The U 15 DIVISION 1 side enjoyed a most successful year culminating in winning the grand final against an undefeated East Brighton. There were plenty of highlights for the year starting in January with players meeting at Dendy Park for light preseason training. This wasnt compulsory but an opportunity for players to work on fitness and general skills. It was also a great chance for the parents to get to know one another at the bbqs to follow.
We were fortunate enough to acquire four new players from Northvale as they had disbanded, and 3 from our Division 2 side. This was opportune as we had lost 8 players from our 2009 team. We also had a recruit from NSW that managed to play 4 games , enough to qualify for the finals.
There were a few memorable games with the first being an 80 pt win against last years premiers, East Sandringham. We also had a come from behind win against EAST Malvern with only 16 fit players, to win on the second last kick of the day ,was unbelievable.
We lost to East Brighton by 5 and 8 goals throughout the home and away season and we were smashed by 72 pts in the second semi final. However we never once lost hope that we not up to the challenge.
A narrow win against a gallant Oakleigh Dragons in the Preliminary Final gave us another opportunity to play East Brighton, the following week in the Grand Final.
We were 17 pts down with 6 minutes to go in the final quarter and with a tremendous team effort were able to win by 8 pts!
This was undoubtedly a highlight of a lifetime not just for the year.
Several lunches and get togethers after games were the foundation for great team morale and building confidence within the group.
The monthly dads dinners were nothing short of memorable.
Congrats to all players on a fantastic year with special mention to C. SALEM and M Hooy on state selection and L Verma on his runner up in the MJSFL.
To all the boys, thanks for a wonderful year watching u develop as a team and individuals was probably my most pleasing aspect as a coach.
A special mention to Michelle and Ken Smith on their tireless video analysis and team managerial role.
Thanks also to Tim Jones- running and all the other parents that had involvement with weekly duties.
2010 has been etched in my memory for the continual improvement in all players and the fantastic team effort in the Grand Final.
All boys were fantastic contributors in an amazing game of football.
Go Rovers!!!
Ron Verma
U15 Div 1 COACH
