Secretary Report 2022

Another season and another interrupted one. Unfortunately, the weather had a big say this season with a delayed start. With the continuation of the wet weather during the season, it was probably expected that the Grand Finals would be played in wet conditions, and this summed up the season. Due to the continuing wet weather during the season, there were many ground changes during the year, including Grand Finals, thanks to everyone’s understanding. It’s not easy to re-schedule games at short notice but it was nice to get as many games in as we could. After 2 seasons of no Final series, it was also nice to have these games back on the schedule again and see all the supporters cheering on the teams. It definitely created an excellent atmosphere, and the games were all very well supported.

We did see a slight decrease in our numbers to 983 and are currently the 6th largest club in the association. We had 75 teams with 38 Mini Roo teams and 37 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. We saw the introduction of the Shire Premier League where we fielded a competitive men’s squad, look forward to an even better season next year. Our women players contributed to 39% of our overall players and is continuing to be a growth area for the game and our club. Congratulations to our 4 minor premiers, W13B-1’s, W18C’s, W21C’s and W40B’s, 3 Premiers, W13B-1’s, W21C’s and W40B’s, 7 Runners Up, 8 Finalists and 4 Semi Finalist. We also continued to run our nursery squad and once again it was very successful with 75 participants, with 41 boys and 34 girls.

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.

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. Marty for taking on the role as President for his first season. 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/clubhouse. Bec, looking after our finances. Scott, as registrar for another season navigating the switch between Play Football and the new system. 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. Jas Annesley who took on the thankless task of Grading Chairman. Dave Henson for securing the sponsorships for 2022. Marty Dunn who has decided to stand down from the committee for 2023, he has looked after the Mini Roo Referees over the last few seasons. Glen Tonna who once again ran a very successful Nursery Squad. 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, the financial support is greatly appreciated. Ensure you support our sponsors whenever you get the opportunity. To all the Coaches and Managers your contribution is well recognized 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, 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.