This weekend will see the club kick off the season fielding 3 x Senior Sides and a Vets Side, 10 x Junior Sides and an U12 Girls Side and 2 x Netball Sides in what is the largest amount of sides and players ever to be involved in a single season with Upper Gully. This season Matt Lawson has resurrected the Little Brother/Big Brother Program with all senior/reserves players being paired with an U17 player; see below for more details on this great initiative for forging closer bonds between the juniors and seniors. The two Netball sides start on Friday night with grading games; see below for details. The seniors season kicks off with our first game against Chirnside Park away, while our first home game is next week the 16th April against Park Orchards before the Anzac Day clash against South Belgrave on Monday the 25th April at Kings Park, when we will be wearing special Anzac Day Jumpers. The Vets season kicks off this Sunday against South Belgrave at Kings Park, if anyone is interested please contact Jason Zinnow on 0411 079 829 While the Juniors also start on Sunday with the U9’s, U14’s and U17A’s home at Dobson Park; further details below. Upper Gully Auskick also starts on Saturday April 9th at Dobson Park; If you have any questions, please call Bob on 0424 059 975 Thursday night will see the season launch for the club; so come down and have a meal and catch up for a drink and chat. Club Memberships now available as well as Player Sponsor opportunities which includes Club Membership. Neil Thompson is again running the King Club, this year Gold Membership includes a day in a Superbox at the MCG for the Hawks V Crows on 22nd April; refer below for further details or the attached flyer and get on board this important coterie group of Upper Gully. Andy Neville is again in charge of the VIP area for this season; contact him on 0418 546 260 if you have a group that would like to watch the game from behind glass with Upper Gully Hospitality thrown in. Don’t forget to support our sponsors and especially our major sponsor Ferntree Gully Toyota; contact club vice-president Dean Wilson on 0412 312 672 to help get you a great deal on your next Toyota purchase. A group of Past Players got together a few weeks ago and are now planning a Past Players Day for the round six clash against Scoresby; see below for more info but please put this day in your diary. Any Girls wanting to play Football or Netball for the club this season; please check out the info below for contact details; Girls U12’s training will continue on Thursday evenings from 5:45pm at Dobson Park. Upper Gully Primary School is celebrating its Centenary on 30th April, Many of our early players attended the school; anyone interested please go to the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/uftgprimary/?nr Get down to the Royal Hotel between 5:30pm and 6:00pm on Thursday’s for the Meat Tray Raffle; special thanks to James Hume (Upper Gully Life Member) for running this raffle as well as Boococks Meats and the Royal for their support. Remember also that the Royal Hotel is still honouring the Club Rewards Cards; so please present it for a discount for yourself and help the club financially. The club is now also on Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/uftgfc/as well as aYou Tube site Don’t forget to check out the website;http://www.uftgfc.sportingpulse.net for all the latest news and photos from around the club. The Club has put out a new Calender for this season which will be available at the club; thanks to Craig Bridle and Dwayne Stangherlin for their efforts as well as Bull as always for the printing. Thank you to all our sponsors for 2016 and especially our Major Sponsor Ferntree Gully Toyota and our Gold level sponsors LPS Waste Services, FTG Motor Group, Frawley Signs, Action Events and Mystique Printing. Anyone wanting to contribute to this newsletter please email uppergullynews@hotmail.com
Good Luck in 2016 Upper.....Go the Red and Blue!
Upper Gully Football Club Pre-Season Review by Andy Hayman (Football Manager)
We have had good numbers at training for the past month or so and particularly our Senior group. We played 2 practise matches this season and made the decision to play against 2 second division teams to enable us to test our new game style against quality opposition.
Mulgrave - Saturday 19th of March
Both the Under 19’s and Reserves had issues with unavailability and we had some 8 or 9 Under 17 boys help us out and play in the Under 19 game and some doubled up and played in the Reserves as well. Both teams played well in the first half but a combination of fitness and lack of numbers meant that Mulgrave came away with two wins but encouraging signs.
Seniors – We had a few senior players unavailable but the team we picked was still very good and we were able to give those players who had trained well in the pre-season an opportunity to show their wares. We played our new game style very well and were able to restrict Mulgrave to only 3 goals for the game at our junior ground, Dobson Park and won by 40 points.
Wantirna South – Saturday 2nd of April
Under 19’s had good numbers although still missing a couple and again 3 Under 17’s filled in. Bright start kicking 5 goals in the first quarter but then Wantirna south who have been strong in both Reserves and Under 19’s for a long time came out harder at the ball and determined to shut us done. This they did successfully and eventually overran us to win by 3 goals.
