By Caitlin Arnold
Joining the Sydney AFL competition in 2012, the Gosford Wildcats were keen to prove their worth amongst the competitions elite.
Just missing out on winning the Division Four premiership cup in their almost-fairytale first season, the Wildcats earned a promotion to Division Three and from there, have continued to build on their solid reputation.
Lachlan Thompson says that as both Club President and player, he has a unique view of the club’s growth - on and off the field. While it is obvious that Gosford do not hold the firepower of the larger clubs, Thompson believes that this works to the Wildcats’ advantage.
"We play together every week with the majority of the same guys, which means we really get to know each other in and out. It creates not only a strong team, but a strong team culture," explains Thompson.
"I won’t say it doesn’t make it hard when other teams can drop back there higher graded players if needed - that is the advantage of having a big club."
Though a slighter club when compared to the likes of Sydney AFL stalwarts Sydney University and North Shore, the Wildcats are quickly adding new teams to their repertoire. This year marks the inaugural season of the Gosford Wildcat’s Women’s team – a side that is already on the verge of breaking into two separate squads due to zealous numbers.
"Having the women’s team start up at the club is huge. Not only is it a first for us, but a first for the Central Coast and Newcastle region. It has had a massive impact on media exposure for the club.
"The women’s team has bought more volunteers, more enthusiasm and a greater culture to the club.
"There are a few women that have had a very good start to the season including Karina Davidson, Kim Smallacombe, Peta White, Amy Hessell, Tanya Hoynes, Annabelle Bares, Emily Crookes and Kara McDonald - I could seriously name the whole team."
As a quintessential community club, the Gosford Wildcats are thrilled to be building a solid foundation within the Rugby League and soccer heartland that is the Central Coast. Thompson credits Karina Davidson and Simon Berry of the club with their recent local expansion.
"In years gone by it has been hard for AFL to get a word in amongst other dominant sports on the Central Coast, though I think AFL has grown massively in the last three years with the inclusion of youth girl’s teams in the local junior competition."
With the success of their men’s team, the birth of the women’s side and the development of their junior club, the Wildcats have experienced an influx of local sponsorship support including Sea FM and the Settlers Tavern.
Recently, the club dug deep to provide a Ladies Day for their charity partners -The Very Happy Life Foundation and the McGrath Foundation. Raising $2,744.50 over the day - in large thanks to a significant contribution from Central Coast Ford - the Wildcats took this opportunity to give back to their community as well as attract new support to the club.
While they have not had an ideal start to the 2014 season, the Wildcats are still striving for finals participation. Under the tutelage of new coach Bruce Cross, Thompson admits that the Division Three team need to work on their basic skills under pressure, and also learn to successfully execute game plans set by Cross.
"We seem to control the ball more than our opponent but we turn it over too easily and get hurt on the rebound."
Despite their current on-field shortcomings, it is the clear talent of the club’s youth that has Thompson excited about Gosford’s future, with both representative and Sydney Swans Academy players sitting amongst their ranks.
"We have a lot of players who are in their early twenties which gives us a good base to build off. I am hoping these players will be around for a while yet including star players such as Scott Burkinshaw, the Walker twins Mark and Neil, Liam Ghalayini, Hamish Barsing, Aaron Smith and Harry McGuire."Not to forget our superstar, Timmy Eather, who has plenty of seasons left in him as well."
A quietly proud club, the Wildcats are thrilled to continue their participation in the Sydney AFL as they look to their undoubted future successes, and are thankful of the respect shown by the competition to their evolving club.
Last Modified on 17/05/2014 10:54
