There was a surreal feeling hovering over McKinnon Reserve at 5pm on Saturday. Another season over and a lot of "what ifs". The boys had just knocked off Old Camberwell in both the Seniors and Reserves but unfortunately for the Seniors it wasn't enough to get them into the four. So the song was sung twice with gusto to bring the season down on 2009.We ended up missing out on fourth spot by about 4%. Of course there are recollections about games lost etc, but at the end of the season we are not there so we have to look forward, while remembering the past.
The boys have played some good footy over the last few weeks and it has been really encouraging to see the role that the younger guys have played. There is an exciting nucleus of young players there and the fact that many of the U/19s were prepared to play in the Reserves shows the right attitude and an attitude we as a club want to encourage.
Better players in the 90 point win were Frogga, Morro and Johnno, while Vossy ended up with 6 goals to probably end up winning the goal kicking for the year. We got the jump on the visitors early and it soon became clear that they were very undermanned. Going into the last quarter, knowing that Old Carey were defeating fourth placed Trinity, there was just a small glimmer of hope that we could pull off the remarkable. But the steam went out of the charge when Camberwell kicked the first goal of the last quarter and despite the boys playing real run-on football, it was never going to be enough.
In the earlier game, BLJ led the charge as his enthusiasm became infectious and the troops rallied. They also rallied for their coach, Andrew Jago, who announced before the game that it would be his last coaching assignment for the Bloods. It was also going to be Belly's last game, so there was a fair bit of emotion when the boys hit the pitch.(there may have been a few more other retirements that I am not aware of). The lads got the worst of the weather and it was a very even performance from a committed group. Indeed there were nine individual goal kickers for our nine goals.
So it was great to see the Reserves finish the season on a winning note. Three wins for the season and a tough season it was again, as injuries took their toll.But the stalwarts kept at it against huge odds at times, so it was great that they were able to finish the season as they did.
Similarly, Greg Anderson and the U/19s had a pretty tough season. While losing is never that enjoyable, they stuck to their tasks really well. They were competing in a strong division and "suffered" during the season when players were called upon for senior duty. These lads are the future of the club and there appears to be a good crop coming through. We encourage them to stay playing football with the club - in 2010 and well into the future.
So where to from here? We still have the vote count and Presentation Night to come and these are the most immediate considerations. It is important that all supporters attend these functions so as to get the ball rolling for 2010. Final dates and details will be available very soon with the vote count being held within the next few weeks and the Presentation night a few weeks later.
Similarly one of the club's most important dates, the AFL Grand Final Breakfast is only a few weeks away. This is an absolute ripper of a morning and really sets the day up. A Flyer is attached and Wardy Caspers has done a magnificent job of once again getting a top class line up of comedians. Everyone needs a good laugh and this is where you are going to find it. So book your tickets early as I suspect this is going to be one of the best attended for many years.
Retirements? While we want to limit the player retirements to as few as possible, they are inevitable as father time takes over. It is probably a bit early to recognise those that may be considering that path but we will in due course.
Off the field there will also be some changes. After three terms, Bonnas has decided to hang up his Presidential cap. His devotion, enthusiasm and stewardship has been much appreciated by everyone associated with the club. It has been a bit of a roller coaster for him, but his sheer love for the magenta and black has invariably helped. Always around, Bonnas was a very "hands on" President. But of course Bonnas wont be going too far because he will remain involved as "Director of Football Operations" a position to which he is most suitable. So his smiley face wont be too away. Bonnas, on behalf of everyone involved at the club, please accept our thanks at your efforts over the years, but of course over the last three years in particular.
As mentioned earlier, Andrew Jago or Jages has decided not to coach the Reserves again next year. We want to thank Jages for his commitment and motivation over the last three years. It has been a tough gig for him, as our depth of numbers has been stretched, and he needs to be acknowledged for his tireless efforts. He may seek other coaching appointments, and we certainly wish him well if he decides to go down this path. Thanks again for your efforts Jages.
Of course there are a group that we hope will never retire and that is the sponsorship group. Our major sponsors, Skylift, Astoria, Ray White Carnegie and Bank Of Queensland have once again been terrific supporters on the club. We encourage players, supporters and indeed everyone associated with the club, to support this group and all our sponsors. This is an important network and there is no reason why this network cant keep going in the off season. So if you get a chance to support the clubs' sponsors, then please do. All their details are on the website and I am sure they would all love to get a call. And make sure you tell them you barrack for the Mighty Bloods.
Recruiting has started for 2010 with the clearly stated aims of improving our depth and retaining current players, while also looking out for the next"big thing". So we invite everyone to keep on the lookout for possible recruits whether it be amongst family, friends or work colleagues - wherever. Spread the word that The Bloods is a club you want to play with in 2010 and beyond.
A BIG thank you to all the volunteers who helped out during the course of the year. It is only through your efforts that the club can function at all.
And another BIG thank you to all the supporters who are there almost every week, home and away. The boys have a great following and I know they appreciate the support they receive.
AWARDS -
Goal of the Year - Has to be Brownie's to win the game against St Bernards. Perhaps not the most dazzling, but the most important in the whole scheme of things. Honourable mentions to that team goal against Old Carey which included nearly every player handballing and kicking to each other before Vossy dribbled one across the line into the 10 goal wind. Mentions also to Hammer for his pinch hitting, Case's goal under pressure late in the last quarter at Trinity to seal the win and Lance's swerving sensations early in the year.
Mark of the Year - Cant remember who it was against but the Mark of the Year goes to Chris Ferguson who must have jumped six feet to perch on his opponents shoulder and pull down this ripper in front of the scoreboard.
Greatest Innovation - Yours truly for the quarter time banners (although I did steal the idea from John Doyle!) Opposition clubs were green with envy when we produced these fine pieces of craftsmanship.
Best Pies at Opposition Canteen - While no canteen can compete with Felicity's famous fare, the pies at St Kevins went pretty close. Firm pastry, real meat and served at the right temperature. (and believe me I tried them all!!)
Family Affair - The family award goes to Brodie, Darren and Mark - son, father and uncle who pulled the boots on together out at St Bernards.
Congratulations to 2006 Premiership player, Brett Trollope who got married a week ago. He certainly surprised his mates who thought they were going to an engagement party only to find it was the "real thing"
AND FINALLY 2010 will be the club's 50th playing year. There are a number of events being considered to mark the occasion and so we want to update our data base as much as possible. If you know of someone who played for the club but may have dropped out of circulation, let us know their details so we can renew contact.
I have probably forgotten something so this wont be the last you hear of me. There will be reminders about the upcoming events so stay tuned.
Enjoy the "off season" remembering it is only 190 more sleeps to the first game.
Last Modified on 01/09/2009 22:14
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