Today sees the culmination of a lot of hard work by the committees, volunteers, supporters, sponsors and players of the Barooga Football Netball Club. To have three sides representing the club is a credit to all of you.
The Seniors and Reserves played very good footy to enable them to take the direct route into the Grand Final with comprehensive wins over Moama in the Second Semi Final a fortnight ago. Our B Grade netballers have shown grit, determination and the Hawk spirit to work through to their Grand Final.
The Seniors stuck to their game plan for four quarters, shutting down Moamas running game with fierce chasing, tackling and pressure. This enabled the Hawks to stay with the Mowers for the first three quarters. Coach Matty Byers was knocked out during the third term but came out to the huddle at the last break with blood streaming from a massive egg on his forehead and this provided inspiration to his side. The Hawks came out fired up and run away with the game in the final term.
The defence led the way with Stuey Galloway and Zac Gallagher outstanding and they received solid support from Andrew Smith, Hayden Woodward, Chris Gallagher, Zane Goodwin, Jamie Stanyer and Tyron Hill.
James Hazelman played inspired footy in the second half and his three last quarter goals sealed Moamas fate. Marty Brooks led by example, Damion OCallaghans experience was instrumental and Brent Chapman found the footy when it mattered most.
The Reserves got off to a sluggish start and Jonno wasnt a happy man at the long break. His message hit home though and in the third quarter the Hawks dictated terms to take control and effectively end the contest.
Micky Connors showed that he will be a fantastic player for Barooga in the coming years and he was dominant for the Hawks. The youthful enthusiasm of Micky, Jason Bigg and Ashley Round combined with the experience of Jono ODwyer, Nick Flanagan and Jason Brooks sees the Hawks move into their third Reserves Grand Final in as many years.
The club held its presentation night last Saturday night and congratulations go to the following;
Senior Best and Fairest � Brent Chapman, Runner up � Tyron Hill
Reserves Best and Fairest � Adam Fox, Runner up � Simon Douglas
A Grade Best and Fairest � Jodie Lake, Runner up � Sharni Hazelman
B Grade Best and Fairest � Wendy Brooks, Runner up � Kristie Primmer
C Grade Best and Fairest � Jess Elleray, Runner up � Marlie Knight
C Reserve Best and Fairest � Hayley Robinson, Runner up Sharon Nye
Congratulations also to all other trophy winners.
In addition to the players awards a couple of very significant presentations were made. Hard working committeeman, bar manager, assistant secretary/treasurer and major sponsor, Wolfie Wagner, was a very deserving winner of the Clubperson of the Year.
Most importantly Kevin Hoppiter Brooks was the recipient of a Life Membership. Over 400 games for the Club and active on the Committee and with recruiting, Kevin was humbled by the honour but he is certainly a worthy addition to the Life Member Club.
On Sunday night Wendy Brooks took out the Leagues B Grade Best and Fairest. A fantastic effort by a tireless worker for Netball in this club, well done Wendy, were all very proud of you.
Simon Douglas finished Runner up in the Reserves count with Adam Fox equal third, a great achievement by these blokes too.
If you havent visited the Barooga FNC website by now you should have. Carmen and Jonno ODwyer are to be commended on the fabulous job they have done with the site. I would venture to say it would be one of the best club websites in country football anywhere. The club is indebted to these two passionate Hawks. Do yourself a favour and have a look at www.baroogafc.vcfl.com.au.
Nigel McKean has taken some brilliant photos throughout the year and these are available for purchase at http://www.flickr.com/photos/nigel_b_mckean.
After todays games everyone is invited back to the Sporties for pre-dinner drinks and then down to the Clubrooms for Tea. A breakfast and BBQ lunch will be held tomorrow (Sunday) at the Club.
It takes many people to run a football netball club. To the Thursday night tea helpers, canteen workers, bar staff, gatekeepers, timekeepers, interchange stewards, scoreboard attendants, goal, central and boundary umpires, team managers, trainers, runners, drink carriers, selectors, coaches, players, parents, committee, club members, supporters and the Hawks Club and anyone else who makes the effort to be part of the organisation a big thank you!! Its certainly a team effort on and off the field and you have all contributed to the success of the Barooga Football Netball Club.
If you would like to be a part of this team the club will hold its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday October 27th so mark it in your diary now and GET ON BOARD!!
Finally, good luck to all three sides today. You wouldnt find two more passionate or inspirational leaders than Matt Byers, Jonathan ODwyer and Rosemary Bunge. Follow their lead and well be hard to beat. This is what all the hard work has been about. Success is measured by Premierships and if everyone gives their all there isnt any reason why the Barooga Football Netball Club wont be celebrating three tonight.
Go you Mighty Hawks!!!
Squawk.