President’s Report: Grand Final Wrap Up

Hi all Sharks,

It’s Sunday night at 10:00pm on the 27th August and I’m sitting outside at my writing desk fending off the cold air.  I’m committing pen to paper and I realise I’m stuffed. Yep, I’ve had it.  I, I, I am emotionally drained.  There again, so are probably another 150 or 160 proud Parents from today’s Grand Finals.  At the mention of the word, “Grand Final” I start to tingle and feel alive again.  Thank you to all our Players and Parents of our Grand Finalists for a truly memorable day.  You played so well and put everything on the line, hence why we feel we’ve been on a number of roller coasters. 

Congratulations to OUR SHARKS Premiership teams of the U13 Black, U15 Red and U16 Youth Girls.  Commiserations to our Colts who played hard, had the lead at half time but were over run in the last quarter.  Personally, a mixed bag for me.  I had one son toast victory in the U13’s and one feel the weight of defeat in the Colts. 

However, today I also felt as if I had an additional 65 sons and 16 daughters playing.  I am so proud of you all in how you played, your passion and your conduct.  The U13’s applied pressure and kicked 3 goals in the opening quarter then defended diligently to run out 23 point winners.  It helped by kicking a couple of goals in the final quarter and limiting the opposition to 1 point.  The U15’s showed their class from the get go and ran out comfortable winners.  Every single player contributed and it was a true team effort with a 57 point win.  This effort on the scoreboard was built upon quarter by quarter.  Enjoy the win and I look forward to seeing you next year.

Our Under 16 Girls in their first season must be the most pleasing win.  Whilst coached by a two prong attack of enthusiasm and wisdom, youth and life experience who could have seen the sliding door moment coming.   Down 3 goals at the start of the last quarter, positional changes were quickly made.  Instructions yelled from the sideline were for pace, pace and more pace.  Slowly but surely, we came back and started to kick goals but we were running on fumes.  Minutes to go, our girls had the lead by 8 points, then 2 points, then 1 point.  The opposition were pressing hard (the same team had lost the semi by only 2 points) and…… it’s the siren!  P.O.N.R.P.J.F.C. U16 Girls “Premiers” by 1 point!   You little ripper, congratulations to one and all.  The excitement, yells and smiles were full of unbridled innocence and happiness.

Personally, on behalf of the committee, we would like to thank all the Sharks family who come out to support the teams.  Our Community is a tight one and to see so many with Red, Black & White supporting was really encouraging.  Also, thanks to all Parents who supported so passionately yet in a controlled manner.  After attending the morning YJFL Grand Final breakfast with our other Coaches, committee members & the Club’s Vice Captain amongst 276 others, we had no concerns on how our Club conducted itself.  Well done and thank you to all participants.  Thanks also go to our Colts Red, Seniors Ambassadors and past Committee for their attendance as well. 

Well done to our Coaches, Team Managers and Parents who played a supporting role.  Without your efforts, our kids couldn’t get onto the park each week, well done one and all.  I must admit, I have so much to tell all our membership regarding Season 2017.  However, I’ll keep it for our Presentation / AGM Report to be released on the 10th September. 

To the U8s – U12s, we don’t hand out the booklets until after the AGM.  We will send a direct link for you to download this year, alternatively please request a booklet from your Team Manager and we will get one to you.

Regarding the Domeney Management Plan a separate email will be sent out by our Secretary in the next few days.  This needs your response and must be completed by the 4th September.  It only takes a couple of minutes.  Please go online, follow our suggestions and complete it to improve the playing facilities for our members.  Thank you, we really need your support on this, go online, follow the prompts and let’s make a difference for the Sharks future.

During Grand Final week, the YJFL held their Best and Fairest vote count for each Division and Year level.  To my knowledge, for the first time in Sharks history, we had FOUR players named as the League’s Best & Fairest for Season 2017.

Congratulations to U11R Josh Smillie, U15R Fraser Siesmaa, U16 Girls Isabelle Pollock and Colts (3), Lachie Munroe.  You have been recognised by the YJFL as the best.  Also, congratulations to Colts Red, James Blanck and U12 Charlotte Newton as runners up on the night in their respective divisions.  Whilst it is always rewarding to pause and acknowledge the wonderful efforts these players have made during the year, we all know it’s a team effort.  Without fellow team members doing their roles, no-one could accept accolades.  So, on behalf of the players named above, we congratulate all players in their teams for their support and efforts to help get them there.  Well done all Sharks, in our eyes you’re all champions!

There were 121 players from our Club who polled in the Best & Fairest votes.  We had 43 Players finish in the top 10 and they are listed below:

Annual General Meeting – Sunday 10th September 2017

The Park Orchards North Ringwood Annual General Meeting will be held at 12:30pm on Sunday 10 September 2017 at Domeney Reserve, coinciding with the interval of our Presentation Day.

This meeting will discuss such items as the year’s football and financial performance and it is hoped that we will also identify and vote in any new committee members.  Any member wishing to raise agenda items for discussion must do so 14 days prior to the meeting. 

Each member eligible to vote is entitled to appoint another member who is eligible to vote as a proxy by notice given to the Secretary no later than 48 hours before the timing of the meeting.  Proxy forms are available on request via the Club President or Secretary. 

PRESENTATION DAY – Sunday 10th September 2017

The Sharks will again hold a Presentation Day at Domeney Reserve.  As per last season, the day will be split into sessions with the Annual General Meeting occurring at the midway point.

The timings are as follow:

Under 8 & 9:                                                                 10:30am – 11:00am
Under 10, 11, 12 & YG12s:                                  11:15am to 12:00pm
AGM:                                                                                12:30pm
Under 13, 14, 14 YGs, 15, 16YG, & Colts:     12:45pm – 2:00pm

• Tim MacLennan Medals
• Life members
• Club man/woman of the year
• Medals/trophies

SENIORS P.O.F.C.

First versus Second, with the chance to go straight through to the Grand Final.

This Saturday 2nd September at East Burwood Reserve.

U19s               10:00am          Heathmont

Reserves        12:05pm          Ringwood

Seniors            2:10pm            Ringwood

If you wish to contact me, please do so by calling 0408 367 444 or via email.

Go Sharks!!

Ritchie Appleby
President, Sharks JFC
president@sharksjfc.org.au
0408 367 444