Hello All,

Well here we are, the season for 2010 has finished for us.

I would like to personally thank all players, committee members, coaches, support staff and members for the way you conducted yourselves this season.

We haven't made finals this year which is the goal of every football club, but we certainly have achieved a lot.

This year we moved up a division to C grade and also introduced a fourth senior side giving us two teams in E grade.

The C grade in my opinion acquitted themselves extremely well, considering the players we lost early in the year. All three teams’ league, reserves and colts were extremely competitive throughout the season.

The E grade had it tough coming up against the 3rd and 4th sides of most of the A and B grade clubs and although not managing to get a win on the board the guys who played in those sides certainly tried their best and no one can begrudge them of that.

The good news out of all this for 2011 is that although we move from C grade to D grade it certainly cannot be viewed as relegation.

The C grade had 20 teams playing in the division with Black and Gold grades, the league has confirmed that the top 8 sides of C grade will stay in C grade with the B grade relegation and the next 8 sides will form D grade with the 2 best teams of the current D grade, all other grades drop back from D to E, F to G etc.

So we actually end up where I feel, we belong and where we can certainly push to improve our standings on the ladder this year to look to play finals in 2011.

But to do that guys we need all of you on the track for pre season, obviously details of when that is will be sent to you once confirmed.

Off field performance of the club continues to improve, full details will be advised at the clubs Annual General Meeting which is scheduled for Sunday, October 10th at the Merriwa Tavern from 11am, I do hope as many of you as possible can attend as it is your club and your opportunity to ask questions and see where the club is heading and to also hopefully look to having some additional nominations for people looking to join the clubs committee.

Some of the things we achieved this year off field were the alcohol caravan which certainly was well received by all visiting clubs and Doug and Alison Thorncroft need to be congratulated for their effort in running the bar this year.

The canteen was run by Belinda Noakes and again another great job by a volunteer to the club.

Daryl Forward arranged the shade sails and although late in arriving we can certainly see they will be handy next year in protecting players and spectators from the weather.

The wind up was a great night and again well done to Doug and Alison for arranging the evening, those of you that didn't come missed out on a great evening and an opportunity to wind up the season with your team mates and congratulate the award winners in each team.

On that note well done to Scott Ayres (shredda) for Fairest and Best in League and the Club Champion for the year.

Ricky Smith for Reserves

Jonesy won Colts

Andrew De Silva (chucker) in E League, and last but certainly not least Paul Murray (the one and only Dogsy) won E Reserves.

And of course Gavan Attwood became our first life member and his speech and acceptance by his peers was certainly an event that will be remembered for years.

Thankyou to our coaches for the year Darryn, Bill, Kye, Brian (Chicka) and Paul for their efforts this year in what has to be the hardest gig in football.

Our sponsors this year need to be recognised and I do ask you where possible please use these businesses as they pay us to be sponsors with these funds helping to run the club, in return all they ask is you give them a go.

In no specific order, Merriwa Tavern, The Good Guys Clarkson, Surge, Goodlife Sports(Sportfirst), Hogs Breath Cafe, Auto One, Auto Bahn, Express Spectacles, News Express, Sign Graphics, Radaz Entertainment, Wilkins Electrical, Diggers Bobcats, Let There Be Rock Promotions, Liv Fit, Tyrepower Clarkson, Mustang Printing, Barbaro Bros Butchers, North Midland Accounting Service.

Finally guys some dates to remember,

Jason Akermanis and  Glen Jakovich sports afternoon at the Merriwa Tavern on Sunday 12th September, 12noon – 4.30pm – Memorabilia auction & Raffle with full bar facilities and hot food available. Tickets available from Effi or at Tavern.

Club AGM 10th October (Sunday) from 11am at Merriwa Tavern.

Viv Richards sports day Sunday 21st November 2.30pm – 7.30pm at Butler Community Centre – Licensed bar and food available.

Again guys thanks for the year, all the best over summer and get your bodies right for January.

PG

President