Coachy's 2005 Season In Review

Hi everyone,

When I hear people in sport talk about achievement, the first thing I always think to myself is, "How did they improve from where they were?" and, "Do they want to get even better?"

Looking at where The Bullets finished at the end of the first season, the club (from when we entered the competition) finished with zero wins from four games, with most of the losses being by large margins. The general thought now is that the team has achieved in its second year. The question then asked is where did we improve on our first season?

I think recruiting has had a major impact. The team introduced six new players this season, with four of them being consistent contributors. These people had to get familiar with the game and should be better for the experience. I think that improvement also occurred with the players who played three or four matches last season. Furthermore, the way everyone got along so well helps create a good team environment.

As we look to next season, I'm sure we'll get even better. The possible inclusion of new recruits coupled with the good experience gained from winning four games (including a final) should keep us in good stead. The emergence of Margit and Narelle, plus Andrew kicking 40 goals was terrific. The improvement of Dean, Asher, Luke, Stuart, and Catherine was great to see. The side has leadership qualities on the field and is always looking for more. It was really good seeing Stuart make it to the ground to support the side for our final after he ruled himself out with a badly rolled ankle. These sort of things make us even better.

To win four games and nearly another three was a very pleasing result. I want people in our team to have the chance of playing in a competitive, winning side and give ourselves the opportunity of being as good as we can be. Thank for everyone's support during the season.

Coachy's Player Report Cards

Andrew Merryweather
The player The Bullets needed for the club to go forward. His, at times, brilliant marking and sure goalkicking made him a matchwinner. Good under pressure, he made the most of his opportunities, while teaming well with Dean. Not afraid to direct his teammates on the field, his 17 goals in the last two games says it all.

Asher Newton
Tall, reliable defender whose safe marking and clearing kicks often prevented opposition attacks. Good leader on the ground and stuck close to opponents. A valuable team member and consistent performer.

Catherine Croft
Skillful player who always has an impact. Usually in defence, she also aptly played in other positions this year. Important team player, who clearly enjoys the game. Excellent mark and good kick. The more she plays, the better she'll get.

Dean Jones
Enthusiastic, big time player who attracts the ball like a magnet. Wonderful mark and effective kick for goal. A hard runner who also had a successful stint down back. Finishing up with 24 goals for the season, he combined extremely well with Andrew up forward. Possesses a fierce determination to get the best out of himself and the team.

Jane Northey
A sensational start to the season with plenty of kicks in the centre. Never saw enough of her in the team. Two games.

Lucy Burford
Didn't get many touches of the ball, but effective in keeping on her female opponents most of the time. By doing this, managed to get into the 'Best Players' list on two occasions. Admired teammate, everyone enjoyed having her in the team.

Luke Barisic
Hard running, dedicated ruckman/midfielder, he had a solid start to the season. Overcame a small mid-season slump to win back confidence in his kicking and become one of the best marking ruckman in the competition. Spent one week up forward kicking four goals. A committed player, his running to contests, intercepting, and marking made him an influential player toward the end of the season. Played his best football in the team's last three games, which were all victories.

Margit Gailis
Worked hard before the season to become a competitive forward-come-midfielder. Improved as the season went on, her early forward play resulted in two goals. Moved to the midfield and combined well with Luke in delivering the ball downfield. Was able to find space easily, which allowed her to take marks. An honest and reliable player, she played her best game in her last game. By season's end was one of the leading female midfielders in the competition and had made that role her own.

Narelle Jones
Debuted mid-season in defence and had an instant impact, being one of The Bullets' best players. Gained confidence towards the end of the season, kicking a matchwinning goal for the side. Finished her four games with two goals and a run in the centre. Clever player who could be one of the team's most productive players in the future.

Nicole Franklin
Tried hard in her three games, but couldn't commit in the end. Played in the midfield early in the season.

Robert Rizzo
Played a couple of games and did well. Enthusiastic team member when out on the ground, he marked, kicked, and contested well. Ended up kicking a goal, taking a one-handed mark, and kicking a 'torpie' in the wet - not bad for two appearances.

Stuart Akers
Consistent defender who has settled nicely in defence. In a game that doesn't always favour backmen, he is always an excellent competitor and teammate. Was at his best in Round 5 to earn BOG honours for The Bullets. Trained hard and supported team even when injured. A lot more football left in him.

Daniel Vitale
Watching every week, he knows the players' strengths and weaknesses better than most. Wouldn't be the same without him there. Seems to have had an emotional season. I know the team appreciates him attending each week.