After a magnificent season where players experienced senior footy and the higher standard of the Div 1 competition the under 19s are now spectators. If determination and self-belief allowed teams to win they would be playing on Saturday in the Grand Final. They are a wonderful group with leaders on every line and are defined by a desire for victory. Where they fell short was in the final execution into the forward fifty. They secured more than half the possession and had more forward fifty entries in the first three quarters, but lacked the final polish.
Wonderfully coached by Brayden and Louis they were wonderful to watch and the senior players and club supporters look on this group as our future. That is a big ask for each of the team as first they must win their place on merit in a very skilled and successful senior playing group. Not all will make First grade, but all can play senior footy.
The effort in the third quarter was special, to secure the lead was magic, to have put ourselves in the position that we had to spend so much energy doing it … that was the difference in the last quarter. Lots of this group can go around again next season, and the smallest changes may get us into the final match of the year. For season 2014, we will see the block of proud 19s cheering on the Seniors as they try to go:
BACK TO BACK TO BACK TO BACK
A four-peat, not every day that can occur !
Season NOT OVER
Our season is not over, but the Phelan Medal brought three tables of proud GIANTS dressed in their finery to the ceremony. We got some awards, some that were very special; but it was clear the group are looking at this weekend. There was a lot of water consumed and steely looks as the night progressed.
Club Championship – Yep, we got the Shield, third year in a row. This is a reflection of the depth of the Club, it was won because of the performance of the Seniors, Reserves and Under 19s. Points are allocated to each grade and cumulatively we got up. Better yet, there were no lasting injuries from Russell’s acceptance speech and he wore a different shirt !! In truth the win reflects the culture of the Club, and the volunteers that allow our players to focus on the match. We should all be very proud.
Coach of the YEAR – Yep, while Leigh Brain has been our Coach of the year for a while, this was a wonderful recognition by his peers and well deserved. A first for the Club and as players and supporters we would like to see that repeated in 2015 as well. It really should rewarded to the gorgeous Chris, who must suffer his dark mutterings and Brent Hutton; his friend and Assistant Coach.
Stan Milton Award – Brayden got less than he deserved on the night, and he had a new ‘do’, just for the event. However no one could take this away, 80 Goals in the home and away season secured this, with daylight second. That does not include his eight goal haul and BOG performance in the only representative game of the season.
Goal of the Year - Yes Tyrone and Connor were contenders, but it was Killa that picked up this one with a smashing left foot accross the body early in the season. The post award interview was 'sparkling'.
In the placing’s – Connor Pettersson, gave the Phelan Medal a real shake, having missed three games with injury during the Season he missed the medal by four votes. In any event Alex Goodall, is a deserving winner and I guess we want him to take home the runners up medal on Saturday. A quick review of the votes, shows some interesting quirks of thinking by the umps. For example in round 3, the GIANTS defeat Northshore by 31 points but secured only 2 votes to our side while the 3 and 1 went to the Bombers ? This was repeated in another 31 point victory in round 5, where again the 3 and 1 vote went to the opposition. As they say, it is a funny old game.
Other notable finished were achieved by Matthew Rawle as both a goal kicker and contender for the medal in Division 2, missing by the slimmest margins in both categories and while Jeremy Pilat and Rachael Lewis were well placed in their respective competitions. Finally, despite spending some time running in the midfield this season Mitchell Bell, was runner up in the Under 19 goal kicking.
Needless to say with the frocks, hairstyles and suits the Manly tables would have cleaned up any best dressed or elegance awards on offer.
Well done to all winners on the night, it was enjoyed by all.
This Saturday … the Grand Final
Our senior team competes for the premiership at 4PM at Blacktown International Sports Park. It will be a hard fought affair and the Pennant Hills boys stated at the Phelan they were burning from last season that the return of Alex Goodall may be the key for them. The GIANTS, have been hunted all year, they are not complacent, they are hungry. It took our Club 44 years to get into the Premier Division, we have a lot of lost opportunities to catch up. We have a hungry group, that is faster, stronger and more skilled than in 2013. We won last year, we can win this year.
Get out and cheer them on. If you are unable to get to the ground watch the game on line and send your messages of support. They are our team, from our beaches, we are going to turn Blacktown into our fortress. Get around them, last year the voices helped get them across the line, leave nothing to chance.
Last Modified on 16/09/2014 17:31