After a stellar undefeated 2013 in U9 West, the team had to take a step up in class to compete with the best sides in the top U10 East division.
Most of the previous year’s side were back on deck, with a number of new recruits – Noah Hunt, Jett Handicott, James Iuanali, Liam Hutchins, Eli Akinci & Tommy Randall.
Overall, the year was a successful one – a 7 & 5 record was something to be proud of; and in the Lightning Premiership, the boys went within a whisker of beating the comp’s top guns, Prahran & Mordialloc.
One of the most satisfying parts of the season was seeing the improvement in a number of players; especially those who we could always tell had talent but hadn’t quite shown it consistently in matches. Jamie Delaney became one of the best midfield ballgetters in the side. Against Mordi Braeside he went up a level to be clearly BOG.
Olli Hotton finally showed his AFL bloodlines with a highlight reel that included pack mark speccies every week. One to watch in future.
Luke Nixon-Smith also showed his class & became one of our top big men, especially at CHB.
The Hope twins, James & Oliver were always dangerous on the wings & in the forward line. Their Krakouer brother-like ability to find each other was always a delight to watch.
The Tuffley brothers, Jack & Will attack the ball fearlessly & though different types of players, both had strong consistent seasons.
Tommy Randall was a great addition to the side this year & took many a strong clearing mark across half back. Eli Akinci was a smooth mover at both ends of the ground & kicked two very important goals in the lightning premiership.
Ned Gray is the sort of player every coach loves. A true “head over the ball” player, he is tough, courageous & gives his all every week.
The two Zachs – Bowen & Ziesing – were again two of our most consistent, dominant players. Zach Z in the ruck (I didn’t see another kid beat him in the centre bounces all season) and Zach B as a mobile utility-type. A genuine swingman who always has plenty of time, he is a true natural athlete.
Mitch Gathercole & Harry Llewellyn were our two rock solid backmen, who with James Iuanali were always at the bottom of packs down back.
Sam Marshall missed the first three games with a broken arm but came back & did what he does best, which is getting into the packs & charging it out, ideally with a bounce, a blind turn & a completely unnecessary baulk.
Matt Hill, Jett Handicott & Liam Hutchins were all great runners & contributors wherever they played.
Our two speedsters – Jules Lohan & Dan Hall – revelled on the big grounds & continually showed their class with great ball use & big possession numbers.
Our other two big men – Kai Forbes & Max Morris – not only shouldered plenty of the burden in the middle but also kicked plenty of goals when moved down forward.
Noah Hunt & Fraser King both missed a few games due to family travel commitments but were great players for the team, and two of the strongest workers on the training track.
Overall, another most enjoyable season from a coaching point of view. A terrific bunch of kids & as good a group of parents as you could ever meet. The “work sheet” was always filled in within minutes every week.
My special thanks go to assistant coach Darren Forbes who worked tirelessly on & off the field for the whole season (someone give this man a senior job!); and team managers Andrew Gathercole & Stephen Tuffley who excelled in what is arguably the toughest, most thankless job in any team.
Player Awards:
Best & Fairest (joint winners); Zach Bowen & Zach Ziesing
Coach’s Award: Dan Hall
Most Courageous: Sam Marshall
Most Improved: Jamie Delaney
