By Caitlin Arnold
The 2014 season is drawing to a close and with it, the sealing of a challenging and changing year at the Macquarie University Warriors.
A new Senior Coach in Stuart Newman, the loss of a Division Five team, the elevation of the women’s team to Division One, and polarised results on the field, 2014 has certainly thrown up a few ‘chaos-balls’ for the university based side.
But from change has come adjustment, and from adjustment has come comfort in their own skin as a respected member of the Sydney AFL competition, says committee member Jessica Bond.
“As with all clubs, each season presents a whole new array of successes and challenges, and this year has certainly been no exception for the Warriors,” explains Bond.
“At the beginning of the season, long-serving club member Stuart Newman stepped into the role of Head Coach and he has had a most positive and uplifting impact, not just on the Division One team, but across the entire club.
“On a more challenging note, the club regrettably had to withdraw its Division Five team. Yet, this in itself has been something of a blessing. The boys have come to know one another very well, creating a culture that is both positive and resilient.”
With their Division One side heading for a finals birth, their Division One women’s team is looking to join them in their first year competing in the highest Sydney women’s grade. After championing the Division Two competition in 2013, Bond admits that their transition to Division One has been a test.
“The women’s squad is very proud of their achievements thus far. Whilst the intensity of the Division One standard has been a challenge, the girls have relished the opportunity to grow and develop at a higher level of footy.
“This year has been a great test of mental strength but as the season has progressed, the player- both on a personal and collective level -have sought to overcome the pressure by upholding the steadfast team ethos of commitment and team work, which was such a resounding factor in last year’s premiership success.”
With stars such as Ryan Harris, Dylan Brogan and Amanda Farrugia leading the way on the field for the Warriors, the club has also provided a star for television screens too.
Warrior and Sydney AFL Under 23s Representative squad member, James ‘Bracks’ Brackin has played a starring role in Foxtel’s reality television show, ‘The Recruit’, alongside Manly-Warringah’s Tyrone Armitage, and with it, has brought another level of positivity to the club.
“Bracks has always been something of a star at Macquarie University AFL. He is an outstanding teammate with great dedication and vision. Certainly this experience has emboldened him in his aspirations and values.”
This weekend at the club brings ‘Heritage Round’ where the Warriors will look back to their history and celebrate their 1999 and 2009 premiership victories.
“Celebrating our history is important because it gives us a foundation and a pride from which we can form our club identity.
“It will be a great chance to catch up with old friends, reminisce over fond memories and maybe even pull out the old green and gold guernsey. Club record holder, Scott Uglow will also be making an appearance by running on with the Division Three team.”
After a steadying year, the Warriors not only celebrate their past, but will be hoping to add another trophy or two to their cabinet in the coming weeks for upcoming generations of Warriors to reflect on one day in the future.
Last Modified on 16/08/2014 08:43
