The members and committee of the new Balmain Tigers AFC are proud to announce for the 2014 season that we are "Back in Yellow & Black."
The Season Launch two weeks ago was held at the Wentworth Park Function Centre, in front of 188 emotional guests old and new.
The theme of the night was rebuilding relationships between past and current players, the local community, bonds of family with a strong emphasis on father and son and getting on with the job.
The Lord Mayor of Leichardt Darcy Byrne opened the night with a speech on maintaining key iconic institutions in adversity, a battle virtually identical to ours, as he tries to save the West Tigers.
Following was our great friend of the Club John Novak, the mind man behind the successful cultural changes behind the Sea Eagles and the Canterbury Bulldogs, who expressed the need for openness, honesty and having limitless thoughts and actions through his Boomerang Effect.
One of many highlights was the acknowledgement of Life Members who were awarded a commemorative ring for their support from club games record holder and committee member Andrew "Kippa" Kyprianou, "It was fantastic to see all the old faces back where they belong in one room. From the 97/98 Premiership team to many old teammates and officials we apologise on behalf of the Club that have failed to acknowledge your great achievements for so many years."
The first Life Member in eight years was inducted, Brendan Cann, whose father captained and was leading goal kicker for the Club on two occasions in the 70s, for his 17 years at the Club and his tireless work in the past 12 months to get the Club back to where it belongs- to the members,
"I am so honoured to be on stage with these Club legends. It is a very proud moment in front of my family and I am so happy as a committee member that we can now rebuild the Club that has been robbed of its clubhouse, members and home ground."
The senior co-coaches were introduced to the audience with Joel Gray, who has led the team through preseason joining coveted player/coach Luke Jarjoura, whose father Les played with the Tigers, outlining the promising year ahead with a young, exciting list.
Club Captain for 2014 will be the loyal JJ Farrell who will be supported by the talented Brad Plug.
Balmain has never had a problems attracting players. The motto "Back in Yellow and Black" signifies the welcoming back and reuniting of friendships lost but not forgotten, providing a forum for members whether players, staff or supporters, to feel a sense of worth and belonging.
Ex-coach and committee member Damien Hall stated, "After watching the extinction of my clubs East Sydney/Fitzroy, it has been very satisfying to bring so many people together to a place I now call home. Balmain Tigers will now be known for its transparency, social and business networks, a lifestyle club based around footy. Titles no longer mean anything, it is what you do that is important."
The Balmain Tigers have instantly shown cultural change with a monumental first up win over the reigning premiers in Rd 1. As debutant Ben Parbury expressed after the win, "This place does not feel like a club, it is a family!"
We invite all supporters, new and old to join us at Tigerland for our first home game in Round 3, Sunday 13th April at Henson Park.
Last Modified on 14/04/2014 09:34
