Hello and welcome players and supporters to the 2009 season. Special welcome to our guests Tongala Football Netball Club. Tonny are our friendly rivals as both clubs have shared many players over the years. In season 2008 Nathalia once again won the flag to see a history making 4 in a row. Its amazing how you can go for 28 years without the ultimate success and then seem to do no wrong. Obviously these things do not just happen but come about from hard work from players and total dedication from coaches and terrific support from the football Nathalia public. This season sees three new coaches take up the challenge. Four time premiership player Nathan Trimby will lead the seniors bringing his wonderful experience with him. We are thrilled with the return home to purple land of Dylan Butler.  Dylan last played for Nathalia in 2004 before heading to GVFL. Dylan coached Nathalia to the grand final, although not successful on the big day the basis of this side he established moved onto have the success they have had. To our other new players and their families we welcome you and wish you the best in your 2009 season with the Purps.

Our Reserve team will be capably led by Steven Curtis. Curto has been around the club for a 100+ years, playing in all grades and having previously coached our seconds and Under 14 teams. Another newcomer to the coaching panel will be Under 17 coach Ian (Charlie) Walsh. The Walsh family are almost locals having been with the club for six years.  Charlie hales from the Northern District League in his playing days having played over 100 games for Cohuna seniors as well as experiencing the highlights of playing in two thirds and two reserves premierships. He was also involved with the running of auskick. Charlie has the all clear from sons Nathan and Marcus and is very keen to offer his knowledge and guidance to our up and coming players.

Under 14 team will again be coached by John Nihill. Although this team has not won many games over the last decade recent history has shown that the bulk of players that played in these past four premierships started their football learning in this very team. What a wonderful asset to have the old man of football  who coached the first premiership in 28 years to be now at the grass roots working with our young stock. 

It also must be said that the club cannot function without the executive staff to keep the wheels turning. This year we see many new faces with the change of all executive positions. I am very grateful for their enthusiasm and the hard work already to start the new season. Special mention to our new secretary Tracey Mark as well as her office duties, Trace has set up our new website, be sure to check this out regurlarly at www.nathaliafc.vcfl.com.au as we intend to update it with upcoming events and happenings around the club.

Social

Today we celebrate last years success with the unfurling of the flag before the senior game.  After the match join us as the fourth flag will proudly take his place up on the wall alongside his three beautiful brothers. A Roast meal will be served at a cost of $8.00 for a single, and $20.00 per family, plenty of entertainment with the DVD footage of the grand final and music.

~ Laury Hicks, President

Netball

Welcome to all netballers and supporters. We also welcome some new coaches to our teams.

This year we have no A Grade. Roo Shanahan will lead the B Grade side with the help of Alisha Cornell.

C Grade will be led by Tracey Curtis, Kirby Shanahan will be coaching our 17/U, Vanessa Byrnes takes on the 15/U, Jordan Will-Holland aptly assisted by Narelle Oakes will guide the 13/U and Rosinna Gemmill will assist the 11/U.  Jo Terry will teach our Netta program some new skills. 

Tonight the Netball club will unveil our 2007 A grade premiership flag. This flag represents the beginning of a visual presence in the clubhouse of the netball club which we will continue to expand to show off our history.  We will work our way backwards from this flag and eventually have all our premierships celebrated along with an honourboard to acknowledge past players and officials.

Social Notes

Deb Ball: The NFNC Deb Ball will be held on Saturday May 23rd at the Community Centre. The Deb Ball Committee will soon be asking for help with donations for the supper and help with setting up, waiting on tables, bar service and cleaning up on the Sunday! Please help your club make this annual event another huge success!

Raise the Flag Night: Tonight we invite all members/visitors to stay after the game and celebrate the clubs 4th quadruple premiership flag. The 2008 match DVD will be played along with music.  A roast meal at the price of $20 family and $8 for a single entry.

Congratulations to Ash Quin who notches up his 100th senior milestone today!! Stork has a small write-on Ash towards the front of the program. Well done Ash!                              GO PURPS!!!