After a brilliant year in 2015 coming runners up in the Grand Final we were set for a massive year up a division. With a few in’s and out’s occurring over the off season and during the preseason the team that took the field for the 2016 season was certainly improved on the year before.
Pre-season started 2nd week of January down at Trey Bit and it was no surprise to see the ever present and smiling Ben Avni as the first to arrive. We also welcomed new players Harry officer who proved to be a very handy addition taking out the Best & Fairest, Darcy Lyon & Marcus Silove.
Into the first game at the Peanut Farm against the Beachside Saints and what a start it was! The rising of our new full forward and strong man Anthony Kokoras in a dominant performance which saw him kick 4 goals and Hampton run away to an easy victory.
The season finished in a tight run for the finals which unfortunately didn’t go our way in a couple of close losses to teams that would eventually battle it out in the Grand final and we finished an admirable 5th.
The best part of the year as always was watching the coming of age of a number of boys such as Nathan Burns at Sandy Zebras, Ben Avni with moments of brilliance dotted around the year, Darcy Lyon making it know that size doesn’t mean anything & Angus Perkins showing what a reliable and accomplished footballer he is.
A massive thankyou to Amy Perkins for taking on the role of Team Manager all herself, Craig Perkins for being there at every opportunity as a very valuable assistant coach right through to the Sally & Michael Stewart, Qinny & Pat who were always available to make my life so much easier.
For now, continue the well-deserved break over the Christmas period, start recruiting and ensure retention of players and get excited for the start of preseason early Feb!
Angus Graham
U13 COACH
