2009 Under 11's Mid year review

Hi to all players and parents……..MID SEASON SUMMARY-U/11s

We are about to get stuck into Rnd 8 after our mid season break and so far the year has produced some very competitive football with our hard work earning us the respect of every team we have played. With the exception of our big first round loss away to top side Emmaus falcons, the boys have played exciting footy producing a great win at home in miserably cold conditions while beating top 4 side Caulfield, our last game ,defeating Mordialloc-Braeside away 66-35 was our best effort for the year and showed we can have a potent attack once it all clicks(10.6). Defensively we have tried to maintain a settled back six and this has shown out in games where we kept the then 2nd side Waverley park to 1 goal in the second half, we also kept Ormond scoreless in the first half only to go down by 6pts in the last 30secs.In my opinion we have a great running brigade and solid rucks. Other losses have all been by 3-5 goals and we have always been a chance at half time. At 2-5 we would dearly love to win the next 2 games and get our season back on track at 4-5.

In regards to the team I think we have a very balanced side and even if a lot of the boys are younger than most other U/11s sides it does not show as they all gel very well together. They have come a long way in 7 games and many are getting used to certain positions as well as trying new ones. Numbers wise, we couldn’t be happier with 24 registered players now on our list ,our bench will have 4-6 players on it so rotations will be a challenge we need to get right. There is plenty of positives to take out of the first half but overall….the whole group are playing as mates, they are having a laugh, they are sometimes over competitive but they always enjoy their footy. I have been with a few clubs over the years where numbers on game day are sometimes barely enough and even less at training but with this team we rarely have that issue as everyone is keen to be part of the team and no one wants to miss out. I hope all the parents are as happy with their sons development as I am and I welcome anyone to approach me anytime with feedback…good or bad !

Finally I would like to thank all the regular parents & family for their support & cheering on the kids at training and game days. Special mention goes to my assistants with which nothing would be possible otherwise. Colin & Pas have been sensational and a huge help on emails, training and all the organization of game day and other functions. Jason has been of great help especially on training nights and having a quiet word to the leadership group now and then. Matt has been a more than handy runner and his advice and comments are invaluable as he is out on the ground a lot and has a good eye for a mismatch. Madeleine has been there every game with a gentle word and always ready to patch up our fearless warriors ! I would also like to thank Tim & Jacinta for their advice and support and Stephen Ross does an incredible job with rego’s and all the important info I need, Thanks also to David for putting my match reports on the website…he is a top bloke and a bomber to boot ! In summary I think there is a good vibe around the club going forward and the increase in numbers will soon translate to on field success for all teams. We have a hard-working committee and coaches with great ideas, commitment and ambitions. Personally I have enjoyed the opportunity to coach this wonderful side so far and look forward to the second half of 2009 with as much enthusiasm as Rnd 1.

Kind Regards
GERARD DE FILIPPIS
NORTHVALE JFC U/11s COACH