Our 2009 year started off behind the eight ball with an extreme lack of numbers. Registrations showed we had only fourteen boys. We therefore needed to find another 4-6 players to start the season. In the week before the first game, we had an emergency meeting between the U10s & U11s coaches that resolved to play U10s up each game to make up the numbers. Thanks to Paul Bowden and John Campigli, we were able to fill the side for the first game against Ormond which ended with a good win.
Each week, 3-4 U10s would put their hands up for a second game. This enabled us to be competitive. Often through the season we would start 2-3 boys short for the 1st quarter, only to play catch up when the side filled in the 2nd quarter. We still managed to win 5 games and draw one exciting game against St.Kilda Red. This could have been 7-8 wins if we had a full side to start the first quarter each week.
The highlight for the team was the final game at Dingley, where we managed to have 22 players at the start the game. The boys enjoyed a good win which reflected the effort and improvement the boys had made throughout the season. The boys were able to sing the team song over and over to celebrate the end of the season. It was really great to see.
The boys had a great year together and have formed into a strong group that hopefully will remain together in 2010.
Congratulations to Thomas Burns (B&F Winner) and Luke Whalebone (B&F Runner Up) who both had exceptional years. Special thanks to Max Lohan who made himself available for almost every game after playing an U10s game. He also polled very well in our B&F (after winning the U10s B&F!).
Thanks also to Sam Morris for switching from the other U11 side to help with numbers. Tom Yorgey also made a switch from the U10s to play full time with us. Both boys had exceptional years and Im sure were happy with their decisions to play with the U11 South team.
Sam Morris also won the Most Improved player. Max Gernandt took out the Coachs Award and Adrian Hug the Most Determined.
Congratulations go out to all the boys for the 2009 season. They were a very good group to coach.
We had many parent helpers throughout the year. My wife, Jan did an excellent job as Team Manager organizing all the parents to various assigned roles.
In particular, we would like to thank Anton Hug as our Runner and Melina Burns as our Trainer. Andy Bekeirz took on an unofficial role as Chief Photographer. Most parents would agree that the quality of photos were outstanding.
Lastly, thank you to all the parents who made my role as coach an easy one this year.
Stephen Speirs
U11 South Coach
