In another historic double for the Club, our Under 19 Div 1 and Div 3 teams both claimed premierships! Coach Caine Grove reports on the dominant season and outstanding Grand Final win for our U19 Div 1 team.
Heading into the final series was a nerve-racking time, mainly due to the fortunate situation of ending the season with 1 loss. Whilst nerve racking the coaching staff had belief in the team as they had done all the hard work since mid-October 2021. We had trained and implemented everything we had learnt over the years from some very talented people, whilst putting our tweaks into the plan.
The 2nd Semi-final against our arch rival Beaumaris being played on the home deck was going to be a challenge, the boys stood up and from a coach’s perspective the team did everything well, this earnt us a spot directly into the Grand Final. As coaches we couldn’t have been prouder of their efforts.
The Grand Final weekend seemed so close but so far away and the weeks seemed to drag, but here it is. A captain’s run Friday night, then the Div 1 playing group and coaches travelled out to Garvey Oval on Saturday morning to watch a thriller from our Div 3 team in a 1-point win to take out the honours, now the nerves and pressure was on, and I think we all felt it.
Sunday morning arrived and I am sure many didn’t sleep the best, the boys arrived as per our normal structure and set up, nothing changed. Music pumping, rolling, stretching, coaches finalising the day, lots of hugging, high fiving, back slapping etc. The message was clear, we have done all the hard work leading up to this game and now it is time to stay focused and do the little things well and remember this is about TEAM.
Start time was close a few little minor adjustments, the final words were “ Today is not only about you it is about all of those that have helped us get here, and those that are looking down on us, and those that can’t make it today, this is about our brotherhood that you built and the single focus is TEAM and TEAM only, selfishness won’t cut it, play your role and play your role well”. We were minutes away and the boys did their count down, a coached turned the count down music off by mistake which upset the boys, time to run out.
My nerves were settled, line coaches had everything under control, players were switched on we were ready to rock. First qtr. the signs were good, ball movement, structures, set ups everything we have learnt and worked on over the years was coming together. Qtr. time came and the message was clear and the same, “ do the small things well reward your teammates”. Second qtr. Started and the boy started exactly were they left off, ball movement, composure, structure, team, discipline, to watch this unfold was like a proud parent moment, I thought they are doing everything we had worked on and talked about and what was interesting to me we kicked 5.3 in the first qtr. and 5.3 in the second.
Half time came and the message was don’t be complacent, no arrogance, do the small things well, TEAM and good teams continue and run the game out, they show the opposition respect. The boys went from strength to strength and never stopped right to the final siren, which is a testament to their character. As coaches you couldn’t have asked for a better finish to a game or a season. Every line was phenomenal, the backline only conceded 40 points in the 2 finals games, the midfield ran and created the opportunities around the ground racking up possession after possession and the forwards kicked 29 out of the 38 goals, with the remaining coming from the Mids.
I would like to thank, line coaches Steve, Ev, Adrian, Scott, Gerry, Team Manager Sue, under 19’s legend Tommy Brain, Tighe , sponsors and the committee and everyone else who has contributed this successful year, Thank you.
It is time to rest and reflect on what an amazing year this has been!!!!!!
