Another season has drawn to an end for the Stingrays and as a result another group of young men's time with the club has finished. There are many people whose tireless efforts need to be recognised for their part in making the season progress.
First and foremost the parents of the players of the Stingrays. I am in awe of the level of unqualified support for the players and the Dandenong Stingrays Football Club by the parents of the players. The weekly post training meals, after match preparations, assistance with fundraising and sponsorship, financial support and of course taxiing the players to and from training and games must take up a lot of time and resources of all families. We cannot thank the parents enough for their efforts and hope their time with the Stingrays has been a rewarding experience for them.
Full timers and office staff Andrew Carson, Ian Crowley and Karen Kennedy have once again been outstanding in helping me with the day to day running of the club. Andrew with his Development work with the Under 16's, local leagues, clubs, schools and Auskicks, During the past season Andrew was continuing to study his Masters of Business Administration, took part in a Football Victoria regional review and was awarded the NAB Victorian Development person of the Year at a recent AFL development conference. .Andrew's dedication and expertise has been rewarded with his promotion to the Murray Bushrangers Region Manager job and all at the Stingrays wish him all the best in his new role. Ian was once again tireless with his work with the Under 14's and Under 15's, recruiting of players and helped the local clubs and leagues with their interleague. Karen's expertise with budgeting and office administration have provided the back up that is rarely seen but without it the club could not function properly so many thanks to Andrew, Ian and Karen for their help this season.
The Football Operations group led by TAC Cup coach Graeme Yeats, ably assisted by Bob Riddle, Wayne Spence, Ian Owen, Cameron Stewart, Ray Poole and Adrian Fisers did a wonderful job with the TAC Cup squad. The on field success was definitely not an indication of the amount of time, effort and work of the operations group. Wins against three of the TAC Cup preliminary finalists showed the playing group had ability and when the efforts matched that ability the results were positive. The football operations constant review and remodelling of the season training plan created an environment allowing improvement to individuals and the team. Two of this years group of players ending up on an AFL club list with Andrejs Everitt drafted first round to the Western Bulldogs and Alex Lee picked as a first round Rookie to Port Adelaide. Also from season 2005 the rookie listed Greg Bentley's hard work at Port Adelaide saw him permanently upgraded onto the main AFL list at the end of the season. Former Stingrays forward Aaron Edwards was drafted to the Kangaroos after a sensational year at Frankston in the VFL winning the Frosty Miller awards for the goalkicking (100 goals) and the JJ Liston trophy for the best and fairest in the competition and Jayden Attard Rookie listed at St. Kilda after being delisted from Brisbane.
Many thanks to Ray Collins from the Beaconsfield Football Club for his assistance in the running of the Stingrays Car Trial which encouraged all players, with the assistance of their parents to practice Learner driving and gain 120 hours of practice driving before getting their P plates
The development squads led by coaches Darren Coghlan (Under 16) and Alan Trigg (Under 15) with the administrative assistance of Andrew Carson and Ian Crowley brought through many prospective Stingrays TAC Cup players and continue to do a wonderful job. Their ability to evolve the programs with the ever changing environment of football development is a true reflection of their professionalism and the care and attention they show with their charges is outstanding..
The Team Management department led by the indomitable Peter Bainbridge, the Medical department led by John Somers and the Stats department with Darryl Kennedy at the helm were once again solid and true to the cause of assisting this football club and the players to be their best possible.
Coffey Ford were once again the major club sponsor of The Stingrays. Thanks to Dealer Principal Tony Barcellona and all the people at Coffey Ford for their kind and generous assistance to the Stingrays. The Stingrays are fortunate to be associated with one of the leading companies in Dandenong and look forward to many years of continued support.
Special thanks to Brett Kellerman and Eric Grimshaw from Blue Gum. Blue Gum has been a substantial supporter of sporting bodies throughout the Mornington Peninsula and the Stingrays are elated and honoured to have Blue Gum as a sponsor of the club.
Many thanks to John Kelly for his introduction to Andrew Ryan at Jayco who came on board as a club sponsor and we look forward to hopefully extending our relationship for many years to come.
This season has repeated the interaction between the local leagues and the Stingrays. The junior leagues once again held their U/14 and U/16 inter-league carnival at Shepley Oval in a round robin format with a number of the leagues accepting the offer of coaching and team management from the Stingrays. The carnival was considered a resounding success again by all involved. Many thanks to Shaun Connell and the leaders of the local junior leagues for their assistance. This year, with the rescheduling of the V-Line state Under 15 championships enabling the Stingrays to incorporate the championships in their development program, a team was entered comprising the Mornington and Frankston leagues players. Well coached by Paul Stevens and managed by Rodney Garwood and Dave Collie, the players had a enjoyable experience pitting their ability against the best from the state and NSW representative teams.
Good luck to all the exiting players from the Stingrays and we hope you continue to play at your highest level and to give your maximum to your chosen club as you have done with the Stingrays. You are always welcome back to Shepley Oval and it would be great to see you again.
The returning players have a solid pre season and another TAC Cup season ahead and we wish you well in your endeavours.
DARREN FLANIGAN
REGION MANAGER
DANDENONG SOUTHERN STINGRAYS
Last Modified on 19/01/2007 15:50
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