The Nambour and Hinterland Australian Rules Club is set for a big leap next year when its first team plays in the state division-two competition.
President Lance Nunn said because of the club’s outstanding senior results in the local league, and with more than 70 juniors on its books, it approached the Queensland Australian Football League for promotion.
“We’ve been investigating putting a team into the state div two for about six months and decided to be proactive,” Nunn said.
“It’s a step up in class for the seniors and will be a tremendous pathway for our younger footballers as they move into senior grades. Otherwise they start to look elsewhere.
“We’ll be up against teams from Ipswich, Robina, Caboolture, Beenleigh and the Brisbane district. It should be a stronger competition than the QAFL Pineapple Cup reserve-grade competition.”
The Nambour club’s achievements in recent years have been a testament to its drive to establish a strong Australian rules presence in the hinterland.
Originally under the banner of Nambour, the club fell on hard times and closed in 1995, before its rebirth next season as the Nambour and Hinterland Australian Rules Club.
Mr Nunn said the club reintroduced senior teams into the Coast third division in 2008 with instant success and has picked up premiership flags every season since.
“It was a sensational success. We never expected the results we’ve had. We were just happy to have a team in the comp in the first year, but after that we really worked hard to emulate that achievement,” he said.
“They really need somewhere to go in their senior careers. This is going to be a perfect stepping stone for them and others in the future.
“We’re now in the position to start advertising for a quality player-coach, who will also be club coaching director to work with our off-field support staff, as well as recruit some of the guys playing around the Coast.
“We’re also working on securing some grants to upgrade our clubrooms and oval surface, so 2011 will be a big year for the club.”
Players or player-coach applicants can contact Nunn on 0418 803 471 or email seniors@nambourafl.com.au
Article written by John Hammond for the Sunshine Coast Daily.
10th September 2010.
Last Modified on 14/09/2010 11:21