Welcome to the 2009 season which sees the incorporation of the Football and Netball Clubs to form the Barooga Football Netball Club.
A lot has taken place behind the scenes over the summer. Sweeping changes to the committee structure, new coaches and an active recruiting drive should see the Hawks remain a force in the MFL both on and off the field.
On the committee front, Stephen SOD ODwyer is the inaugural Chairman of the combined clubs with Linda Walsh as the Treasurer. Wolfie Wagner and Berny Bray fill the Presidents roles of the football and netball subcommittees respectively.
The football side has seen a number of changes occur with Matt Byers leaving the Senior coaching role after taking the Hawks into the 07 and 08 Grand Finals. His successor is highly credentialed former premiership player and Wangaratta Rovers coach, John McNamara, and we welcome John and his family back to the fold. John will be assisted by big Shaun Robbins and the two have the Hawks finely tuned for an all out assault on the 09 flag.
We have already claimed the night flag with an emphatic win over our old rivals, Cobram last Friday night. The win was the culmination of a preseason that included 3 night series matches along with games against Wangaratta Rovers and Shepparton Bears. The form of recruits Tom Crapp, Matt Hyde, Matt Hendry, Brennan Mills, Ryan Forsyth and Kieran Hill has been very pleasing. Just as pleasing have been the rise of youngsters Zeke Bunge and James Leech and the continued improvement shown by Rhys Holt, Liam Ryan, Micky Connors, Glen Elleray and Ben McNeill.
Combined with the experience of Marty Brooks, Tyron Hill, Tim ODwyer, Shaun Robbins, Brent Chapman, Sean Harrap, James Hazelman and Stuey Galloway, to name a few, the Hawks should have a well balanced side on the park again this year.
Nick Flanagan takes over the reins of the Reserves, with Jonno ODwyer stepping down after tasting the ultimate success last season. Flanno will be looking to emulate last years feat and with the players sure to get behind him, this is a reasonable goal. There have been good numbers on the track and with a few more late starters still to come the Reserves should be up and about from round one.
Frank Armfield and Jimmy Brooks are back for another stint with the Thirds and are looking forward to seeing genuine improvement from their charges. With the addition of Bryce Stevens, Troy Dunn and Xavier Hunt along with a number of players up from the fourths, the Thirds will be eyeing a finals spot this season.
Mick Woosha Dunn is again at the helm for the Fourths and he will be assisted by Bobby Brooks. These boys have looked very good throughout the preseason, scoring solid wins in the Finley night series and Mick will have them primed for a tilt at premiership success. Provided the boys listen to their coach and dont get too far ahead of themselves they should have an exciting year.
On the netball front it has been a fairly successful pre season. We have ample numbers in every junior grade with as many girls playing netball as possible. Our Senior grades also have good numbers and have enjoyed a solid preseason. With registrations now complete the Hawks are looking forward to a successful year on the courts.
The netball subcommittee has now been filled, with Natasha Bignell joining the ranks. Thank you Natasha, I'm sure you will find your experience enjoyable as you have a very supportive group to work with.
With Murray League Rep team selections complete we again have a great group of girls representing our club and league, congratulations to Maggie Kelly, Taylah Hazelman, Bridget Rootsey, Sharni Hazelman and Mackella Armfield on your selections again this year.
So there you have it, everything is set for another great year for the Hawks. If you havent yet paid your membership there are a number of packages available and tailored to suit your needs. These can be paid in the clubrooms after halftime of the seniors so get on board!!
Today we host Deniliquin, lets get the season off to a flyer!!!
Carn the Hawks.
Squark