It’s time to share the love...
The Figtree Australian Football Club held its AGM on Sunday reflecting on a positive season despite the complications of covid. In a nutshell, the future for Figgy is bright. President of Junior Football Sean Kendall praised all parent helpers and volunteers for their efforts. Of note, Figtree has the largest number of Auskickers in the AFL South Coast competition. He also praised the Under 13 girls premiership team and star Ruby Hoffman, who won the league’s best and fairest. Alby Ferguson claiming the corresponding title in the Under 13 boys. Sean highlighted the lights on Figtree Oval Two as a revolution, allowing late and separate group training. The revolutionary theme continued when the President of Senior Football, still on a high after the breakthrough three wins in all men’s grades, took the floor. Glen Cook praised many but singled-out; “Super coach” Will Ryan and milestone gamers Pete Veerhuis (400), Chris Dobie (250), Nick Stacey (100) and Brandon Lagana claiming the Tunbridge medal. Cooky closed his report with a fierce call to action, “We are now the kings and every other club has us in their sights. There is only one thing better than 2020 #figthree and that's a 2021 #threepeat.” Treasurer Frank Serrano’s report was delivered in absentia but was only good news. The club is in a more comfortable financial state than at the start of the year thanks to discounted or no fees from Council, the AFL and the umpires. Neil Rowsell affectionately spoke of the role all the executive and committee had played this year off the field, to get success on the field. He commended both presidents for their work, highlighting weekly reinterpretation of changing covid restrictions to keep the season on track. The chair also took time to praise the Wollongong Saints and efforts to welcome them into the Figtree Family, including warm congratulations on their premiership. He also reinforced his desire for the Saints to merge with the Roos and provide a clear pathway for our successful girls to play senior footy. Neil is keen to hear from the Saints’ executive after their December AGM. As per protocol, all five executive roles were cleared from the committee during the meeting. Thankfully all five have agreed to continue in their roles, unanimously endorsed by the dozen members at the AGM. Debate was heard on sponsorship, registration, publicity, events and other functions but here’s what the club really needs next..... YOU. From players, to family, to members, the club is aching for volunteers to step up into committee and sub-committee roles. Before we begin the new year an organisational chart will be sent out with a number of roles needing to be filled or shared. The committee is full of dedicated volunteers doing more than just one role and we need you to step up. That step-up may just be an hour or two every month to game-day roles or using your work expertise or contacts to grow the club, its facilities and its resources. Your contribution beyond playing and cheering is what will keep us successful. So remember the best footy moment you had this year came about because of passionate volunteers... and become one yourself. The Figtree Australian Football Club AGM is scheduled for 3pm on Sunday 29 November 2020 at Figtree Sports Club.
Written nominations for any of the executive roles are due to the Secretary by Sunday, 20 November 2020. Nominations can be emailed to secretary@figtreeafc.com After a historic year for our club, we are always keen for new faces to be involved at the Committee level to help us build on our successes. Volunteers are the lifeblood of community sport! ReplyForward ![]() Retiring coach Will Ryan has been given the club’s highest honour after taking Figtree to its maiden senior premiership. The 29 year-old was delighted to receive the rarely presented Chairman’s Special Award for extraordinary service. “I didn’t even know about this award, so I’m overwhelmed to receive the honour. It is very special to me but I must reflect it back to everyone who’s come along with me on the journey in the past four years.” Club chair Neil Rowsell singled out Ryan for his outstanding commitment to the Kangaroos, after the coach took the reins four years ago in difficult times. “It was halfway through the 2017 season and our senior coach just up and left. I’d had plenty of complaints up until that point about selection... I’ve not had not one complaint since. Will’s brought an honesty, respect and professionalism that was not there before.” The long-term chair tracked Ryan down on Saturday night at the pub to deliver the medal, after the club claimed all of the men’s premierships across the AFL South Coast’s three grades. “As chair, I’m over the moon. Even though we didn’t win premierships in every grade across the junior and senior competition, every boy, every girl and every man has played like a champion.” It’s the second time the special medallion has been awarded in Rowsell’s eight years leading the club. Ryan says the award caps-off a season like no other. “Even though it was a short season, it’s taken us four years of effort to build. You don’t win three flags unless the club is in a great spot.” Ryan retired as a player four years ago due to concussion issues. The professional physiotherapist now choosing his moment to focus on family. “My wife Nicole has always been patient and understanding knowing how important the club has been to me. But family and work now need to be a priority. Coaching has been something I’m lucky to have fallen into, especially with such an abrupt start.” The dad to Charlotte says he’ll always be part of the club and has not ruled out an eventual return to coaching. As for next season, the chair remains excited. “Will has set up an environment where we’re flooded with players wanting to come to our club. While Will has retired he’s left behind a system and a group of people ready to take us into the future.” Bravo Will. |
Figtree AFC BlogThe Figtree AFC Blog is a place to share up to date information to the wider community. Please feel free to comment on any of the posts but keep in mind the club motto Family, Fun, Footy. Archives
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