I thought 2011 was a tough year, it had nothing on 2012. During the season, we played 59 players at Senior level with 29 of those players making their debuts in the 1s. This means that in the past two seasons we have played 109 players with 46 of them been debutants (probably a record).
From the outset, the season was an on field disaster with an average losing margin of 21 goals in the first half of the season. This was lowered to 11 goals for the last half of the year.
It is a credit to the whole Club that off field the moral and numbers at training and social functions was of a high standard. The highlight of the season was the 140 people who attended the CANCER Luncheon and as an added bonus witnessed the fantastic scenes after the late Mitzi goal gave the Ressies victory. It was the most memorable thing I have seen in 34 years in Amateur Football.
On field at first glance, things would appear disastrous, however if we scratch a little bit beneath the surface there are some extremely positive signs that the Club is heading in the right direction.
The opportunity to blood so many young players at senior level and for them all to perform so creditably will go a long way as the club strives hard for genuine success in the future.
Unfortunately at no stage throughout the season did we get ourselves in a position to win a game. In fact only winning 12 quarters for the year probably sums it up.
I would like to congratulate the trophy winners for 2012 in particular:
Best & Fairest and Best Clubman, Leigh Fletcher.
Leigh had a terrific year and was thoroughly deserving of the honour Thank you to the following people
President Jim Westhead and his committee
Jenny Voss
Cam Voss
Dean Lovig
John Barnes (Stats)
Max Grimmer and Marie Turner (vital stats)
Kam Atkins (Timekeeper)
Lachie Wheeler and Mick Dove (Running water after playing 2s/running for the 2s)
Steve Guy (Team Manager)
Match Committee (Michael Flahive, Tim Wilson, Jay Watts, and Leigh Fletcher)
Medical Staff (Kev, Megan, Catherine a.k.a Frog, Jono)
On Field Leaders (Leigh Fletcher, Ed Turner)
Special mention to my Runner Dave Rogerson who has put up with me and assisted me forever, well all the time at Rovers.
All players must realise that it is YOUR CLUB and to be successful you must improve across the board
To Jude, Jane, Michael and John love you guys and couldnt do it with out you.
In closing, I would like to thank everybody involved at the club for your support and friendship. I have been extremely fortunate to have two coaching stints at this great Club and it is my deepest regret that I was unable to bring it the success that we wanted. I endeavoured to teach the playing group to represent our Club with dignity and integrity. I wish the Club all the best in the future and leave the playing group with the following thought.
Always give your best. No one can ask for any more.
Russell Barnes
SENIOR COACH
