Following on from our 3rd place finish and semi-final elimination last year, the O35Es were determined to go further. We had high expectations heading into the season, with most of our squad having played the previous six years together. While we lost a few mates to the 45s, we welcomed three quality players – and more importantly, three quality blokes – in Sam, Dan and Adam.

Using last year’s semi-final heartbreak as motivation, we began training early in January. Regular sessions, combined with six (!) preseason matches, had us sharper and more organised than ever. We were confident that a strong season lay ahead – but none of us could have predicted just how remarkable it would be.

Seventeen games, seventeen wins. A perfect 17-0-0 record. To not only go unbeaten, but to win every match across the season, is a feat that speaks volumes about the dedication, resilience, and camaraderie within this team. Every player contributed, whether through hard work at training, consistency on match day, or simply lifting teammates when it mattered most.
What made this year so satisfying was the balance we struck between discipline and enjoyment. We trained hard, competed with intensity, and demanded high standards from one another. But we also shared plenty of laughs, supported each other through injuries and the ups/downs of life, and built a culture that made turning up each week something to look forward to. That bond off the pitch was just as important as our performance on it.

This season has been the culmination of years of persistence and steady improvement (and quality recruiting!). After six years of working, training, improving, learning, and coming close, everything clicked in our seventh year together. To finish as minor premiers and champions with a flawless record is an achievement that will stay with us for a long time.
Finally, we want to thank the boys on the team for their commitment and effort throughout the year. It was a privilege – and an easy job – for us to co-captain such a dedicated, selfless, and hard-working group of mates.

Bazza & Meadsy