly where he was. His development was obvious each and every week as his confidence and self-belief grew.

Jenson Gray was another who graded exceptionally well. He slotted in nicely in an attacking role and gave us so many options as the team pushed forward. He managed to get himself on the scoresheet 5 times this season and I’m sure many more would have come if we played out the year.

We poached Ben from Bosco, and got ourselves an assistant coach through Murray at the same time. Bens wicked pace was amazing to watch and his timing of challenges is well beyond his years. A cracking little goalkeeper to boot; he made himself at home in no time within the squad.

Brandon proved to be a valuable midfielder for us this season. His set pieces also came along really well. He went to every challenge with absolute desire and regularly came out on top. He was a key figure in our engine room this season, and even managed to get a couple of goals himself.

Hawkie was our bulldog once again this year. I don’t think he ever gave up on a chase nor pulled out of a tackle. If I was giving out marks for desire and enthusiasm, Christian gets straight A’s. His touch and vision were coming along well this year, I would have liked to have seen it in the latter rounds of the full season.

The Fridge was the fridge! Fearless as ever, regardless of the size of the opposition. As per normal he managed to keep the team entertained at training, but come game day you could back him in almost any challenge; his timing gets better and better each season.

Ethan had a huge season. With a couple of goals to his name he proved to be an attacking force but also a defensive rock if we needed him back there. Ethan was a pleasure to watch this season and he developed a hell of a lot.

Yockie was brilliant this season. He showed composure and confidence, particularly when he opened up his stride and took on the opposition on at pace. I was certain a goal was coming each week, as he regularly put himself into the right position in attack. It was big season for James and I was incredibly proud of the way he played the game each week.

Jenson Malley was in a different zone to everyone else this season. He looked fit and fast and took his game to the next level. His touch has come a long way and he was unforgiving in front of goal, picking up ten of them in in only nine games.

Tadhg had his coach to deal with once again, but he accepted that and played a real leaders role within the team this year. He played very composed football, but still had that trademark aggression simmering away. He played another very unselfish year, slotting some stunning balls though to start our attack.

Tyler fulfilled his role as team entertainment perfectly again this year. But on game day he owned that left flank of the park. His pinpoint accurate crosses and corners were again beautiful to watch and he managed to even get himself on the scoresheet this season.

Will cemented himself as our rock within the back line. The timing of his challenges got better and better as each week passed and so too did his confidence. His goal, a volley from a corner, was a highlight of the season. The goal was a cracker, but it was the utter disbelief on his face when it the back of the net that made it amazing!

Xavier was on a roll this year. His five goals would have certainly increased if the season was completed. His pace and vision were brilliant again this year. He was the first player asked to step up and take a penalty (in round 1). I’m certain his nerves were at an all-time high and although he missed that first one, he still had the self-confidence to slot the next penalty opportunity presented 3 weeks later.

As I said, it was a shame that we didn’t get to finish the season, our first year on the full field and first competition year. Regardless of the result and where we finished, the boys should all be very proud of themselves, proud of the way they played and the way the conducted themselves on the pitch.

As always, a MASSIVE thanks goes out to Deb, for her coordination of everything during the season – I couldn’t do it without her. Thanks also to Murray for his help during training sessions and for running the opposite line during game days. It made life and communication a lot easier.

Thanks to the parents, grandparents and everyone else who supported the boys throughout the season. We were easily the loudest crowd every week, without a doubt!

Finally thanks to the boys. I love coaching this group of young men. They well and truly keep me on my toes with a mix of emotions, from pure frustration all the way through absolute elation! You should all be proud of your kids, they are a great bunch.

I hope everyone enjoys the summer period and the easing of restrictions. Here’s hoping we get a full season in 2022. See you next season!

Pete