The publicity surrounding the Shepparton Swans will no doubt be wearing very thin with most football followers. It is amazing that most critics have never marked boundary lines, sold raffles, took a turn on the gate, worked behind the bar or food stall, washed jumpers, been a time-keeper, acted as an interchange steward, run a boundary of been involved in a footy club administration yet give them a biro (or a laptop) and all of a sudden they are expert in all things football. Spent some time down at Princess Park on the first week of the split round and saw a young lad who suffers from the insidious illness cystic fybrosis run out to take his place with his mates in the thirds. With his illness his ground time was restricted but what an amazing story unfolded. This story would not make a back page of a newspaper or be told on radio shows but in my view it told a real life story that reflects the approach of Phil NICHOLSON, the Swans footy club and the thirds players of the club. There were a few lumps in the throats of hardened men when Jonathan HOLTHUISEN led the team out to battle Mansfield. Football clubs are not all about results; sure they help, but it is more about friendships, support, goodwill and the provision of a forum that allows our youngsters to "have a go" at the best game ever. Well done to Jon, Nicho and the Swans thirds group for promoting equality for all.
Talking of sentiment, the picture in todays Weekender shows another little boy Jayden ESPIE who suffers from cerebral palsy "having a go" at the Mansfield footy clinic held last week. This is a priceless picture that clearly shows just how important our Auskick clinics are. Thanks so much to all those who give of their time to help out at these days. Attended an Auskick presentation on Sunday morning and was pleased to see Paul SERRA, John SERRA, Brett WARBURTON, Gerrard BUTTS and Rick COATES putting the kids through some basic footy drills. These men were all great players in the G.V.F.L.
The Beyond Blue week-end was a great success and hopefully the message got through to clubs and players that depression is a huge issue. Thought that the bright blue colors that the umpires wore added a bit to the games and maybe they should be considered on a permanent basis. Noticed former Morrison Medalist Bennie GUGLIOTTI doing a stint as reserves umpire. To have ex players of the calibre of Bennie and Paul COX and Garry HOLLAND to name a few in the umpires ranks is certainly a very positive step so we extend a special vote of appreciation to all those ex players who have taken up the whistle this year.
Great to see Shepparton stalwart Val DOMINELLI (the Dominator) featuring in the Legends Profiles on television over the past few weeks. With 53 years of tireless work for the club and the GVFL under the apron strings she truly is entitled to legend status. Val will hit her best form when the finals series gets underway through September, you can be sure of that. Wonder what sort of replacement strategy the Bears have for when Val hangs up the apron.
As we get around the grounds of a Saturday the question of "How is Barry CONNOLLY going?" is so often asked. Well, Barry is still up and about and even attends a few gym sessions to assist in his rehab each week. Certainly he has slowed up a bit but his mind is still sharp enough when it comes to football but I did overhear a conversation in the Dunkirk Avenue shop about Bazza paying his paper bill twice the other day.
The Board is hopefull of announcing the finals allocation sooner rather than later as the final six is closer to a resolution with the battle for sixth place between Seymour and Shepparton likely to go down to the wire and in fact may rest on the final round of the season. By now all those clubs that are out of finals contention will focus on the 2010 season and look to new coaching appointments, player recruiting and off field enhancements that will ensure they are competitive in the medium to longer term.
Their focus on the longer term is of paramount importance.
Last Modified on 10/06/2010 13:02