It can be a challenge to achieve what you want as a coach when so much pre-season is lost to the weather. So it was great to see how a number of the 18Es did their own work to improve fitness and develop skills. It really helped when we finally got the year underway. That willingness to put in the work for the team took us a long way through the season.

Between work commitments and illness and injury, we didn’t have subs too often through the year – and sometimes went on undermanned. But with a full side we were a challenge for even the best sides in the grade. The boys just got on with the job at hand and delivered some fine results in reaching finals.

Unfortunately we went down 3-1 to Sylvania Heights in the semi-final, a team we had beaten well during the regular season. Sometimes the breaks just don’t go your way, but it was a season the boys can be proud of.

With no regular goalkeeper this year, thanks to Hayden, Joel, Ronan and Brayden for covering on rotation – you all had some memorable saves through the year.

Jake provided outstanding on-field leadership in defence, where Riley and Ethan both grew massively as players through the year.

Kayden and James were the core of our midfield engine, supported by many others along the wings.

Brad, Joel, and Ronan all had strong roles to play up front and worked well in combination with some spectacular goals to look back on.

With our varying absences, we wouldn’t have been able to keep our structure without the ever-versatile Blake, Brayden, Lachlan and Matt – thanks for covering almost everywhere on the field when we needed.

Riley Binns didn’t get much time on the field due to injuries but we love your willingness to come and train and then join on the bench on the weekends.

Lastly, thanks to Tracey for managing the team through the year and to Shaun as stand in coach when Covid got me.

Stephen O’Meara
Coach