Home  Newsletters CGFC Newsletter #5 of 2008
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CGFC Newsletter #5 of 2008 |
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Hello again to all supporters,
I guess I could admit to be a little tardy in sending out this latest edition. I could even be accused of deliberately waiting to be able to provide some good news regarding the senior team results. Well that's probably true. It has been a very frustrating 7 weeks or so since the last newsletter as our senior team has tried very hard to win some games and get us clear of the relegation zone. We are now faced with the last three rounds and needing to win a minimum of two but even then may not be able to close the gap on Old Melburnians, the only other club apart from Beaumaris and CGFC to face going to C Section in 2009.
In response to many questions from friends and supporters as to 'what is going wrong this season' my reply remains the same - none of us want to fall back a grade; the coaches and players have worked hard to reverse the losing trend; our President and his committee have offered to do whatever they can to assist the playing group but clearly we do not have the playing resources to guarantee our place in B Section for next season. Our overall skill level and physical capabilities have been exposed for much of the season and that is as honest as I can be. B Section footy is good footy and despite some really good efforts, it has been our skill and strength that has been below standard. We do not lack youth and potential, we have an abundance of it. We would love to buy a bit more time! Our coaches and players know that a minor miracle is required to 'stay up' but they have not given up and as late as yesterday senior coach, Gary Colling, was refusing to accept relegation. It will take a herculean effort but maybe Old Essendon at their home ground, and not a happy hunting ground for us at any time, could become the catalyst to stave of what appears to be the inevitable. Certainly if we were to pull off a victory at the Essendon Grammar playing grounds this week it would be nothing short of magnificent. The last two rounds, against bottom placed Beaumaris and third bottom Old Melburnians would indeed be memorable matches if we can win this coming weekend. Of course, we are also dependant on Beaumaris and OM's not finding winning form in their final three games. We may have to win our last three games to survive. For those of us who have followed amateur football for many years, the power of relegation is extraordinary at times. I think our biggest hurdle is this weekend.
Dare I say it, but if the footballing Gods do not smile upon us, relegation then becomes a real test for all involved and I mean for players, coaches, administrators and even supporters. My nightmare would be relegation accompanied by an aged playing list. Whatever the outcome of our 2008 season, we do not have an aged list! We have the most promising player list in my time with the club (11 seasons) in terms of youth plus ability. I can back this up in a number of ways but specifically by stating that the senior team has relied upon, for most of the season, drawing on the U19 squad to present our best possible line-up in the senior team. Despite that we have improved since our early losses which were quite monumental and, despite the drain on their pool of talent, our U19 squad remain in very strong contention for a premiership in 2008 and are currently in second place. You simply can't achieve this without real depth in first and second year players. The U19 squads from the past two seasons have been outstanding not only by forsaking relative comfort of U19 football but by their willingness to do what is right for the club at senior level, and I hasten to add, the 'young guns' have been consistently among our better performed players in the senior team, week after week. My experience tells me that their rewards will come in future seasons and the efforts to have them also qualify for the coming U19 finals could well see them personally rewarded in the coming weeks.
Our reserves have also encountered a really tough season with their highlight coming last round with a thrilling and stirring win over Old Carey. It was a terrific last quarter effort, influenced by the fact that their redoubtable and resolute skipper, Will Bowes, was playing his 200th game. The win, only their second victory for the season, was against the odds and a fitting reward for three time premiership player 'Bowesy', Will is also a former U19 captain of our club. In addition to Will Bowes, our inspirational club captain, Simon Widjaja, also played his 200th game. His milestone has consisted of only U19 and senior games and does not include VAFA representative games in which he played. Simon's outstanding contribution to CGFC is well known and as a multiple club best player and also a VAFA U19 competition best player, 'Wij' has become one of CGFC's greatest players. I count it as a privilege to have been involved with both of these committed Grammarians.
We lost one of our most fervent supporters when Lindsay Thompson passed away a couple of weeks ago. Lindsay remained in touch with the club and often followed up with me for an update on how we were progressing. Despite poor health and many other community commitments, Lindsay always found time each season to watch our games and remained a positive, passionate and paid up member of the club. We extend our thoughts to the Thompson family.
The U19's have been able to field a full team each week, regardless of the number of injuries and players elevated to the senior team. They have also defied the odds on occasions to come from behind to snatch some thrilling victories. We will all be supporting coach Chris Mathieson and his team in the coming final series with great expectation of success in a challenging season for the club. It was great to have current School squad members again play with our team during the school holidays. The bridge between School football and CGFC has never been stronger. Our Club 18, better managed this season but struggling on-field in terms of results, have completed their season but showed great support for club activities off field.
Another indication of the spirit that continues at the club was the outstanding attendance at the Annual Blue and White Ball. We had record numbers and the venue provided excellent fare and facilities. It is a further indication of the foundation of our younger members who encouraged so many of their family and friends to the Ball. Socially, CGFC have enjoyed a really good season.
The U19 squad also played against a representative school team for the annual ASH Trophy, won narrowly by the School on the eve of the School's Morcom Medal Count where Jordan Stewart represented CGFC and awarded best clubman trophies to members of the School's first and second eighteens. Jordan invited the year 12 footballers to continue the tradition and join fellow Grammarians at CGFC in 2009. School football remains in a very healthy state and therefore important to CGFC.
In closing I revert back to my statement regarding the reasons (not excuses) for our disappointing senior team result to date. Hand and foot skills deficiencies can not be reversed quickly. It does take some time and all levels of football can attest to this. Nor can substantial improvement in physical strength be achieved over the short term, especially in younger bodies. This is where we will look for additional commitment in the off season and early pre-season. We will have better facilities and less interruption to our preparation in 2009 but it will be the commitment to extra work that will make the difference. No President, Coach or past legend of the Club can make that happen. Maybe the pride of a majority of our current, experienced players will be hurt enough to respond positively, regardless of this season's final out come! Maybe the taste of premiership honours that our younger brigade experienced in the 2007 APS season will make them hungry again for ultimate success. Maybe enough past players will respond to help us in a number of areas if they really want their club to again be a respected part of A Section?
It's not over yet for 2008 but regardless, we have to start preparing ourselves now for 2009 and not look for excuses or identifiable personnel to blame for the lack of wins in 2008. St Bedes and Collegians are the most recent clubs to have experienced our present dilemma and they certainly turned their fortunes around. You plan, commit and play for one another. I think consistency and consolidation go hand in hand; the premierships come a little later!
Kind regards and thanks,
Geoff Reilley - Membership Manager
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Next Week
Next match: 2009.
Leading Goalkickers
Seniors
Slevison 46
Carboni 22
C. Sinclair 18
Reserves
Poulter 27
McCahon 11
Kalaja 9
Under 19's
McGlashan 43
C.Sinclair 31
A. Ford 16
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