I realise this has been a week of disruption with the photos being held on Tuesday and Wednesday evening. Unfortunately due to the league only putting a fixture out a week at a time it was impossible to arrange the photographers for a Sunday and schedule in our sides to then be able to make games. I personally want to thank all the parents for disrupting their normal schedule enabling us to get 16 sides completed over the two nights. On top of this I do need to add a few special thanks need to go out. To our team Managers. Yes a lot has been dumped on you at short notice but he way you have managed to deal with every situation and just get things done has been really appreciated. This type of Event would not happen without your terrific work. And last but not least thank you to Melinda Read, Thalia Read and Jessica Tobin for assisting over the two nights in lining the teams up and getting them in some sort of order to help with the flow through to the photographers.
As mentioned in my last message most of the grading has been completed. The league are still looking at a few sides which is why they have only put out a fixture for the next two weeks.
Due to a shortage of league umpires St Mary’s sent out a request for to our older sides seeing if there was any interest in some of these umpiring some Under 9,10 and 11 games. We had a terrific response and have 9 St Mary’s Juniors now officiating games on a weekend. The league have been rapt with this response and are looking at the possibility of using more of our juniors to officiate games. Thanks to all those kids that have put their hands up.
A few Upcoming dates to keep in mind.
27 MAY – Indigenous Round
SMJFC has always acknowledged the Indigenous round and highlighted the reasons behind it to our juniors however it was not until early 2014 that Anne Marie Halewood a committee member at the time put forward to the committee that we as a club could be doing more to ensure that all kids despite their background have the same opportunity to play junior football. Anne-Marie was the inspiration and organisation behind this initiative.
Unfortunately in late 2014 Anne Marie was diagnosed with Cancer. She continued in her position on the committee until early 2015 when she became too ill to continue and passed away in June that year. At the time she had two boys Ben and Jake playing Junior Football, Ben continues to play for the juniors while Jake plays for St Marys under 19s
Our club continues to acknowledge Anne-Marie’s commitment to the club particularly her contribution and passion towards ensuring that all children have the same opportunity to play AFL football despite their cultural background or financial circumstances. In honour of Anne Marie’s legacy SMJFC decided a player from each junior team would be awarded the” Anne-Marie Halewood Medal” which represents fair play, respect, teamwork, effort and selflessness. As such this is not a best on ground award. These awards would be presented to the individual recipients the night of our indigenous round
We would like to see as many members, family and friends down the club on Sunday 27th of May from 530pm onwards to celebrate the indigenous round, Anne -Marie’s contribution and to witness the presentation of each teams “Anne-Marie Halewood” medal winner. We also have been lucky enough to secure the following special guest speakers Syd Jackson (Carlton premiership player) and Colin Kinnear (former coach of the Sydney Swans and Carlton Chairman of Selectors) to talk about how football is a bridge for reconciliation and cultural awareness.
1 JUNE – TRIVIA NIGHT
We have had a terrific response to our Trivia Night – in fact response has been so great we have almost booked out the Event. If you have dragged your feet a little but are still looking at going please contact Mel Read on 0413423034.
THIS SUNDAY – 20 MAY
This Sunday Social night at the club will be held for our Under 15 age group. As normal everyone is welcome back to the rooms. Pizza available for the kids and adult meals will be available at a reasonable price.
Joker Jackpot is back !!!!
And lucky Jumper number for the players for a chance to win a rebel Voucher!!!!
Can’t wait to see you all there.
Good luck to all sides this week.
And let’s remember – “ITS ALL ABOUT THE KIDS”
“GO BURRA”
Paul Tobin
President
St Mary’s Greensborough Junior Football Club
