NOOSA AFC INC.
COACHES REPORT – U18 2011
I ventured into my first stint as 18s coach, with the view that my role was specifically to develop and teach our young cubs all aspects of our great game, with winning seen as a bonus.
With literally only a couple of players returning from the previous year’s team, it was a lot of 1st year 18s players and some returning after a few years out of the game, that fronted up for the first night of pre-season. Numbers early were promising, however in the following months for a variety of reasons, numbers dropped off, not really allowing for any consistency or stability in our training methods. For any player serious about improving and getting the best out of themselves, there needs to be consistent attendance so that training benchmarks, values, skills and game plan can be constantly reinforced to maximize performance.
The first 2 rounds were certainly eye openers for all involved, including me, when we fronted up against powerhouses Mt Gravatt and Morningside who both inflicted 130 point drubbings on our boys. If we weren't sure were we stood before these games we certainly knew after and that some really hard work was required to improve.
The next three games produced some encouraging performances against rivals Maroochydore, Labrador and down on the Gold Coast against Broadbeach. While not recording a victory, there was genuine improvement in our efforts.
Towoomba made the long journey up to Weyba Road and with both sides winless to this stage, one was going to open their account. Fortunately it was us and the boys were rewarded for their effort. In the following weeks we trekked to Southport and dominated the game for 3 quarters, before rolling over in the last. Copped a hiding against eventual runners up Sandgate and put on our best performance of the year against Redlands, winning on their home turf with a complete team performance with all contributing and helped by accurate goal kicking (15 goals 4 behinds).
Unfortunately, our form deteriorated over the remaining rounds of the season and our struggle with numbers continued. Out of every negative there is a positive and for us it was exposing a number of U16s to high level 18s football. Duke Anderson, Jackson Beynon, Jed Brain, Jai Fitzpatrick, Hunter Heath, Jack Ladd, George Paynter, Monty Reeves, CJ Rutherford and Jake Strong were all given the opportunity to play up.
While it was a tough year with lack of numbers, it certainly will have been a great learning curve for the group to see what they need to do to improve to the level of the better teams. There were obviously some individual highlights from the year and I thought the team was lead admirably by the skipper Dom Waterman. His form was outstanding from the start to finish, no doubt coming from his committed pre-season with the 18s and seniors. He polled votes in every game, easily winning the B & F. Hopefully he will be playing senior footy next year. Jono Freeman, after a slow start produced some outstanding football, resulting in making his senior debut in a very strong Noosa side against Mayne and gaining valuable experience at an even higher level with the Brisbane Lions Reserves. Dylan Murray was a valuable contributor playing mainly out of position and generally unchanged in the ruck all year. Lincoln High, after crossing from Kawana Juniors, was solid after settling into his new surrounds and the leadership group of Dom, Marcus Fretwell and Mitch Wynne were terrific.
I must make mention of the selection of Cain Tickner in the exclusive AIS-AFL Academy for the next twelve months. A genuine opportunity to further develop his game from the best coaches and a step closer to realizing his dream of becoming the first AFL footballer drafted from Noosa. We are all behind him in his endeavours.
Although very small, our band of volunteers was terrific. None better than Dan and Wendy Tickner. My job made easier by their off field efforts and Wendy's meticulous game day preparation. My assistants: Dane Gale and Reece Langan contributing their wealth of knowledge; Jasmine Murray was always willing to fulfil any role necessary; Gary and Penny Hare for their medic work and young Daniel Hare running water for us; Glenn Beynon on stats, John Gaynor our bus driver and water carrier, Jane Tickner with countless photos, Damian High, Dallas Freeman, Mick Anderson, and Adam Tickner who all filled roles required, and also to the jumper washers and canteen ladies, many thanks.
Thanks to our sponsors in Calty Constructions who kitted the boys in their game day shorts; Hendrie Bros. Pty Ltd, Sportspower – Noosaville, Fit Noosa, Noosa Heads Surf Club Restaurant and Tewantin Deli who all provided weekly awards.
Thanks to Fletch, his assistants and playing group for supporting us and allowing us in on some sessions that the boys thoroughly enjoyed, and congratulations on the fine achievement of Back to Back flags.
Although not winning many games, which were not our priority, I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of teaching the boys the game and hope they learnt from their experience. The main thing is hopefully they stay involved in our great game, either at our club or elsewhere, whether that is as players next year, and in the future as volunteers, or coaches themselves. As the experiences and friendships formed at Football Clubs can be for life.
BRETT MALONEY
U18 COACH 2011
U18 2011 Trophy Recipients
Best & Fairest
|
Dom Waterman
|
Runner-Up Best & Fairest
|
Jono Freeman
|
Most Consistent
|
Dom Waterman
|
Most Improved
|
Dylan Murray
|
Best Utility
|
Lincoln High
|
Coaches Award
|
Marcus Fretwell
|
|
|
Games |
Goals |
Johnathon |
Affleck |
12 |
0 |
Duke |
Anderson |
3 |
0 |
Jackson |
Beynon |
6 |
0 |
Harley |
Beynon |
13 |
0 |
Jed |
Brain |
4 |
0 |
Luke |
Brennan |
14 |
0 |
Dylan |
Castle |
2 |
1 |
Adam |
Curry |
13 |
3 |
Jai |
Fitzpatrick |
3 |
0 |
Jono |
Freeman |
15 |
20 |
Marcus |
Fretwell |
13 |
1 |
Tim |
Gaynor |
13 |
7 |
Thomas |
Genge |
14 |
1 |
Ben |
Gray |
13 |
1 |
Brodie |
Hare |
15 |
0 |
Jacob |
Hawksworth |
4 |
3 |
Hunter |
Heath |
1 |
0 |
Lincoln |
High |
12 |
2 |
Jonah |
Hope-Hodgetts |
2 |
0 |
Jack |
Ladd |
3 |
0 |
Cameron |
McCabe |
2 |
0 |
Dylan |
Murray |
14 |
8 |
Adam |
Murrihy |
15 |
0 |
George |
Paynter |
1 |
0 |
Brandon |
Price |
1 |
0 |
Montgomery |
Reeves |
5 |
0 |
Brodie |
Russon |
1 |
1 |
Christian |
Rutherford |
4 |
2 |
Haydn |
Slater |
11 |
5 |
Jake |
Strong |
6 |
0 |
Cain |
Tickner |
8 |
6 |
Sam |
Tickner |
14 |
0 |
Jaxon |
Tippet |
14 |
4 |
Tom |
Wade |
3 |
1 |
Dominic |
Waterman |
15 |
4 |
Mitch |
Wynne |
13 |
14 |

Last Modified on 22/09/2011 13:07