I’d just like to run through a couple of the achievements that SWAFL has had this year and thank the individuals who make this league what it is.
First off – a brand new, informative and up to date SWAFL website. How good is it reading the match reports each weekend? How awesome is it to see all of the updates about women’s AFL across the country? It’s been an absolutely fantastic and effective tool for us to use this year to communicate to all of the players, supporters and interested parents.
Secondly – a junior development gala day being co-ordinated with over 45 girls registered. Whilst they didn’t all come on the day due to the rain, we had about 20 committed girls travel from Dubbo, Nelson Bay, Newcastle and various areas of Sydney to come and see what it was like to play in an all girl’s team. And it was so exciting – to hear the parent’s feedback about how thrilled the girls were to finally be given this opportunity and it was so great to see these girls with such great skills that will hopefully one day play in our league.
“[My daughter] came home absolutely pumped and was so happy that there were a stack of girls who loves AFL as much as she does. She proudly wore the SWAFL T-shirt the next day and I'm pretty sure that it will be in pride of place in the favourite T-shirt drawer from now on”
Third achievement – Securing perhaps one of the best ovals in Sydney to be called the “home of women’s AFL” and be solely dedicated to our league and our players. I tell you what – it was a close call. After presenting to the council, we had to listen to 2 hours of arguments before we got there with a 7-5 vote. I’d like to acknowledge Brett Petterson from the AFL for involving SWAFL in these discussions and for the eventual opportunity that arose.
Lastly, I’d like to urge everyone to try out for the NSW Blues in 2009. The National Championships have been confirmed for Perth over the June long weekend and we are keen to send the best possible team to represent our state. Jason King, Western Wolves coach, has been selected as the NSW coach and the selection process for the team will start shortly. Please watch out for emails coming your way and keep an eye on the SWAFL website for more information.
And finally – to the people who need to be thanked for all of their efforts:
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The coaches of every team for their efforts to attend training, improve the girls skills and encourage them at all times.
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The presidents of every club for their organisation, dedication and mountains of paperwork and administration that can be so boring and time consuming!
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The managers of every team for their game day efforts to make sure there are water bottles and jerseys and signatures next to every name.
The committee:
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Cyn and Rich – our star Football Operations Managers and Registrars for their patience and diligence in such a thankless role.
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Chevv Calver – our Equipment manager for her detailed Goal Post pads schedules and organisation of various SWAFL needs.
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Sarah Court – our Events organiser for all her effort towards organising the fantastically successful Trivia Night which raised over $1500 for the league.
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Lou Graham – our medical liaison for organising St John’s to be present at various grounds throughout the season and
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Maggie Jenkins – for being such a reliable committee member and for always offering to help in anyway.
And then there’s the big three -
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He’s at every match, making notes, running water, yelling from the sideline, getting warnings from umpires for standing in the middle of the ground holding two water bottles and telling his players where to stand, being the interchange official, tossing the sausages on the bbq and hey, he even gave umpiring a go. He’s Sydney Women’s AFL roving reporter – Lancelot Yu.
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Jason King – for his passion, commitment, effort and devotion to furthering the league. Jason’s contribution to the junior development has been absolutely second to none and his drive to achieve greater things for women playing AFL is outstanding. Kingy – you’ve been a super star for the league and on behalf of everyone involved, I’d like to thank you for everything you’ve done this year.
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And finally - Tracey Kick – for her experience, professionalism and enthusiasm to women’s AFL and to furthering our cause towards a more professional entity. She has been my sounding board and friend in need whenever I’ve had a late night stress and has had some decent pleas for help come her way.
And with that, I’m done. What a season 2008 has been for Sydney Women’s AFL. Here’s to doing it all again, bigger and better, in 2009!
Signing off,
Jemma Still
President SWAFL
Last Modified on 15/09/2008 10:37