As I sit down to write my 2014 Presidents report, I have an overwhelming feeling of pride and what must be close to the term of what 'total satisfaction' means of the season our great club has just completed.
As with all footy clubs there's good times and more othen than not, bad times. It's the bad or tough times that define the quality of people involved. This year's history-making triumph was started way back in 2009 when the club found itself fighting for survival, for probably the umpteenth time in our 93 year existence. But with names like Stockley, Caputo, Lamonica, Stegehuis, Corrone, Talia, Esposito, Thornhill, and I could go on. Our club was always going find a way out of the darkness.
With the key appointment of two time premiership captain Chris Goodlet, as senior coach the rebuilding process began. It was a case of three steps forward and two steps back over and over again. But with strong committees and a passionate coach leading from the front, our club saw it's way back over the next four years and become a place that was thriving once again.
With Goody standing down at the end of 2013, our club was now in a position to actively 'head-hunt' the perfect coach to take our club into the next phase. Chris Murphy was sounded out and promptly appointed senior coach. We'd built an environment and a culture that attracts quality people. Murph took the solid foundations formed by Goody and through his own smart recruiting, together with a sense of reinvigorating the existing list, Murph and assistant Brett Hartman, took our club all the way to claim our 10th senior premiership!
In only four years our club had gone from a winless season in 2010 to premiers in 2014! This is a victory for the true believers. Every single person who calls themselves a Silvan Cat has in some way, be it big or small contributed to this success. To see the unbridled joy on everyone's faces the moment the siren sounded to end the 2014 Grand Final is more than enough compensation for any dark day our club has endured over history. The enormity of this achievement is not to be underestimated. I think the full understanding of just what we've been able to achieve in 2014 will take a while to really sink in!
As far as this year goes obviously I'd like to personally congratulate Chris Murphy on his success and I look forward to standing alongside him as we take our club into 3rd Division in 2015. Murph's unique coaching style moulded one of the tightest, uncompromisingly loyal and committed Silvan sides I've ever had the pleasure to watch!
Even though both our Reserve and U19s teams didn't make finals, the enjoyment, improvement and above all, participation numbers were at an all-time high in 2014. Charlie, Camma, (Ressies) and Blair (U19 assistant coach), have done a brilliant job in not only welcoming new and old players into the club, but making sure they keep coming back week in week out. The senior premiership has a lot to do with what happens at these two grade levels. Your contribution is more important than most realise. But definitely noticed and appreciated.
I'd like to thank our long time Major Sponsor Peter and Rebecca Stockley from Tara Press. Your contribution has spanned near on 30 years now, and thankfully doesn't look like ending any time soon! Alongside all of our loyal and generous sponsors and Black Cats who make our club a solid financial entity. It's quite simple, without your backing the club could not survive. I can't thank you enough.
To our hard working committe, all our trainers, volunteers, members and supporters, your efforts are absolutely amazing! To see so many people put so much effort and time into our club, so we can be a place of fun and enjoyment for all, is a privilege to watch. I'm constantly amazed at the lengths Silvan people will go for the benefit of others and our club. It's humbling to be chosen President of our club, by these very people. It's widely acknowledged throughout EFL circles, including the League Board and Umpires Association that Silvan is one of the most welcoming, respectful and well behaved clubs in the league. This is a direct reflection on you, on us! It's something we can all be very proud of.
To all our trophy winners congratulations! Special mention to Jake Uslar who becomes the 11th Silvan player to win the senior B&F in a premiership year (there was a tie in 2007).
Jesse Owen who won the very special Vinnie Bonanno award for the best young player 22 and under.
Jake and Jess are the perfect text book examples of a player not getting an opportunity at another club or not enjoying footy any more, making the bold move to Silvan and taking their footy to new, unbelievable levels. It's definitely something the club prides itself on and we'll continue to strive for similar results as we look forward to next year.
And let's not forget Timmy Thornhill & Cameron Cannata who became much deserved Life Members in 2014. Both bleed Silvan blood - you only had to witness their emotional speeches to understand what the club's highest honour means to them. What's amazing about our life members, is so many are still heavily involved in our club in various roles. I say this because It's not uncommon when someone receives a life membership, they feel they've done their 'bit' and slowly fade away. Which by the way, is totally understandable. But not the Silvan Life Members, it's almost an excuse to do more! One example - Major sponsor Peter Stockley received his in 1997! We are deeply indebted to these extraordinary volunteers!
As the 2015 season fast approaches and a new challenge awaits our club, if history is anything to go by we're in for some exciting times ahead. Win, lose or draw we know #catsfooty will always be about people, our people! And for everyone who walks in our door. If we have that, we'll aways be winners!
#catsfooty2015
Yours faithfully
Chris Maclagan
President
Last Modified on 07/12/2014 07:58