What can I say? Our first year in the Under 19’s Premier division and ‘A’ section and we are PREMIERS in both grades. This achievement is a “once in a lifetime” reward for the hard work undertaken by our dedicated team of volunteers over the many decades. To some in the football community we appear to be the new kids on the block. Some sheepishly ask how long have you been in the Ammo’s or who long have you even existed? They are surprised to discover that our origins date back to 1904. We are a proud club charged with protecting the history of our past members and we will continue to do so into the future. Maybe now that we have achieved these results the St Bedes / Mentone Tigers will be recognised within the wider football circles and acknowledged accordingly. Several clubs are chipping away in the lower ranks dreaming of achieving the ultimate goal of winning an ‘A’ section flag. We too dreamed of achieving this result when Ormond in the 80’s were dominating the competition and we were in plugging away in ‘E’ section. If the club is structured correctly and there is harmony within it’s walls it is possible to climb the ranks quickly.
In winning the ‘A’ section premiership I would like to publicly acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Senior coach Luke Beveridge, his assistant Tim Lamb, our Captain for the past 8 years (and again best on ground) Luke Wintle and all the boys who played the game of their lives on Sunday and brought home the Premiership Cup to Brindisi St. You guys are legends in our eyes and will always be. Bevo, you are the greatest coach the club has ever seen. Good luck with your aspirations. There is no doubt that with your attention to detail, your ability to communicate with everyone (and have time for everyone) and your incredible work ethic you will achieve whatever goals you have. To our opponents Collegians, commiserations to you. After playing a terrific brand of football throughout the season you unfortunately stumbled at the final hurdle. To your club president Wayne Dyer, it is a difficult pill to swallow and the hard work seems worthless however the 2009 season will fast approach and another opportunity will present.
To the VAFA it’s President Nick Bourke, Chairman Bruno Conti, CEO Michael Sholly and the entire team thankyou for the opportunity to participate within your outstanding organization. To our Under 19’s coach Owen Lalor, Competition B&F Captain Gavin Brown and everyone involved congratulations on your success this year. You guys are the show case of our rich talent that exists within our junior ranks. With carefull grooming we will continue to witness our young tigers progress through the under age groups and into the senior ranks.
Finally I would like to thank our devoted Committee, our team of match day volunteers, our valued sponsors and my family and friends. Without your support we would not have achieved our dream. To see so many supporters with a smile on their faces at the completion of the game will be a lasting memory for me. You all deserve the success!
In 2009 we will endevour to produce a similar result in an environment that is both safe and enjoyable. Enjoy the break, back a winner during the spring racing carnival (look for anything with tiger in it’s name) and return to Brindisi St in one piece for the 2009 season.
This win was for our late former committee member and a man best descibed as a “true gentleman” Mr Frank Kean.
Go Tigers,
Club President
Matt Beasley.