Special Grand Final Day Milestones
Congratulations to Lynda Thomas (450) and J.A Sheehan (400) who will be celebrating major milestones on Grand Final Day this year!
Coaching Announcement
After much consideration and thought, Paul Jones has decided not to put his hand up for next year’s State League Coaching Position. Paul indicated that he enjoyed his time at FHC and will be having a break from coaching next year. He thanked the members, coaches and administration who supported him throughout the year.
The FHC Ladies Coaching Panel has been approved by the board last Tuesday. The Panel will now begin the process of advertising and asking for expressions of interest for the State League position. I would like to commend Paul on making this decision very early after Round 18 as it allows the Coaching Panel plenty of time to appoint new coaches for season 2009.
On behalf of all the members and board, I would like to thank Paul for his efforts this year. Paul is welcome to come and support FHC in the future. All interested applicants are encouraged to contact Nicole.
State League 2 have had a disheartening season, finishing 10th and being relegated. Although they remained competitive during games, the scoreboard did not reflect the efforts of the girls on the pitch. Well done to all the girls for persevering through a challenging season. It is time to re-group and look to at a re-building phase again in SL3. The Ladies Coaching Panel’s top priority is to secure a State League and Ladies Club Coach who will support the needs of our senior and junior players, the SL team and the entire ladies section.
PB finished 8th in a year where the main aim was to hold the grade. This team had supported SL and M1 with players throughout the year, especially in the second half. Again, coach Rod Lloyd developed the juniors through his side with the senior experienced players, all of the juniors in this team played at least 1 game in State League this year. 33 girls played through this side this year.
M1N finished 5th, needing a draw or win in the last round to make the finals. Unfortunately they conceded a goal in the last 5 minutes of the game to finish 5th. The entire group were very disappointed, however are keen to make amends next year. First year coach, Kara Vaina, did a wonderful job. One of the key priorities in 2009 will be ensuring this team are promoted into Pennant D – it is said the hardest promotion to attain in the entire comp!
M2N finished 4th and played a thrilling Semi Final Match against Pegs, unfortunately bowing out 3 -2 in extra time. Well done to all the girls. This team had one of the largest playing list of any team, 32 girls played for M2 this year. Thanks to Steve for coaching this team after Marianne Fridell went over seas. M3N finished 2nd on the ladder and are straight through to the Grand Final after a 6 – 0 win against top team Greensborough. The junior development in this team is outstanding and most of the juniors playing in out top 4 teams played their first years of seniors with M3. Good luck girls!
M4 Blue stormed through to the Preliminary Finals after beating Essendon 7 – 2. They finished 3rd on the ladder and have had a very consistent year and a consistent squad.
M4 Red Finished 6th and were for the first time, coached by a non-playing coach, Peter Grosz. The improvement of this team and sideline coaching enabled this team to secure a number of wins and draws. With continued support this team has the potential to make the finals in 2009!
Brief Thank-You’s
- Ladies Members – thankyou for your support and encouragement.
- Team managers Jenny Hilton, Jane McCulloch, Sian Owen, Steve Pattie/Emma Robinson, Marianne Pearce/Mark White and David Pearce
- Coaches of our top 3 training sides: Paul Jones, Rod Lloyd, Kara Vaina & Peter Grosz – thank you for coaching in a difficult and sometimes challenging year at training, selection and games. To our Metro team playing coaches – Marianne Fridell, Lynda Thomas, Kelllie Blokkerus – thankyou for the wonderful game day coaching with last minute team changes and all the challenges.
- Alison Clegg – Fee Collector and support from Lynn Gale & Heather Shaw
- Lisa Anderson – Canteen Roster Coordinator
- Marianne Pearce – Vote Counting and other administration jobs.
- Anne Robinson –Umpiring coordinator…and did a superb job! You are the best!
- Giulia Virtuoso – Team List Manager while I was on maternity leave!
