While the number of games won across all football grades was less then what we were expecting at the beginning of the season, there was much to take away from the 2017 season.
While the number of games won across all football grades was less then what we were expecting at the beginning of the season, there was much to take away from the 2017 season.Due to injuries and unavailabilities, the club saw 59 players participate in senior football this year. Highlights from our senior football side included the return of coach Nathan Lovett-Murray to the club and the team. Following him were a group of new recruits, as well as the return of many senior players. Led by captain Kane Atkinson, the season began competitively enough, however injuries got the better of us and slowly more and more players fell away.
However, it was not all bad news, with spots becoming available for junior players to step up and experience senior football, as well as some veteran reserves players who relished the opportunity. The reserves began the year with the most optimism of all our sides. Under the guidance of Peter Goggin, the reserves attacked the season with all the energy you would expect, winning two out of the first three rounds.
First-time captain Tyson Briggs enjoyed the leadership role, doing as much as possible to support Peter and his team. However, with the injuries sustained by the senior team it put stress on the reserves list, with players being called up, leaving the reserves exposed. The thirds began their campaign late after a 12th hour departure of the coach Nathan Turner. Joshua Atkinson took over the group and, by his own admission, under-achieved.
Though the season was winless for the thirds, the highlights were just as strong as all grades. Steven Fulukey was given the responsibility of captain and grew with the role, displaying his ability to lead and perform as a captain. The junior players that stepped up each week only gives the club confidence for the future of the senior team, and with an imminent handover of the coaching role, we are sure the thirds will embark on their most successful season in the Murray Football League.
The fourths were the highlight of the year for football. While clearly under-sized each week, under the guidance of joint coaches Jamie Atkinson and Phil Guthrie, they were by far the biggest improvers in the football department. Led by Bailey Wilson, the fourths competed tirelessly each week, with most players staying around to support the club where possible.
2018 is already progressing into being an improvement across the club, beginning with the development and function of the football committee and the appointment of leadership across the club. Kane Atkinson has been appointed as senior coach, co-coaches Peter Goggin and Jonothan Henderson will lead the reserves, co-coaches Levi Power and Tim Kelly will take on the thirds and fourths coaches Phil Guthrie and Jamie Atkinson will continue.
With the new and returning leadership comes rejuvenation in energy, and confidence that the 2018 season will produce one of the most competitive seasons across all footballing grades for Rumbalara Football Netball Club.
Josh Atkinson
Football Committee Chair
