Squire Pat returned to the West yesterday. Pat played 10 senior and 7 magoos games in season 2010 attracting 4 and 13 B&F votes respectively. Unfortunately his permanent position in the WA education department beckoned and we lose a great clubman and more than serviceable footballer who took the first half of the season to discover his Broadbeach feet. From then on he played a reliable role in the backline to finish off. Hard at the nut with an accountable attitude, his opponents knew they were in for a game. We wish Pat all the best in teaching and football.
Congratulations to Taylor Haley who took his first step in politics last night when he was installed unopposed as a Licensed Club board member. Hales is a classroom manager of repute, and has very slick hands on the footy field, of which both skills will be required as he treads the line between populist and hard decisions. Hales has requested that lobbying be confined to standard fee arrangements and strict vintage wine wrapped in the good old brown paper bag. Appointments may be made through any of his grade 6 students.
A couple of extra tats have been uploaded to the Ballarats Gallery page. We are quickly establishing a fine collection. There are rumours, but we don't want to know about those in taboo places - especially those in the 'block and tackle' region that spell words when extended or are set on either cheek.
A few images from Tuesday night training are available in Gallery Merrimac 30. Including Paul Hall, the 'older' mustachioed one, who has joined the club to take up Tiny's team manager role. Paul used to be around the Club years ago. His son Adam played with us through the Juniors and he knocked up some senior games. Welcome back Paul, you have big shoes to fill but we are sure you will bring your own standards of professionalism to match those set by Coach Matt. While on Coach Matt, check out the image of him addressing players last night. If that is not respect and rapt attention in the eyes of the group then we are as confused as nuns on holiday in Amsterdam. It augers well.
There is also a shot of the fledgling sponsors board in the clubrooms. The photo does not do justice at this stage and when filled it will be a testament to hard work, look a treat, provide a services list that we can patronise, and serve as a reminder of what can be done.
Somewhere in those images (and above) is one of Karl D’Orazio in a (ugh) North Melbourne jumper. Karl is a Broady Junior who went to Melbourne and graduated through the Oakleigh Chargers TAC Cup Programme. He returned to Broadbeach and played 21 senior games before departing to Surfers for a couple of years. The word about Broady's professional push has brought him back - and with a vengance. Geoff Bower reports that Karl took out the Group I 3200m Kurrawa Cup at beachside Saturday morning. Gun fitness coach Foxy issued time handicaps, started the event and declared correct weight for the event that is sure to stop the nation in future years, let alone stun early morning beach walkers, tourists, toolies and Ron Clark. An enthusiastic group of 35 players, the colour of tongue fur at that hour, set off at varying start times between 20 seconds and 2 minutes and whilst some of the early starters took off with a long ‘Vo Rogue’ style break, they were eventually overhauled by the true stayers led by Karl. On the other hand, the sprint King at training Tuesday night was Ryan Clough, recently returned from spending time in a sauna with a few female Finish friends.
This was the second consecutive 6am Saturday morning session as part of the build up to the 2011 NEAFL season. It has to be said that the outstanding numbers at every training session and fabulous player group feedback to the fitness program, portends the Cats as a major player in the competition. Simon Russell, Taylor Haley, Nathan Quick are showing the benefits of a good preparation prior to pre-season. Simmo is particulary angry with Shep United's flag and is keen to send a message to Sheparton and Maroopna around September 2011. He is yet to take up the matter with boom recruit Jason Eagles who played with United last season. Korey Fulton is turning the clock back in an effort to play on, (having agreed to retire from making retirement announcements), and is looking forward to 2011 like his first female encounter. Young Matt Freeman is going well and winning the respect of his peers, and Ash Palmer (who appears confused between Movember and beards) has not missed a beat featuring strongly in testing. Daniel Jameson and Dan Quinlivan are also doing well on their return to the club. There are plenty of other stand-out performers and we will be highlighting these in coming news clips.
Last Modified on 01/12/2010 13:02
