I am pleased to present my President’s report to the AGM covering our achievements both on and off the field for the 2018 season.
The current Committee members have worked tirelessly over the last 12 months to maintain the highest standards set by previous committees of management of the FFNC.
Our club has also set a standard for making new members, players and families of the local community feel welcome as we provide a safe and happy environment where anyone can come and enjoy their sport.
As a Club in a small Community we would not survive without the commitment of committee members and volunteers that help out each week in rain, hail and shine to make game day run smoothly. I would like to acknowledge all of our volunteers who worked on the Gate, Canteen, Thursday and Sat night meals, Umpires, Water boys & girl’s, Runner’s, Trainers ,Scores & Scoreboard attendants, Administration, Time keepers, Team managers and Bar staff. Ground staff under the management of Geoff McCraw does an amazing job so I thank everyone for their efforts.
Also big thanks to all of our Major & Weekly Sponsors who provide ongoing support to our club to keep us operating each year.
On field performances showed a huge improvement this year and it’s a credit to the coaching staff that all Grades made finals Our first time senior coach Brad Rooney with assistant Coaches Nathan Grylls and Sam Davies, showed patience and positivity from the start of the season. This included team structures and game plans which brought improvement to the group as the year went on. For the Seniors to play off in the Grand Final was a huge success for our club and well deserved for the work they had all put in.
Many of our Juniors also had the opportunity to play at senior level for the first time.
Jimmy Sparkes, a first year Reserves playing coach, with Assistant Coach Wayne Sparkes, had the reserves into the Preliminary final. The improvement in the number of player’s commitment to the team is a credit to Jimmy.
Our Under 18’s Thirds Coach, Billy Davey’s, commitment to the juniors, then to get to the finals was a great achievement with his limited numbers. Billy also had to manage many players who were playing Thirds followed by a game at senior level.
I’d like to make a special mention to our Trainers for this year. Ashley Angwin who is also our trainer’s representative for the league, Darcy Clearihan-Jervies one of our first year trainers along with the experience of Mark and Sandra Binding combined well to make a great team. Our trainers are very important and have done a great job taking care of our player’s welfare. We also introduced First Aiders and we thank everyone that helped out.
Social functions were well attended by players and supporters and we thank our social organizers for their new ideas and there willingness to make these nights a success. Peter Bohn reintroduced 100 Club this year with weekly draws and a dinner at the end of year. This was a huge success as was our Annual Goods & Service auction organised by Darren Lomax and helpers.
Saturday night meals returned successfully with the efforts of Terri & Peter and Thursday night meals continue to be popular thanks to the Catering team of Karen Rathjen. Thanks also to Margaret Hilyear for her role in Bar duties every week and her continued support of our Club.
Committee member, Malcom Davies continues to work hard for the club in many areas including recruiting and management of players.
To our Secretary Marilyn Flett, Vice President’s Ian Lyon and Darren Lomax and committee member Mal Davies I can’t thank enough for their support over the year for they have been excellent mentors helping me find my feet as a First year President.
The Alberton League Review and the constant demand on the Committee for its outcome have been extremely demanding to everyone but my thanks to Ian Lyon for his knowledge and enthusiasm with this task as he has handled all League matters in a very professional manner. The League will remain as a 6 team competition in 2019 with changes for the future to be confirmed by July. It is our hope that the remaining League teams will move into a second division of the West Gippsland League.
Treasurer, Terri Bohn will detail our financial position but I would like to place on record that her continual control of expenditure has been exceptional. Terri also helped Ian with the follow up of Directory and Sponsorships for the year.
I would also like to acknowledge Nics McKenzie and the Netball Department for their results and efforts over the 2018 season which has been amazing.
We were also very pleased that Foster Football Netball Club received the Alberton League Most Discipline Club Award in 2018. This recognition was appreciated by all concerned at our Club.
With junior development a priority we are so proud of the achievement of our player Xavier Duursma, who captained Gippsland Power Under 18’s team this year. Xavier has just been taken as the Number 18 pick in the AFL Draft to go to Port Adelaide which is an outstanding result for all of his efforts, his family support and our Club and League.
To anyone I have missed I thank everyone for your contribution over the year as our Club moves in a positive direction in 2019.
Buddy Prain President.
