Back: Richard Mulroney (Coach), Kobe McManus, Tom Mulroney, Daniel Jackson, Beau Allanson, Ty Landsborough, Declan Power, Angus Castley(Assistant Coach)
Middle: Harrison Grattidge, Lucas Walsh, Jack Watters, Gibson Castley, Oakleigh Robbins, Logan Ganza, Natal Zaffino, Robbie Glazier
Front: Matthew Lippiatt, Joseph Kelly, Daniel Rinaldi, Daniel Brown, Cameron Richards, Cheyney Pittorino, Kirell Kickett
Absent: (all Inset) Griffen Collins, Cameron Geaney, Jake Simpson, Jye Trundle
What a great season!! It has been so fulfilling to see the boys grow in confidence, improve skills and show great commitment throughout the year.
This Year we had 25 boys registered and decided to run one large Team rather than to split in two.
The challenge in doing so was ensuing the boys had sufficient game time whilst adopting a strict rotation policy. To this end I sincerely thank the Boys for their patience over the season when their turn came to sit on the bench or play for the opposition side.
We are lucky to have a core group of players who have been together since Auskick and this year welcomed new recruits Robbie Glazier, Kobe McManus & Oakleigh Robbins, all of who have been great acquisitions.
To the boys who played up in the Year 6 sides (Beau Allanson, Daniel Jackson, Kobe McManus, Harrison Grattidge, Joseph Kelly, Gibson Castley, Jack Watters, Tom Mulroney, Ty Landsborough, Lucas Walsh and Cameron Geaney), well done for accepting the challenge and grasping the opportunity with both hands.
As the season progressed, the skills, attack on the ball, overhead marking, leading and working to find space to create opportunities improved and by the end the Boys commitment at training started to pay off.
This year there were some great contests which certainly tested the skills and courage of the boys.
Without a doubt we are looking at some extremely talented young players that will certainly be future rising stars. It was so pleasing to watch the Group gel and listen to some heartfelt renditions of the Mighty Bulldogs Club Song after a great …..draw.
The kids have been a pleasure to coach & are a wonderful reflection on their parents. Watching them grow, develop and try to put in place what we have taught them has been enormously satisfying and fulfilling.
To all the parents, thank you for bringing the kids down to each training session and game day, helping out with the canteen, time keeper, oranges and goal umpiring duties when called upon, it was greatly appreciated.
I would like to make a special mention to the following;
- Karen Ganza and Jade Mulroney for their tireless work as Team Managers
- Lynn Grattidge, Amanda Richards & Emma Walsh for First Aid duties
- John Watters as Team Runner and delivery of clear messaging
- Dick Power & Greg Collins as game day / warm up assistants and
- Angus Castley as Assistant Coach
The success of our side is no doubt due to the skilled group of boys we have but also the off field commitment cannot be underestimated. It certainly makes my job as Coach easy.
Finally thanks to Anthony Doig & the Committee for giving me the opportunity to coach a great bunch of boys and running a well oiled operation this year. To the stars of the show the Year 5 Bulldogs, Well done on another fantastic season – you should all be very proud of what you have been able to achieve as individuals.
Remember to keep the footy close by during summer and look forward to seeing all the boys and a couple of mates next year.
Go Bulldogs!!!
Richard Mulroney (Coach)