2009 VAFA U19 SOUTH2 PREMIERS
What a fantastic result for the players and the club!
With the injection of about 15 new players coming up from the juniors and an injection of one former player back into the club Rob Johnston, the 2009 Hampton Rovers Under 19 side started to take shape.
Throughout the season my only concerns were the mentality of some players coming from U16s and U17s into the U19s issues regarding game time and selection and positional moves… no more evident than our first loss at old Mentonians in Rd 4.
It was a little disappointing that some players who missed out on a game at the end of the year drifted off, but I guess that shows their inability to see the bigger picture. I must make mention of Leon McCarthy and Jake McMahan for the way they accepted the decisions – well done, it shows a lot of maturity, even if it sucks!!
In our only two losses for the year we coughed up two leads when up by as much as six goals and another in the last quarter vs Ajax – ironically our final loss!
However, for me there were definite signs we were on the right track and the season could be a successful one;
- After the Ajax loss we started having players go into the seniors and had a few injuries and the flu set in
our ability to win when we didnt have our best team on the field was amazing.
- Parkdale @ Parkdale three in the Seniors, only four on the bench which included Jack Baxter and Jesse Craig with the flu – both should not have played! Then Tom Youl going to hospital concussed.. Versus a team which had dropped down three players from their seniors and were sitting sixth. Wet rainy conditions and to win by seven points was the best win of the year.
- Similar as the Parkdale game, but warm/windy conditions at Beaumaris. They dropped back guys from their top U19s side, we were undermanned again and should not have won
but after being 11 points down with less than 3 minutes on the clock
we somehow got up!
For me I knew we were on the right track!
Special thanks to the following people:
Assistant Coach Grant Greenway who stepped up early in the year to give me a hand
this took a load off my shoulders
so thanks!
Runner Mick Dove – again showed so much enthusiasm and I know the GF win would have brought him as much satisfaction as it did for me!!
Trainers Bruce, Monde, Kev and Sonya your efforts do not go unnoticed.
Dean Lovig Team manager the man who has helped keep me sane for 2 years, your advise and at times left fields approaches were a great help thank you!
To the team leaders especially Max, Jesse, Jack well done on your year.
Tim, Cam and the senior committee for their support
To the parents, its great to have a huge support base for the boys!!
Lets get on board in 2010 in a tougher level again!
Anthony Quon
Under 19 Coach