Reserves were a new look crew with many players returning to the club to play after seasons away and it was good to see the return of J.Roleff, R.Beyer and D.Wilson and many new faces so that is fantastic for the club. The result was in the balance until into the last quarter which was reduced significantly to ensure the Senior game started on time but a loss by 3 goals or so would have the Reserves feeling good about the upcoming season.
Seniors – Another highly talented team took to Kings Park. The first quarter was a close affair, where we were turning the ball over in close and by foot. Chad addressed the issues and we came out and played a better standard of football and ran away by 40 points again, a good result.
The season commences on Saturday and all 3 teams are coming along well, we may be slow to start in the Under 19’s and Reserves as players integrate into the teams and learn the game plan and the new coaches in Nashy and Bruce Beaton but I expect the teams to be pushing for finals form mid-way onwards.
Senior group is ready and we continue to work on our main game style ideas at training and a win away against Chirnside Park is not going to be easy due to their recruiting in the off season but fingers crossed.
Upper Gully Buddy System
This year we are rolling out our buddy system between our Under 17's and senior players, this program has been established to continue to improve the transition from junior to senior footy at Upper Ferntree Gully. The program will consist of our senior players presenting their buddy with their jumper for the season at a jumper presentation night held this Friday following that the seniors will be attending at least 2 of the boys games throughout the year and also our senior buddies will be present for one of the junior family nights. outside of this the buddies can communicate with each other as mentors and provide advice for the boys to aid in their development on and off the field. The program will no doubt evolve over the year paving the way for years to come.
Seniors Round One vs Chirnside Park at Chirnside Park
Head to Head
Seniors
Upper Gully 4 to Chirnside Park 0 (First Game in 2010)
Reserves
Upper Gully 3 to Chirnside Park 1 (First Game in 2010)
Under 19’s
Upper Gully 5 to Chirnside Park ? (Played 6 First Game in 2002)
Last Time Results - Round Nine 2015 vs Chirnside Park at Chirnside Park
Seniors
Chirnside Park 0.2-2 4.5-29 8.6-54 9.11-65
Upper Ferntree Gully 4.6-30 6.10-46 9.14-68 11.16-82
Goal Kickers: M. Petracca 4, J. Whiteman , B. Carroll , B. Hards , R. Murray , N. Heuston , B. Toole , B. Ward
Best Players: B. Toole , J. Laughlin , T. Riseley , R. Silver , J. Whiteman , B. Ward
Reserves
Chirnside Park 3.0-18 6.0-36 6.0-36 8.1-49
Upper Ferntree Gully 2.1-13 6.1-37 12.6-78 20.8-128
Goal Kickers: T. Willis 6, P. Caruso 4, J. Derksen 2, A. Marshall 2, M. Churchill 2, L. Lawson , K. Chalker , T. Fabrizio , F. Didonato
Best Players: M. Churchill , Z. Rogers , T. Willis , T. Fabrizio , B. Libbis , D. Deangelis
Under 19’s
Chirnside Park 1.1-7 3.1-19 5.3-33 8.5-53
Upper Ferntree Gully 6.1-37 10.4-64 13.7-85 18.13-121
Goal Kickers: J. Cawsey 4, P. Bullock 3, C. Wakefield 2, L. Leslie 2, K. Croxford , T. Bullock , M. Dejong , N. Jennings , L. Meagher , J. Saltum , D. Claughton
Best Players: C. Wakefield , D. Claughton , J. Thomas , A. Catalano , K. Milde , L. Leslie
Netball Grading Games – Friday 8th April
ROWVILLE SPORTS ACADEMY, Humphreys Way, Rowville
COURT 4 6:50-7:20pm The Basin Green vs Upper Gully Red
COURT 4 8:00-8:30pm Upper Gully Red vs Whitehorse
OXLEY COLLEGE, Old Melbourne Road, Chirnside Park
COURT 3 8:00-8:30pm Upper Gully Blue vs Waverley Blues
COURT 1 9:10pm-9:40pm Upper Gully Blue vs South Croydon
In association with the EFL FRIDAY NIGHT NETBALL COMPETITION UFTG Seniors Football Club will be fielding 2 x LADIES TEAMS for 2016. If you are interested & would like to join as a player or support/coaching role, please forward your expression of interest to: uftg-netball@hotmail.com Registration Fees $55 for 16 to 18 years of age $65 for 18 years and over. Registration fee covers club membership, court fee, umpire fee, entry fee and insurance. UFTG Club netball dress costs $65 GO UPPER!
Juniors – Round One
Good luck to all the junior sides this Sunday for round 1. Times and Venues are as listed on EFL Website under Fixtures.
