At the end of 2005 we talked about the opportunity to improve on what we had achieved for that year. The team had improved greatly from 2004 but the opportunity was there for us to head forward again. In '05 the Bullets won 4 matches including a final and introduced six new players, four of which played significant roles for the team throughout that season. I spoke about the desire to give our people the chance to play and be involved in a competitive and winning team for 2006 and beyond.

The results on the ground show, plus the level of enjoyment and competitive spirit that travels through our team and most to all other teams in Rec Footy, that we have achieved that. In sporting groups and clubs, there are always going to be people who move on and can't be involved as much from one year to the next, so we go out and recruit people who may fill roles and start good and fulfilling careers in this 10 week sport.

The team lost four players from 2005, Margit Gailis having her first child, Catherine Croft travelling, Stuart Akers work commitments and Asher Newton playing just the one game through other commitments. This was a fair chunk out of our side and all those players had made a significant contribution to The Bullets. Over the course of the season, we were very fortunate to introduce 5 new players to the team: Deb Murray, Dave Beattie, Rob Hazell, Dani Mijic and Maree Fewster. All five were terrific contributors this season and helped us improve the way we did. Players like Dean, Luke, Andrew, Narelle and Rob Rizzo continued to show the way, with nearly to all improving again. It certainly was a good mix of players to work with and not forgetting that some players will also improve as well next year which is always exciting. I must also mention that the club had a handful of people who played one game for us this season, filling in when the team were short, those players were fantastic and I hope they had a good experience.

The Bullets winning 6 games this season including the final was the improvement we were hoping for. We managed to finish 5th out of 10 teams which was a wonderful result - remembering we didn't win a game two seasons ago. There were many highlights this season, new players starting and players doing well on the field - which I love watching. Something I remember Malcolm Blight commenting on once, when a team is getting well beaten, it's a chance to see who is continuing to perform well for the team during those times; for me it was great to see Luke play as consistently as he did during Rounds 6 & 7, I think for him as a player in Rec Footy, he really came of age. The challenge which presents itself now is can we improve again or at least remain as competitive as 2006.

Thanks for all your support this season and to our fantastic ticket holder, Dan Vitale for his support of the team for another season.

Coachy's Player Report Cards

Andrew Merryweather
Another 27 goals to win the goalkicking again. Match winner with his marking and goal sense, team struggles when he's not playing. Massive work rate up the ground, he's almost like a third midfielder and plays well in defence too. Wonderful player in this competition.

Danijela Mijic
Burst onto the scene with a fantastic display in first game. A brilliant mark, she reads the play very well and handballing very slick. Played well in defence with hard running in the final. Big future in Rec Footy.

Dave Beattie
Committed and a hard runner in bursts, paces himself to play what his body will allow him to. Improved mark and kick, doesn't make too many errors. Plays a defensive game in trying to completely blanket opponent. Always trying to get better. An extremely valuable team member.

Dean Jones
Another super season for the dynamic forward, his 24 goals were quality. Always reliable getting the ball, his consistency is his strength. Traditional forward, he loves a big mark and loves a goal more. Determined to win and to play well. Usually features in the votes.

Debbie Murray
Another who burst onto the scene. Picks up kicks at will with good delivery. Loves to run and create play, she combined well with Luke in the centre. Fantastic mark, also played effectively up forward kicking three goals. Player who is great to watch, had many highlights in her 7 game debut season. Another with big future.

Lucy Burford
Played two games, one where she set up a couple of goals from defence and resulting in her best game for the club. Will hopefully be around again next year.

Luke Barisic
Even better year again. Importantly played well in losses, always keeping his consistency to a high level. Reliable mark and improved on his kicking early in season. Always a hard runner, puts pressure on opponents when Bullets don't have the ball. Successful move up forward with three goals in half a game. Tiresome ruckman who covers a lot of ground, and combines well with centre teammates with his knockouts. One of the most influential players in the competition.

Maree Fewster
Played three games for the club in which she displayed fine skills. Playing in defence, her marking was a feature, especially under pressure. Good kick and showed a keenness to compete. Moving to another league closer to home this year, where she will do very well.

Narelle Jones
Played in many positions during season. Took her opportunity with three goals in the forward line, one being from a difficult angle. Taking nice marks, she combines well with Dean. Player with much potential, she will be a better player for this year and keeping her chin up. Good future.

Robert Hazell
Strong defender with good skills. A fine mark and accurate kick. Player that could easily play both ends of the ground with his height and football smarts. Will get better next year, injury allowed him only four games this season. Could be a big improver in 2007.

Robert Rizzo
Skillful player who played a very consistent five matches this season. Showed his talents both ends of the field kicking four goals in two weeks up forward and playing excellent football down back. Pacy, elusive and a good lead when forward; a good mark and reader of play down back. Loves playing for the team.

Daniel Vitale
Didn't see as many games this year but will be back next season. Seen a lot of goals and many games to be a very important member of our football club.

And now for the one-gamers...Asher Newton was great in his one game. Michelle Barisic was solid in defence. Keith Randall showed balance and flair. Sarah Sparnenn gave some drive out of defense. Simon Conti took a spectacular mark. Elodie O'Connor played a very good game getting plenty of kicks.