If nothing else, season 2015 reinforced the fact that footy is a tough business, which will always separate the back slappers from the people who never let on field results cloud their commitment to the club, players or its members.
After a great first round win against South Belgrave, injuries, self-doubt and what I'd call a "premiership hangover" joined forces to see us battle for survival in 3rd Division right up until round 18.
To the credit of our coaching staff and players, our club once again found something from deep within and secured our spot in 3rd Division for 2016.
It's not all doom and gloom though, we played a record number of under 22 year olds (15) in the senior team in 2015. We saw the emergence of the likes of Trent Fennell, Jarryd Deitzel, Alex Walker, Matty Watson, Simon Suraro, Damian Noll among others. These young players are the future of our club, so getting senior games into them in 2015 will put us in good stead going forward. We also saw first year senior captain, Tyson Mackenzie grow into a brilliant leader on and off the field in 2015 as he powered his way to his second B&F in three seasons. Tys looks set to be a long term captain and one which all players, young and old can learn what dedication and commitment can achieve.
Of the prestigious award winners it was really satisfying seeing local young gun Trent Fennell overcome a few injury interrupted seasons to claim the Vinnie Bonanno rising star award. Playing every game in 2015, Trent is very similar to Boris, in both football ability and passion for our club. Can't wait to watch Trent develop into an elite EFL midfielder in the next few years.
Tracey Ellis a unanimous "Best Clubman" winner. Trace has been involved with the club since she was a young child. Although never playing a game of footy for the Cats, her unselfish attitude, her work with fund raising, function organising and pretty much anything that needs a woman's touch, or even a velvet covered males touch for that matter, Trace is always ready to go, with no thanks required. But thanks anyway Trace, you’re a credit to yourself and our club.
Resident cameraman and all round top bloke Steve Smith being awarded the rarely given ‘Presidents Award’. I say rarely, because normally in any given year only one person stands out enough to win the Best Clubman award. But in 2015 we had two stand outs with Steve and Tracey. Steve, in his second year at Silvan after moving from UFTG following 19 year old son Troy. Steve first started quietly with game day action shot pictures. He expanded that to photographing training nights, functions and even Ada's U15s at St Simons. Steve then took on our website duties, Facebook updates and writing the club notes for the record. He did all this without being asked or seeking thanks. In the end he received the biggest thanks our club can offer with this award.
In these two short years, Steve has highlighted to all of us, the fact that if you see something you know you can help with, improve on, or simply just share the load, don't wait to be asked, get involved, be part of something great and make a difference! Our club needs people like Steve Smith and Tracey Ellis, we can never have enough.
And the big one, with Shane Rowe being awarded Life Membership of the Silvan Football Club. A more deserving inductee I can't think of. As Juggy had no idea he was to receive the award at presentation night, hi's acceptance speech was completely off the cuff and straight from the heart. Shane highlighted the lifelong friendships he's forged, the family involvement, the feeling of being at home when he walks into the rooms. The sense of pride he has when he tells people Silvan is his club. Shane finished with thanking the Silvan footy club for his Life Membership, but in reality it's the Silvan Footy Club that thanks you Shane. Congratulations mate!
As with every year, I can't thank all our volunteers, trainers and helpers enough! The huge amount of work required to get three teams out on the park every week is staggering. Timmy Thornhill again stands out with his team management and home game set up roles. Ably helped by his sidekick dad, Dick. It's been a great father/son team for well over a decade. Both are indeed Life Members. Dick is now on strict instructions to start looking after himself like he has done for others over the many years past. He will be retiring from anything remotely physically taxing next year, but I'm sure we'll still see plenty of him around Silvan cheering on his boys in blue. Time to relax Richard!
It's with all these dependable people doing "what it takes" we always manage to get the job done week in, week out. Your efforts are very much appreciated and always noted.
To our incredibly generous sponsors Black Cats, your financial contribution keeps our bills paid and the club ticking along. Unfortunately, gone are the days when bar and canteen sales alone would be enough to cover the costs of running local footy clubs nowadays. Without your continued support our club could simply not survive. I/we will never be able to thank you enough.
My Vice Pres, Gubsy, your help, support and friendship is most appreciated. It's no secret I find taking the strong or hardline approach to certain issues slightly outside my nature. Having a strong personality like Gubsy, whose ability to sum up these type of situations quickly, sort them out smoothly and keep everyone on the same page has been a great asset for me. Thanks mate.
Samantha Palmer, our Secretary for the past two years. Although you were thrown into the deep end, you managed to do a fantastic job keeping all our ever increasing Secretary duties in check and up to date without fuss. Sam is stepping down to give birth to her and Gubsy's second child, we wish you well in the future.
To our treasurer and Reserves coach, Chaza, thanks for everything you do for our club. I say it every year, but Charlie's love for Silvan is never too away far to see. His professionalism, advice and overall knowledge on anything to do with running a footy club makes my life as President much easier. Chaza is stepping down as Ressies coach, but will remain Treasurer in 2016.
I'd like to thank all our assistant coaches who are all stepping down to allow a ‘freshen up’ of the coaching panel in 2016. Special mention to senior assistant Brett Hartman, who since joining Silvan in 2007 has been a two time senior premiership player, reserves coach, and our senior assistant coach for the past two years. Including being a vital cog in the planning of our 2014 premiership triumph. Together with wife Jenelle and son Jet, the Hartman family's contribution to Silvan can't be underestimated.
Brett and all the other retiring assistants will still be a big part of Silvan in 2016, just in more hands off and relaxing roles.
Looking ahead to 2016, senior coach Chris Murphy takes the reins for a third season. Dogga is really bullish and excited about what he wants our list to achieve next year. He's put no cap on wins or ladder position, he knows anything is possible for this group if they want it enough. Early pre-season indications show he might be onto something too!
Together with the newly appointed and very popular reserves coach, Adrian Cannata. I expect with the natural improvement of our young players, return of others from injury/overseas. And recruiting of specific players to further strengthen our list, I have no doubt Silvan can be a big mover up the 3rd Division ladder.
But as with everything in life, the more you put in, the more you get out. Somehow though, I feel the challenge of 3rd Division footy has been accepted by one and all at Silvan. So as we enter our 95th year as a football club, I look forward to seeing everyone front and centre at #catsfooty in 2016!
Chris Maclagan
S.F.C.
President
Last Modified on 15/11/2015 17:54