President’s Page Newsletter August 9, 2010
Overall I had a great weekend. Yes, on Saturday my Thirds went down to a stronger team at Chelsea Heights and I had to climb up two metres of scaffolding to be time keeper/team manager. But I did have a goal umpire, thanks to Lindsay Paterson. I would like you all to know that our Thirds are in fourth place fighting for finals and they have done this with very little support. If only one or two people turned up at any game, I would not have so much work to do and there would be three or four voices cheering. I thank Ruth Dower (Brendan’s Mum) for supporting us every week and doing us a big favour Saturday. A few girlfriends or family members also come occasionally, however I believe it would surely not have been too hard for each and every member to have attended just one game in the season to show that the “club” cares about the new team in town. Your presence would have been appreciated and remembered.
I went through this with the Colts last year and it is a tough gig. Fortunately I am a tough woman, however next year we will have both Colts and Thirds and I cannot be everything to everybody. Please consider if you could adopt one of these sides or share one of the above positions with two or three mates so that you always had one of you at a game. It would be the responsibility of your little group to find me a team manager, goal umpire or time keeper each week. We have only been able to supply boundary umpires a very few weeks also this year. With three groups of “volunteer helpers”- for each side, we can hit the ground running in 2011. Of course if there is any one of you willing to take on a task for the season that is even better as you get to know the players and their coach.
Coach Andy Little has carried an enormous load this season and I love him to pieces. He will go down in history as our first Thirds coach, but Andy is much more than that, his phone bill must be enormous. Friday night is not his favourite with nine players withdrawing one week. He then has to find others to fill the gaps. How would you feel as a player getting out of bed early to play this great game, without any supporters? Put yourself in their shoes and march yourself along to one of the last two games, at home this week or South Yarra next. Both these games start at 9.30am, followed by the Reserves and Senior sides, so you can stay for a triple header and support our club as it runs into finals.
I missed the Reserves games as Chelsea Heights had four games to run and the Thirds never started until 10.30am, but I believe my boy did well. Congratulations to the two Matts’ Cairns and Reid, the boys are looking the goods. The Seniors showed they were back in town and we know that if they continue in that vein they can give any team a run for their money. Well done Trent, Jake, Reg and company.
How exciting for us as a club, one Premiership in the bag (Under9’s) and six more possible.
My outings on Sunday included an interview, along with Senior Coach Trent McMicking, at Southern FM Radio station 88.3 from 11.00am to 12.00pm. Steve Barnes interviewed us both and Southern Football League CEO Wayne Holdsworth was also present. During the session Wayne told us that Highett was a model club in the SFL, so let’s keep it that way. The inclusion of woman, with Highett’s three female executive was highlighted as a positive for football. However Barnsey only wanted to know how I kept the previous two “blokey bloke” presidents in line. The truth is I rarely have to and I do truly seek and accept advice from both Dave McHugh and Lex Marshall.
I then shot off to see if I could catch any of the Under 11’s semi final, which I missed and so did they with the opposition having the first quarter wind and killing some of the spirit in our boys. However they are still in with a chance and should go out heads high next week to fight again. Good luck to Byron and the boys. I then raced home to do some work on my own business and then off to the Under 17’s game at St Pauls. A valiant effort boys, just no chocolates this week.
The finish of my weekend was the senior section of the MSJFL awards nights, where many recipients were absent, but the crew that were there all had heaps of fun being acknowledged. It is great listening to their coaches describe each player so honestly. It is just a pity most adults do not continue to accept that sort of feedback so well. In this world you never know it all, you only know your own version of anything.
Anyone looking for fun this week end can attend “Miss Highett” on Saturday night. Several of our senior players, the coach, and if rumours are to be believed, three members of the Marshall family – ex Pres. Lex, son Ryan and nephew Dan will all be entrants. Each contestant will model swimwear, street wear and evening wear and then entertain us in some way. It should get under way around 7.30pm. Enjoy your week.
Last Modified on 09/08/2010 09:28