Well done Rovers for supporting the RCD Foundation. I have had the privilege of knowing the Dawes Family since 2011 having coached Nick Dawes, Connor’s brother. Scott, Liz, Nick and Hannah should be very proud of the Foundation that they have created in the glowing memory of their son/brother. We played a small part yesterday and one that the Dawes Family appreciate.
I have seen some wonderful pictures taken this season by many gifted photographers but this one takes the cake. With a wife, mother, sister and sister-in-law all hairdressers, I have been in many salons over the years. I see this photo and I can smell peroxide and hear the noise of a hairdryer going off, yet I see a pair of retro football boots on the stylist and I am satisfied in the knowledge our girls are ON TREND!!!
Here is Eddie Peat in his Most Determined award wearing his RCD beanie.
I love to win and sing the song, I feel I am as competitive as most, but what I love more than winning is a team that is fully committed and when development of the overall is at its peak. I read last night the following from Gavin Coote our Under 16 D2 coach, thanks Gavin and keep up the great work.
“In the face of great adversity can come triumph and triumph came in another more important shape today than score-line, and arguably proof of the team taking one giant leap forward. For the 16 lads that started and the 12 that were able to finish, has there been a more spirited team effort to represent self and Club better at an U16 level than what Paul and I, the parents and opposition coaching staff witnessed today? The team has bonded, the spirit is amazing.
In a match where we were undermanned & undersized, one would have thought we played with 36. Throwing out the window, self-doubts that go something like “I hope I play well today” and substituting in their place, “I will focus on what I can control” what came to the fore this afternoon were life-long attributes of Resilience, Persistence, Heart, Courage and Self-belief.
I’ve not coached a game of football where I have walked away feeling so incredibly proud to be associated with such a fine young group of lads. Right from the first bounce the tackling, combativeness, attack on ball and pressure on opposition ball carrier, smothers, hard running…no spectating.”
I watched the first and last quarter of the Under 16 D1 game on Sunday as the last quarter finished under lights at the Boss. Ralph, Marty and Stu were very proud coaches indeed, playing the top team and several gun players within the Sharks team, the boys finished the game with 16 guys giving their all. Nick Van Der Linden in the pivot, Chris Perkins rebounding off the last line, Jacob Travers up front, Max Hanna down back and plenty of hardnosed soldiers supporting the cause. I was impressed even though we lost by 9 goals. They continued to take the game on, never went fully defensive, the run and carry was something to be proud of.
The Under 16 ladies had a great team win at the Boss. Let’s hope Ali Coyne is Ok with a nasty shoulder injury.
RCD Ribbons all round. Jonesy, you’re a cheeky girl.
The Under 17 team had another great win at Peterson Reserve at 9am. These guys really get behind each other, they are tight when it matters and play for each other.
Under 15 D4 had another win which is great for these guys to finish the year off with a bang, whilst Blue team was in front all day but got pipped in the last minute or two against East Malvern, plenty of positives to be had here for these guys. Jacob Grey, Kizza and Bully in the best with Tommy Grant getting into the goal kickers. Gold team had the bye.
The Under 14 lads although beaten had a ripping game, undermanned yet never out of it. All reports these boys did themselves proud after a few trying games, they rebounded and fell in love with the sport once more. Good onya boys!!
Mixed Bag for the Under 13 squad with the D1 team having a great game against St Paul’s and taking the win/loss to 5-8. This is a good year development wise given the D2 premiership from last year. The D3 squad was bolstered by some D1 Under 12 lads but Mordi Brae had some bigger bodies that just dominated in the air. That said the boys never gave up and ran out the contest well.
Under 12 D6 ran around chasing Vampire jumpers all day, no idea how Vamps get 2 teams in D6; one 60 points under our D6 last week and one that is 70 points stronger this week, funny old world at times. D1 jumped out of the blocks and was 1.5 to 0.1 at quarter time. 10 mins later South Melbourne lead by 13 points and never looked like losing. Poor kicking is poor footy. Under 12 Girls had a Monster win. The athletes in this team are amazing, some very fast young ladies indeed and the ball handling is wonderful to see, on the improve weekly.
Under 11 D1 were real competitive against Vampires 33-47. The guys continue to impress after a year regraded from D2 to D1, a great experience and development curve. Dave’s team had a good win beating Port Colts by several goals at Castlefield.
Under 10 White had a huge last quarter to Ajax but fell short. Daryl said every boy was fantastic. Silver enjoyed the hot dog after a sing along following a game against Prahran. Jongen, Clarkson and Cripps filling in and doing very well.
The Under 9 squad had a wonderful day with Yellow experiencing a great game against St Bedes, a little sing along, whilst Purple loved their game against Bentleigh. These teams have plenty of talent all round, great sportsmanship.
The Under 8 squad witnessed a new dawn with Kojes team drawing, do you sing half the song when you draw?? I hope they sang it all. Yellow had a rippa against the Brighton Beach crew only saluting by a few points and Jonesy’s team got over the line by a couple to round out the season without a blemish.
To all Under 8 and 9 members, congratulations on a wonderful season. I hope all players loved the sport and the club and all it must offer. A huge thanks to all Coaches and Team Managers for your valuable time, I have no doubt your stress levels went up several times this last few months but all the better for the experience. I guess you all have greater respect for primary school teachers by now??
Good luck this weekend at your Lightning Carnivals; it is a fast and furious day. I hope you all enjoy the experience and I look forward to hearing all about it Sunday night back at the club.
Always Remember
PASSION – TEAMWORK- FUN – RESPECT
Have a great week all.
GO ROVERS
Caggs
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