With 2 under 12 teams and only 36 lads we knew from the start of the year that is was going to be challenging. The grading system worked well this year with the two Under 12 teams, ending up in Div 2 and my boys in Div 5.
At Div 5 level the boys were playing teams of similar ability giving them the opportunity to develop their skills and enjoy their footy, and they did both.
With a few injuries and school holidays we quickly ended up with a core team of about 14 lads, but due to the enormous support of the U/11s and Peter Civitarese we were able to field a team each week.
The season had some amazing highs, particularly a win against Dingley down at Dingley, with only 12 players, and a bunch of under 11’s filling in. We came from behind and won in the dying seconds of the game through sheer will power and a “Never Say Die” attitude, a game ill never forget!
We then loaded 6 boys into SUV’s to get them back to Castlefield to fill in, in Brenny’s U/12 team that started 10 mins after ours finished.
Keeping our entire squad of 36 under 12 lads training together each week, and filling in for both teams where possible made for a logistically challenging year, but one where every boy maximised not only their playing time, but gave them the opportunity to play and succeed at both levels. This could only be done through the expertise and spreadsheet management of our Group team Manager Michael Kennedy.
The Div 5 boys ended up with about a 50/50 win loss ratio, but that was good enough to just sneak us into 3rd spot on the ladder, and gain a birth in the finals. Whilst the finals game we played, was truly unbalanced with us not scoring at all, this was not a reflection on the year.
My coaching partner Brenny Delaney, made the year fun for all of us, and he ran a survey monkey asking who planned on playing again next year. With a 95% response rate of those excited to play in under 13’s with Rovers next year, this is the measure of our success.
In wrapping up the year, I need to thank those who every week supported the boys and myself to ensure it was a successful season for all: Game day manger Tiff, Big Bill assist coach (and superb report writer) Gathers for running, Marty, Andrew H, both Tuffers, for all taking on the trainer, runner, and any job needed, plus all the parents for their commitment to the boys and the game.
This year ends my 5 year run as assistant and Coach, and I have enjoyed every minute of it.
Go Rovers!
Darren Forbes
U12 DIV 5 COACH
