U12 East Coach: Merv Kane
The main objectives our team set for 2002 were to have fun playing footy, compete to our best ability , improve our individual footy skills and enjoy playing as a team. During the season we played against a number of sides who had more talented bigger players, but the boys desire to combine together and win against the odds was inspiring to all .
Who will forget our wins against Dingley, Cheltenham, Hampton Rovers, Beaumaris and St Bedes (2).
When asked to reflect on our season, I feel very proud of the way our boys enjoyed their footy. This was most evident by the enthusiasm at training on Friday nights, while many boys had commitments from Mentone Grammar, college cross country events and basketball, the boys would turn up positive and be challenged by skill drills and game plans.
It was a pleasure to turn up on a winter’s night or game day, and have that attitude from the boys.
We welcomed 3 newcomers Nathan Williams, Tom Smith and Chris Bardoel who all fitted very well into our team. One factor which put pressure on the team’s performance thru out the season, were players missing because of illness or injury (outside of footy) , which meant we could never field our full side in any game.
Another interesting fact was our club created history by fielding two Under 13 sides in the stronger eastern division. The only problem was trying to barrack against Terry’s side on each occasion we played them. Our results were equal third, but fifth on percentage, so we missed playing in the finals and with a bit of luck we could have been part of the series. The boys should be very proud of their efforts, their competitive spirit and enthusiasm was high all season.
5 boys celebrated their 50 games – Luke Bennett, Tim Brisbane, Hiwad Shakaib, Simon OHalloran, and Robert Chislett, while Pat Tyquin and Alex Kane played 100 games, a great achievement. I would like to congratulate all boys who won awards and say it was a thrill to present the best and fairest to Adam Zagami. He overcame injury to play some courageous games, and looks set for a big future in footy.
I would like to thank Mark Bennett for his wonderful support to me and the boys and parents on game day. His ability to process the Sunday paperwork and summarise our weekly awards was unwaivering all season. A super dad!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks to Paul O’Halloran (runner ), Leigh Chislett (boundary), Steve Planck ( trainer ),and the many mums and dads who helped with goal umpiring, time keeping and game day duties. Finally, my special thanks to Darren Fisher and Dale Collins our junior and club presidents, and the club committee who organised each weekend’s draw, on behalf of hundreds of families. I value their contribution to our boys development and to our community at large. I look forward to an outstanding season 2003