17A vs Croydon 14:30 at Dobson Park
17D vs North Ringwood 14:30 at Ringwood North Reserve
15C vs Croydon 14:30 at Barngeong Reserve
14B vs St. Simons 12:30 at Dobson Park
13C vs Waverley Blues 12:30 at Mt Waverley Reserve
12D Bye
11C vs The Basin 10:55 at Batterham Reserve
10C vs Kilsyth 09:30 at Pinks Reserve
9C vs The Basin Green 09:30 at Dobson Park
8 vs Lysterfield Teal 09:30 at Lewis Park
Mascot/Baby Jumpers
We have Mascot/Baby Jumpers available for order, short sleeve or long sleeve. From sizes 0 and Upwards. Also can order with number on the Back of Jumper. Prices are $65 for short sleeve and $70 for long sleeve. We need to place order by 3rd April with at least 10 jumpers so if you are interested please email uftg-orders@hotmail.comor contact Tom Caruso on 0406 102 549 with your order details.
Player Sponsors
ALL PLAYERS ARE THIS YEAR AVAILABLE TO BE SPONSORED. Sponsor your favorite player and help the club along the way. Cost is $125 Inc. GST. What the sponsor gets is a Club Membership Card, Name on the player’s photo in the club rooms and during the Round 13 home game the sponsor is invited to the VIP area for some complimentary drinks and food and will go into the raffle of all players’ sponsors. 1st Prize is $250, 2nd Prize is $120 and 3rd Prize is $75.
Contact your favorite player or the club if interested.
2016 Membership
Don't be a Supporter Become a Member; support your club and get Free entry to Home Games as well as access to the Social Club and Voting Rights. Contact Andy Lee on 0419 539 863 for further details.
King Club 2016
The King Club will once again be back this season with Neil Thompson in charge. Last year saw a new initiative in the King Club Flyer Trophy where members cast votes (3, 2, and 1) on the player they think had the greatest impact in the first half of the game and had gotten the team off to a flying start. Well done to Jarrod Whiteman who took out the award for the 2015 season. The King Club is a support group for the Upper Ferntree Gully Football Club and provides valuable funds for the Football Club. For 2016 members of the King Club have access to the rooms during the senior game half time were they receive food and drinks complimentary during the break; there are also raffles to raise further money with joker poker featured. You become a club member and have free entry into home games and also received a King Club Polo or other Merchandise. There is also a social event during the season. Neil Thompson can be contacted for further Details at neilt101@hotmail.com mobile: 0400 921 357.
Silver Membership – Cost of $300.
· Club Membership - $50
· Jacket - $50
· Entry to half time (drinks and food) - $200
· End of year function with partner (lunch and drinks) - $100
Value - $400
Gold Membership - $500.
· All of Silver benefits -$410
· Attendance at MCG Corporate Box for one match with full catering - $500
Value - $900
Upper Gully Vets
Sunday we play our first game against South Belgrave at Kings Park. Anyone interested in playing footy every second Sunday; then the Vets team is for you. The Vets team is looking good with confirmed starters including names like Zinnow, Lizza, Graham, Blundell and Lee, all Upper Gully Life Members and Premiership players, another Life member in DeGroot as well as other Upper Gully Premiership Players in Clancy and Derksen alongside crowd favourites Paul Dale, Bull Rattray and Saidi “Sanka” Kipyego. With this potential lineup you would be mad not to get on board and have a run every second week with Upper Gully mates. So if anyone is interested please contact Jason Zinnow on 0411 079 829 or otherwise turn up to training on Tuesday and Thursday nights at the Netball Courts from 6:30pm.
GIRLS FOOTY 2016
The club is held its first Girls U12 training session on Thursday 10th March at Dobson Park between 5:45 and 6:45 and also had Emily McKie from the EFL along for an information session for both players and parents. Training will continue on Thursday Nights between 5:45 and 6:45 so any girls or parents interested please come down. As well we are looking for support staff to assist during season, let us know if interested.
UFTG Senior & Junior Football Clubs would like to receive expressions of interest for girls of any age to play AFL football. NB - we are hoping to field U12’s & U16’s teams for 2016 in the new EFL/Yarra Valley Girls Competition. Games will be played on Sundays If you are interested & would like to join as a player or in a support/coaching role, please forward your expression of interest to: uftg-girlsladies@hotmail.com
Upper Gully Past Players Group
Past Players Day has been set down for the Round 6 clash vs Scoresby – Starting around 12 with finger food and guest speaker before watching the senior game. Cost will be around $20 with Drinks at Bar prices.
