Well the boys had their final hit out for the year last Saturday against St Bedes. All three sides performed well and supporters should be excited about the year ahead. For a full rundown the Oracle’s Report can be found on the website.
I think it is fair to say we aren’t going to be the tallest side but we move the ball well and have a lot of runners which is going to be great on spacious PrincesPark. A forward line headed by Ridgway and Meehan is going to be potent, while the back line will have the hard nuts of Weeksy and Ferg, with the run provided by the younger brigade of Alkemade and Paul.
Recruits Nicko (St Pauls) and Jonathon Roberts (EFL) will be good additions back there as well. The onball division has been boosted with Mark Collins joining from Doncaster. We expect a couple more other important signings before the first bounce.
Importantly the overall depth has improved which is great given the introduction of the Thirds side this year. This is an exciting development for the club. The clearances have been coming thick and fast there as well. After some reluctance Mackay cleared James Bell, while it was a real battle to get Sydney to release Adam Floyd.
Of course much goes effort goes in to getting the players on the pitch each week. We are still on the lookout for volunteers to help out on game day – in various capacities. If you are interested in joining a roster, or would like to earn some pocket money, let the club know. All sides are going to need some assistance at some stage during the year, so it would be great having you involved, even for just a couple of games.
So the opening round is almost upon us. The Seniors and Reserves head down the Geelong Road to Werribee while the Thirds are playing Old Xaverians at StradbrokePark in Kew with an 11.40am start. The U/19s host Old Xaverians at PrincesPark with the game commencing at 2pm. So there is plenty of magenta and black football to be watched this weekend. We cover pretty much all the suburbs and while the Seniors sides are in Werribee, there will be a lot of excitement around the U/19s representing the club at its new home ground. The club will come together at a suitable watering hole after the respective games.
The following week the Seniors and Reserves host Parkdale at Princes Park. While we have literally just moved into our new premises, we are going to have an “introductory” luncheon. We will hear about the upcoming football season and what to expect but supporters will be able to mull over their new surroundings. This is an exciting time for your club – a new phase. The players are rapt to have modern and first class facilities while supporters I am sure will enjoy barracking at PrincesPark. It is all new to the club and a lot we can implement. We look forward to people’s comments and thoughts about how we can make this a Haileybury Home for years to come.
The luncheon itself will take on the traditional form – lots of fine food, some lubricants and plenty of good banter – all for just $25. We will hear from the coaching staff about the upcoming season. Members and sponsors should remember that their packages cover the cost of these events. For catering purposes, bookings are required so please let me know if you intend attending.
Longer term a couple of important entries for the diary –
11th May – we host AJAX and will have a sensational guest speaker at lunch for the day.
25th May – Ladies Luncheon
17th August – Annual Ball back at the impressive Kooyong LTC
28th September – AFL Grand Final Breakfast – once again at the sensational Grand Hyatt
Please note that the U/19s Fixture has undergone a number of changes but has at last been finalized. But it would be worth following the website to see exact opposition and venues.
Last Modified on 08/04/2013 22:53