Footy Manager’s Report – Round 13

Passion Teamwork Fun Respect

WOW, what a weekend, plenty to smile about. I love a weekend that starts on a Thursday night; please let me take you back to last Thursday as the last few days have been what I love about community and Aussie Rules.

I smiled when I met Tom and Jesse, our Under 17 coaches, at the indoor centre on Bay Rd to do some indoor craft work, great idea from the young coaches. The U17s backed it up and beat Oakleigh in a head down contest that saw great discipline after a round earlier this year that saw some questionable sportsmanship. When a young coach calls for his players to remain calm and JUST PLAY FOOTY, I smile.

I then went to Boss James to meet Jason & Rick Bierens (President Of East Sandringham JFC). I smiled when they put pen to paper that formalised an agreement to look after the best interests of all youth coming through our clubs to make sure we cater for almost everyone when it comes to participation in all age groups. It is a very mature approach and one both clubs should be proud of. It has taken 4 years to understand what works and what could be done better, but both committees are focused on the future. A special shout out to Richard Bowen who put a huge amount of time and effort into the body of the 8 page agreement.

Friday night I went up to the Boss to meet Emma Nicholl and discuss RCD beanies. Em always makes me smile: smart, articulate, savvy, Emma is a real club person, she loves the Rovers and understands that special projects need to be done. Em took over admin of girls footy earlier this year and made it tick, she also took on the RCD Bennie distribution, her presence first thing Sunday morning at Jack Barker Oval to support the Under 13 Div 1 team and to help things flow can never be underestimated. The children never know and neither they should, however like a duck on the surface, it looks calm, but the legs are going flat out underneath, thanks Em.

“IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD”. I have heard Jase say this a few times in the last year or two and he pressed this at the Seniors Luncheon on Saturday when asked to speak to 100+ members, sponsors and former players from the 1970s. Jason laid down a great speech, he detailed where the club was just 4 short years ago to where the growth has come from via some key initiatives, including girls participation, Grading, Club Mantra, Weekly Comms, website and social media focus. Jason stressed the SMJFL mantra of Being all about the Kids, 530 members with great Auskick numbers see us in a very strong position. I smiled listening to Jason. Amy, Gavin, Tan, Rohan and Michael were present from the Committee, a table of Auskick fathers and a table of U9 fathers had a great afternoon.

I smiled x 10 when I was asked to make a small speech on behalf of our kind U8 family that donated the Beanies for RCD, worn by our U13 D1 team. We were joined by mother, wife, founder of RCD and champion to the cause of fighting Brain Cancer, Liz Dawes, seen on the right of the picture below. Sarah Loh, the CEO of the League was also present, seen kneeling down. Beaumaris sit on top of the ladder and they showed us why, our lads played their part in some promo work and then went out and played a hard-fought game, going down to the flag favourites.

I always smile when I catch up with this Rovers Champion. Brayden Maynard and his brother Corey came down to support RCD at the game, Brayden addressed the Rovers U13 before the game and spoke about what the Collingwood boys focus on pre-game. He said the inner belief needs to come from within and stay strong in the body and mind. I smiled as I heard Bray talk to the boys and remembered coaching him in 2011 when he was an U15.

I went along to Trevor Barker Reserve to watch the Mordi Brae 3rd V East Sandy Rovers 2nd in a game that would cement either team in the four and guarantee finals. This was D1 footy at its best, plenty of dash, flair and old fashioned who dares wins. The Rovers pulled away each quarter and will finish second on the ladder with plenty of lads playing well. Tom Grant was awesome at CHB and Paddy McPhee won the RCD beanie for his inside work down below.

I love these boys, U16 D1. They have come together from different directions over the years, some from Rovers, some from Zebs, some came to play good footy in D1 and be coached by great coaches: Granty, Brett Williams, Greg Miller, Bomber last year and Simon McPhee adds plenty also. This team will be stronger leading into finals, I expect plenty to smile about. Likewise, with D2 also, the boys are enjoying life playing with mates.

I went back to watch the last half of the U17 game at Boss James and smiled when Miranda asked the boys to stand up and do a little dance, watching these guys run out the door was priceless.

The best day on the calendar for U8-9 is this Sunday’s Lightning Carnival. I hope to see plenty of Rovers smiling faces, win, lose or draw, your day will be fun, frantic and festive, just the way life should be at that age.

Thank you all for supporting Liz and RCD this past week, I hope we have all made a difference in the future fight against this wicked disease.

So Round 13, is done, a great weekend of footy witnessed and you thought I had forgotten the Blues’ win didn’t ya.

As Bolts said “Carlton Members can smile tonight”.

We all smile when a Rover plays on the Big Stage, congrats Will Walker on your debut.

#GOROVERS

Caggs