Coachy's 2008 Season In Review

Hi everyone,

When the Sandringham competition was cancelled during '08, we thought that could have been it for rec footy this year. Fortunately, Box Hill came to the rescue and we found ourselves in a brand new comp, on a new ground among new opponents for Season 2008. We had a difficult season in 2007 and I was looking forward to seeing what this new season was going to bring The Mighty Bullets. We obviously didn't know anything about the other sides at BH, so we went into this season to be competitive. Although only winning three games in 07, after a successful 06, I knew we still had a side capable of playing good footy. Another change to this year was that the season was only going to work out to be six weeks, which was 3-4 weeks shorter than usual. Still, it was great to have another opportunity to play this popular game and see what the six weeks had in store.

The Bullets had lost the services of three players, Dave Beattie, Ruth Hannan and Deb Murray, who had all been very good players for our team. But as players move on, a new recruit or two are introduced. Simon Conti was the first recruit, a very keen, hard running player who was looking forward to having a kick with us. We also had two past players, Danijela Mijic and Margit Tully return to the team, which was fantastic. We unfortunately lost Dean Jones to a finger injury sustained in a practice match, which left us a good player short. As the first part of the season went on, the side saw the debut of two more players, Dave Gutteridge and Brent Jones, which gave the team a good mix of players.

The pleasing part of the season for me was how competitive the side was for the six weeks. We played well and weren't far off in Rounds 1 & 4, but terrific victories followed in Rounds 5 & 6, including the undefeated, top side in Round 5, which was a massive scalp. We had players play in many positions again this year. We have players with good fitness bases who can run and help out teammates over the ground and win the ball too. Our backline was very good this year having the second lowest points kicked against them, which is terrific to see. Rob Hazell, Simon and many more played and competed extremely well in defence this season. Margit played defence most weeks and was able to link-up and run into plenty of space in our win in Round 5. We were able to try Brent up forward in the final with fantastic results, Luke, Dave Gutteridge and Dani kicked goals for us. Andrew again kicked goals, while helping in the midfield with impressive foot skills. Our centres were good as always, Luke, Narelle, Dani, Brent, Simon, Margit. All these players were fantastic in the club's two wins and during the season.

Winning the last match by a point, with family and friends looking on was a thrill. Everyone was able to see what a great sport rec footy is and we hope it is able to continue next year. Thanks to all the players, Dean and Dan supporting the side on the boundary every week - we look forward to Dean returning to the side next season. And to everyone who filled in for The Bullets this season.

Coachy's Player Report Cards

Andrew Merryweather
Strong finish to the season, he was a big influence in the team's final two round wins. Again, took great marks and brilliant field kicking brought teammates into the game. With only the six game season and being a late season starter, was at his best in the final three weeks. Passed 100 career goals in Round 6, and one wonders, what could have been if there were the usual ten rounds.

Brent Jones
The third Jones sibling to play for The Bullets. Very competitive player, with boundless energy and enthusiasm. Played in all positions during his three games. Best afield in Round 6 with three goals and strong marking on the lead up forward. Loves playing the game and is encouraging towards teammates, could have a big '09 - is one to watch next year.

Danijela Mijic
Returned to rec footy in '08 and continued to be a dominant player around the ground. Playing to her strengths, she's able to position herself to take great marks. Runs hard and gets plenty of the ball. Great game in last match.

David Gutteridge
Leads up the ground well and is a safe mark. Good kick, who posted a couple of goals while playing forward. Gets on top of opponents by always presenting and keeping the pressure on when not in possession of the footy. Voted well in his three appearances, could be very influential player.

Dean Jones
Lost him for the season with a broken finger in a practice match. Showed dedication and leadership attending every game with Dan, being a fantastic support. Was a big loss for The Bullets. Will be jumping out of his skin next season.

Luke Barisic
After slow start, had another fantastic year. Played both ends of the ground successfully, kicking seven goals in two games forward - including a bag of four - and finishing off well down back. Again, took plenty of fine marks and always covered plenty of ground. Continues to be an influential player.

Margit Tully
Also returned to rec footy this year. Another who played everywhere, and plays to her strengths, working her way back into games by playing good second halves. While down back, shows ability to lose opponent by finding space running up the ground. Very good in team's first win, taking six marks. Took plenty of marks playing forward too.

Narelle Randall
Good year. Continued on from the end of '07 to be involved in the play regularly. Marking and kicking were very good, adding a brilliant intercepted mark in Round 4 a highlight for the side. Always contributed well and voted in three of the six games.

Robert Hazell
Another fantastic year. Saved the team on many occasions with wonderful marking on the last line of defence. Smart thinking player, and reads the play so well, he voted best on ground twice in his five games this season. Should be another good year in '09.

Robert Rizzo
Just the one match this year, he was right in the action. Took a sensational mark, had three shots at goal and was a target for the afternoon up forward. Hope for more games next year.

Simon Conti
New recruit for '08, proved to be a good option for the side. Played every position holding his own in the four games he played. Very hard runner, committed teammate and even played injured in Round 5 - his best game. Always desperate in defence, he marked well and put the pressure on opponents. Another who voted well in his first season.

Daniel Vitale
Saw every match this season and was fantastic support for the team, standing on the boundary with Dean and sometimes myself. Great to have him back.

Thanks to our one-gamer in 2008, Kate Mellor, who did a fine job in defence in Round 3.