The 2010 season presented a new challenge for the players, introducing a new game style and giving players confidence to take their game to a new level. The year started off exceptionally well with an away win against Old Essendon, but as the year progressed we lost a number of key players both to injury and trips overseas which made things tougher.
The team performed well especially in the first half of the season, winning more games than we lost, which also included great wins against Oakleigh away, St Bernards at home, and the eventual premiers, Old Carey away. We dropped a number of winnable games which was disappointing however it was great to finish the year on a positive note defeating one of the pre-season favorites in St Kevins at Boss James Reserve and denying them a spot in the finals.
There were many positive signs with the emergence of Jackson Ward as a back pocket and Chris Gleeson who had an outstanding year at centre-half forward. The continued development of Ed Turner, Jesse Lovig and Richard Atkins are all good signs for the future. Key players Leigh Fletcher (B Grade competition and Rovers Best and Fairest winner), Mark Devereaux, the two captains Gary Carr and Ryan Semmel, and David Robbins all had solid consistent years.
We look forward to getting back our overseas boys Daniel Corp and Kyle Pinto, both classy players who we missed very much when they left mid-way through the season. Were also looking forward to a fit Guy Martyn showing the rest of the competition that when fit, he’s in the top three players in comp. For the players whove come on last year, use this as a stepping stone for bigger and better things.
In concluding, this was a consolation year with many positives. But it’s our turn now prepare well and do whatever it takes we are not far away from taking the next step.
I would like to thank Paul Curry, Anthony Quon, Steve Guy, Bobby Spaulding and Brendan Robbins for all their support throughtout the year. A special mention to Cam Voss, Jimmy Westhead and Tim Wilson for great support, to Kevin Marks and all the trainers, and everyone else for making it a very enjoyable year.
Matthew Robbins
SENIOR COACH
