Secretary Report 2021

Who would of thought that having started the season so promisingly that we would again be interrupted by COVID. In the end playing less games than last season. While there was always hope to have the season restarted we were just unable to get back on the park due to the ongoing lockdown and restrictions. Thanks to everyone’s understanding, decisions to cease the competition are never easy but there was no choice at the time and in the end, it was proved to be correct.

We did see a slight increase in our numbers to 1,053 and once again the 5^th largest club in the association. We had 85 teams with 43 Mini Roo teams and 42 competition teams. We were one of only two clubs in the association to field a team in every Age Group something we can be proud of, where we can provide a team across all age groups. Our women players contributed to 38% of our overall players and is continuing to be a growth area for the game and our club. Congratulations to our 6 minor premiers, due the early finish from COVID there were once again no finals series held during the year. We also continued to run our nursery squad and once again it was very successful with 63 participants, with a an even split between males and females.

This season we once again continued to leverage the Association Shared Services team and continue to build on their offerings. I’m sure many of you would have received some form of communication from them during the season. We will continue to use the service going forward. This relieves some administrative tasks and allows the committee more opportunity to provide more hands-on help to members. Please continue to support them in the years ahead.

A big thanks to all the committee for their support during the year, we are all volunteers and are all there to ensure a smooth running of the club. Just a few key call outs and special thanks. Dave who has elected to stand down as President for next season, Dave has done a fantastic Job over the last 4 years and he’s efforts will be sorely missed. Pete Hore, for once again marking the lines every Friday night, allowing all the players the opportunity to play. In addition, all the offseason work performed both on the field and around the grounds. Bec, looking after our finances. Scott,as register for another season navigating the challenging Play Football system, also dealing with the registration and de-registrations during the year in a challenging environment. Deb Dumbrell who has the difficult task of ensuring that every player is equipped with the correct uniform and all the kits are appropriately stocked. Dan has also decided to stand down after several years as the grading chairman this is never an easy task and always extremely difficult to please everyone. However, the continued growth during the years shows we probably get most things right. Thanks Dan, for your contribution and efforts not just with Grading but also the running of the Nursery squad over many years. Marty for looking after the Mini Roo Referees, there were many favourable comments during the year. Glen Tonna who stepped in and ran the Nursery Squad and was ably assisted by his son Wade. To all the other committee members who get on and do their job whether committee duty on the weekend, helping with Registration, Grading, Working Bees a huge thanks, it’s what makes this a great club to be involved in.

Thanks to all the Sponsors who supported the club this season, it’s been a difficult environment but the financial support is greatly appreciated and this allows the club to discount playing fees to make it more affordable to play. Ensure you support our sponsors whenever you get the opportunity. To all the Coaches and Managers your contribution is well recognized by the Committee and is essential to ensure that the players enjoy their game, and the club runs smoothly. To the players for making the club what it is providing that great club spirit. To all the wonderful supporters who either get their kids to the game and/or cheer on the teams. All of which makes the club what it is today.

Lastly, we are always looking for new committee members to assist with all our activities, so If anyone is willingly to assist the club next year, please contact Col Berry. As the club continues to grow, we need more volunteers to assist with the running. This can be to assist with Registration, Grading, Working Bees or simply Committee duty on the weekend. There are plenty of ideas, suggestions, and thoughts, everyone is welcome to contribute. It’s with these ideas and contributions that we can continue to grow the club and make it better than what it is today.