2019 U9 Season Report

Coach Paul Armistead / Team Manager: Peter Child

The Under 9’s had a fantastic season, winning 11 games for the season.  The team was improved greatly with off season additions in Mitchell, Kaden, Luka, Billy, Zac and Ben.

And also the addition of Zoe and Matilda, our first girls to join the team which was brilliant.  Zoe came to preseason training with two friends who ultimately dropped out but I was delighted that Zoe stuck it out and kept playing and was joined by Tilly in the middle of the year.

We had some brilliant wins for the year, beating powerhouse teams like Prahran, Sandy and Beauy, and also beating both Cheltenham teams which was great.

It was an easy team to juggle around in the zones this year due to our depth and the improvement of all of our players across the season.  This year our midfield was always super competitive.  Dane and Will would dominate the ruck, and our midfield ran deep this year with Kaden, Luka, Mitchell, Kai, Ryan, Aidan and Billy adding to the dominant Nixon, Gus and Arch trio.

Up forward we had a good spread of goal kickers with Thomas, Vas, Mitchell and Hamish always hitting the scoreboard.

We had numerous passages of play during the year which showed the growth in the team.  Kicks hitting targets, great handballs to players running past and quality finishing.

I’d like to congratulate the kids on a great season.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

Harry Fairley’s goal at Bentleigh was a magic moment with his Mum Liz goal umpiring and jumping up and down while signaling goal was brilliant.  Harry’s first goal was memorable.

 SAM BLACK AWARD

The Shane Black trophy was awarded to Ryan Thompson, who summed up the courage and determination the award is designed to reward.  Ryan is the first player to protect team mates and stick up for them if things get willing.  He plays hard, tackles and is courageous on the field.  He’s exactly the type of player you want to run out next to.  Well done Rhino.

Paul Armistead