Seniors
Currently sitting on top of the ladder with 9 wins, 1 loss and a draw, if Olinda win next Saturday we'll be 2nd by percentage.
Our senior coaching staff headed by Nick Rutley and assisted by Nick Adam and Dave Tilley have done an amazing job formulating and executing a game plan that the players know and understand. One of the big challenges for 2017 was the loss of most of our goal kickers from previous years. To their credit the boys have averaged 18 goals per game, Scott Dwyer has been a powerful presence up forward kicking 39 goals from 8 games, Matt Polkinghorne 32, Harrison Byrne 17 Patrick Hodgett 16 (8 games) followed by Robbie Ross and John Ladner with 12 goals each.
Our mid-field has has been the engine room with Nick Molnar, Matt Polkinghorne, Marcus O'Donohue, Hans Dudink. The backline lead by Brad Harvey who is having an absolute standout season with Aaron Young, Jake McInnes, John Del Giudice and Tom Hinds all contributing. Robbie Ross has shown us again why he's the best ruckman in AFL Yarra Ranges backed up by Sean Barnard.
The seniors have played 33 different players this year with many playing first senior games. Wandin has a great base of players to work with in the future, 20 of those players are under the age of 23. Then we have our young guns Tom Merlino, Harrison Byrne, Jackson Byrne, Mark Sandfort and Daniel Hirst.
Reserves
3rd on the ladder with 9 wins and 2 losses, Mark 'Muppet' Glenn has a very young team with smaller bodies. This allows them to run and carry with ease, their 2 losses were a case of bigger bodies and more experienced opposition. The reserves have had a lot of players unavailable due to injuries and holidays. As we move towards the finals the reserves will improve once more players become available.
U/18s
3rd on the ladder with 9 wins and 2 losses. Julian Smith has again produced and coached a great group of kids for the clubs long term development. I firmly believe they can go all the way and win the flag if they put their heads down and train hard for next 10 weeks.
Veterans
Going for their 5th flag in a row the Vets have had a tough year under Coach Leam Doughty, again injuries and unavailability have left our team short of players. The Vets are 3rd on the ladder with 4 wins 2 losses and a draw. They have made the finals, if they can get everyone qualified for the finals they can go all the way.
Netball
This year has seen a huge change in the higher levels of netball at our club, AFL Yarra Ranges introduced a new equalisation policy in the off season. These changes have directly affected how we retain and recruit players for the future of the club. That said, how do we improve on last year where we won every grade. Simple - appoint coaches that can not only coach at the higher level but also develop the young talent in the lower grades. Ty Coppinger and Bec McMahon have done an amazing job in coaching the girls this year.
A Grade
Currently sitting 2nd on the ladder with 9 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw. This team is very different team compared to last year’s it’s a blend of young talent and seasoned players. Jackie Cullimore has been the lead goal shooter with Ruby Tidd and Ty Coppinger standing firm in defence.
B Grade
3rd on the ladder with 8 wins 2 losses and a draw, similar to A grade this team has had a few retirement. Keeley Iedema leads the goal shooting after having a year off with due to a knee reconstruction.
C Grade
Sitting on top of the ladder undefeated with 11 wins. Holly Mcinerney and Brooke Smith are proving to be very difficult to beat in the goal circle. Can they win again in 2017? I'm very biased in short YES
D Grade
On top of the ladder with 10 wins and 1 loss, Erin is having another great year in the mid court, let’s hope the girls can win 2 flags in a row
U/17s
2nd on the ladder with 7 wins and 1 loss, our girls suffered their first ever loss this year at the hands of Woori Yallock, not bad for 2 1/2 years. Since losing that game that have tightened up and are playing a very exciting brand of netball. In front of goals Olivia Speelmeyer and Sophie Hennessey have been a driving
force.
Off field
Wandin FNC is blessed to have a great team of volunteers, sponsors, members, supporters and committee that have helped guide this club for future success. With the introduction of salary caps. Points systems and other equalisation policies it’s never been more important to develop and retain your own home grown talent. The days of buying a premiership are over, you have to be wise with your recruitment and offer a point of difference compared to other football netball clubs. I personally believe our club has great future, we have a highly talented group of coaches at all levels in footy and netball. Their knowledge and guidance is showing through in all the young talent at our club.
Job well done by all, let’s hope 2017 continues to be a great year for the Wandin Football Netball Club
President
Shane Harris
Last Modified on 06/07/2017 09:16