Also we will be celebrating the following reunions – 1996 Reserves 20 Year Anniversary, 1986 Under 16’s 30 Year Anniversary and 1976 Under 15’s 40 Year Anniversary.
For further details please contact any of the following past players: Mick Stone (0412 270 211), Paul Carroll (0407 440 531), Terry McCormick (0413 862 449), Andy Lee (0419 539 863) or Casey de Groot (0419 377 588)
The club is very keen to start up a formal past players group at Upper Gully to allow for gatherings and functions to help support the club. Last season saw plenty of familiar faces with past players and officials at the THF Lunch all enjoying being able to catch with current and past friends and teammates in a social atmosphere. If you are interested in being involved in the past players group please let us know so we can organise dates for functions and numbers.
Andrew “Gibbo” Gibson – Assistant Coach
Played over 300 Senior games at local and VFA level, kicking over 1600 goals in senior career with 100 goals in season 9 times. 5 x Senior Premierships including 1986 with Williamston in the VFA. Coaching career includes 5 years as Assistant at Williamstown, 3 years at Epping, 4 years at Port Melbourne, 2 years at Casey Scorpions and recently 4 years at Montrose including the 2nd Division premiership in 2013. On top of this the Western Region Football League Goal Kicking Trophy is named the Andrew Gibson Trophy and he also holds the record for most goals in a VFA game – 22 for Williamston.
Lifeworks Counselling Service
The Club has formed a new partnership with LifeWorks Relationship Counselling & Education Services to provide counselling to any players from the club requiring assistance for any issues they may have; this is a free and confidential counselling service and will provide great assistance for Robyn Lawson our Club Wellbeing Officer.
Upper Gully Football Club History
Andy Lee has added to the website under the History tab a complete table of head to head results against all sides that the seniors have played since 1949. Andy also has been compiling a list of all players to have played for Upper Gully and has now added to the website a list of players from 1949-1959 who have played for Upper Gully; any details on these players would be appreciated. Thanks to Norm Reeves for the 1964 and 1965 MDFA Records that have been able to fill in some gaps in the records as well as the 1965 Membership Ticket amongst other items. Still looking for Upper Gully Membership Cards from 1969, 1970 and 1971 as well as 1951; also after any EFL records from the 1960’s, 1970’s or 1980’s, if anyone can help please contact Andy Lee on 0419 539 863. Please check the Club History Page on the club website as well as the Battler page. If anyone is interested in providing anecdotes about the club or their own football career or any amendments or additions to the club history on the website; please contact Andy Lee at alene.lee@ozemail.com.au
Sponsors News
Thank you to all our SPONSORS for 2016, especially our Major Sponsor Ferntree Gully Toyota and our Gold Sponsors Action Events, Frawley Signs, Mystique Printing and LPS Waste Services. We also welcome on board the FTG Motoring Group as a significant sponsor. More news about this sponsorship later but part of the deal is for our new Away Clash Jumpers that the club will wear three times during the season including last weeks practice match. The club has signed up Johnny Boys Pizza’s in Upper Gully as a new sponsor. Last season the club welcomed on board Trident Leasing Australia as a new sponsor, contact Peter Nicholls on 1300 883 718 for all your funding needs, also iTrak Real Estate are on board sponsoring Upper Gully shorts, for any real estate requirements contact David on 0411 655 611. Anytime Fitness Ferntree Gully is now a sponsor of the Club and has agreed to a special rate for Players and Members of UFTGFC at $12 / week for 18 Month contract. In addition Jason Wood – Federal Liberal Member for Latrobe and Ray White Real Estate came on as Sponsor’s in 2015. Please use them and mention you are from the club so they continue their support to us. Their details can be found on the website. Also if anyone who knows of potential sponsors please contact Peter Hards, who will follow up with you.
Social Media
Theclub is on TWITTER; ClickHere Currently 486 followers and growing; also the club is on FACEBOOK currently with over 348 subscribers. Search for and Subscribe to the UpperferntreeGully OfficalSite FootballClub. The club has created a new Team App for IPhone and Android Phone users for all the news and events happening around the club. All you need to do is download the Team App fromhttp://teamapp.com/appand search for UFTGFC to install on your phone. And now we are on Instagram as well; and now we are on Instagram as well https://www.instagram.com/uftgfc/with already 88 followers.
The club is compiling a database of email address so that we are able to communicate to as many people as possible the latest news and events happening around the club more efficiently. With this in mind could you please forward the email address of any Upper Gully people you may know touppergullynews@hotmail.com
UFTG Football Club Committee 2016
Last Modified on 06/04/2016 14:56