Back: Richard Mulroney (Coach), Greg Collins (Team Manager), Tom Mulroney, Griffen Collins, Daniel Jackson, Gibson Castley, Declan Power, Jack Grant, Richard Power (Asst Coach), Angus Castley (Asst coach)
Middle: Oakleigh Robins, Jack Watters, Lachlan Jarvis, Kobe McManus, Harrison Grattidge, Lucas Walsh, William Winchester, Cameron Geaney
Front: Beau Allanson, Joseph Kelly, Daniel Rinaldi, Cameron Richards, Jack Clutterbuck, Daniel Brown
Absent: Kirell Kickett, Robbie Glazier, Jye Trundle, Ty Landsborough
I can’t believe another season has come to an end! What a season it was. The boys should be very proud of the way they’ve trained and played. Those of you who had the privilege of watching our games this year, no doubt witnessed stars of the future and great improvement not only as individual players but as a team showing great camaraderie and cohesiveness.
This year we had a Group of 22 players and welcomed 4 fantastic recruits – Jack Clutterbuck, Jack Grant, Lachlan Jarvis and William Winchester all of whom slotted really well into the team. I am not sure what’s in the water in our area but the boys came back this year bigger, stronger and with a hunger to win.
Our preseason commenced a little earlier than previous years however had added motivation with back to back half time AFL and WAFL Little Leagues games in front of 40,000 fans at Subiaco Oval in the Western Derby and the following week at East Fremantle Oval versus Claremont. To represent the Mighty Bulldogs (albeit in West Coast & Claremont jumpers) on the big stage was a fantastic thrill for the boys and proved to be a great warm up for the season.
We had some ripper games this year that certainly challenged the boys however to their credit, when pushed they responded. The improvement in tackling, contested footy, pressure on the ball carrier and end to end transitioning was brilliant to watch. Each and every one of our boys did the jumper proud!!
At this point I need to recognise a number individuals who made the season the success it was:
Greg Collins – as Team Manager did a fantastic job. The behind the scenes work Greg did this year to ensure the season ran smoothly can’t be underestimated – thanks Greg.
Angus Castley, Richard Power, John Watters – These gents were Assistant Coaches, Coaches, Runners, Umpires, jack of all trades really, but critical in developing the boys skills and I thank each of them for their contribution.
Lyn Grattidge, Amanda Richards & Tash Clutterbuck – Thanks ladies for taking on the first aid duties this year – greatly appreciated.
Thanks to all the parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters etc. for your enthusiastic support on game day and for helping out when it came your time on roster.
Our season concluded with us hosting the Year 6 carnival at Karoonda which was a great end to a fabulous season. Greg Collins and Angus Castley need to be congratulated for the massive effort of coordinating and facilitating a terrific carnival. Thanks guys.
It has been a privilege to coach this group of fine, young men who all strive to improve and pleasing to see the results of their efforts not only on the field but off as they have developed and gelled to become a great bunch of mates. The boys renditions of “Down at Karoonda” on the many occasions this season were sung with gusto and genuine pride and I hope this group of players continue on together to enjoy their footy, their mateships and no doubt success while representing our great club.
To the boys, enjoy the summer and I look forward to seeing each of you all fired up and ready to go next season.
Keep the footy close – Go Bulldogs.
Richard Mulroney – Coach