Coachy's 2009 Season In Review

Hi everyone,

It was great to hear the news that rec footy was to return for season 2009, and for the second year running, being held at Box Hill. The competition only had the four teams this year, compared to six in '08, but it allowed everyone to play each other twice in what was a seven week comp. I was personally looking forward to the season, especially after our group finished off 2008 in such flying style, winning our last two matches and introducing some exciting new players.
 
We farewelled Rob Rizzo, whose music teaching career took a positive step forward getting a full time job in Hamilton; Margit Tully, who had family commitments; and Dave Gutteridge. All three have played great footy for our group - and we never know, may still see them back at The Bullets some day! But as always with this footy club, we welcomed another promising recruit, Renee Tsongas to the ranks - and we hope she plays many games for the Bullets. Otherwise the playing list was the same going into this season. A down side though, was losing Rob Hazell to injury, which kept him out for the entire 7 weeks. We had lost Dean Jones last year to injury, so we're hoping this doesn't happen to one of our stars again next year.
 
So, we were ready to go and 2009 proved a very successful year for us. The competition didn't seem as strong this year, with The Bullets pretty much dominating five of the seven weeks. The other teams seemed really up & down throughout the season, and our only two losses came on behalf of The Wannabees, which were very close encounters anyway. Still, it was great to see us winning by pretty big margins. It was also great to see fantastic contests against The Wannabees - our three games against them (barring Simon's injury) were a highlight as both sides were evenly matched. Winning the flag in '09 in rec footy was terrific and being able to play off in a grand final against The Wannabees was a good experience for us, as it gave an opportunity to watch our group handle a bit of 'rec footy pressure' against a good side.
 
All our players did really well throughout the season. Simon and Brent were big improvers, playing attacking footy all year - Simon in defence & Brent pretty much everywhere. Narelle, Andrew and Luke continued their consistency around the ground and it was a plus having Dean finishing the year back to his best. We tried Dani in different parts of the ground, which she adapted to well, and Renee made a solid start with her two games, including the flag win. To win the comp this year is a great result for us, but just as important was playing well and matching it with the other strong side the competition had to offer.
 
It's also farewell to Simon, who went down with that knee injury in Round 6. He played a wonderful two seasons for us in '08 & '09, with his high leaping and hard running. Sport can be cruel sometimes, in his 2 seasons with the club, he was forced to miss both our finals victories over the two years through injury. Still, he made his way down to both those matches to support the players, which is just as impressive as his playing contribution.
 
Also just a mention to everyone who participated in the Victorian Corporate Games at Albert Park in November - what a fantastic, yet gruelling day that was, but it was well worth it with great exercise and team togetherness. Well done to Josh Pitts for playing some great footy and to Luke for organising the day for the players.
 
And to finish, a big thankyou to our No 1 Ticket Holder, Dan Vitale for being right behind the players on match day and supporting everyone involved, and to those who filled in for the team this year.


Coachy's Player Report Cards

Andrew Merryweather
Another fine season, has all the attributes to dominate this competition. Very consistent around the ground again - proving more than just a forward. Could really explode in 2010.

Brent Jones
Massive improver this season. Can play anywhere and plays with guts and heart. Really turning into a brilliant, reliable utility player. Should continue on from last year's best and fairest.

Danijela Mijic
Another impressive year, she really enjoys the contest. Improved kicking and always a brilliant mark. Consistently good in the middle and up forward.

Dean Jones
Returning after a year of injury. Slowish start but finished off the year strongly. Back to his brilliant best for last three games in premiership season.

Luke Barisic
Not one of his dominating seasons, but ever consistent. Hasn't missed a minute of any game since the Bullets started. Consistency and reliability in this game make him a great.

Narelle Randall
Very good year, again. Impressive in the positions she plays and becoming more consistent in finding the footy over past two years. Also becoming a very good mark. Terrific leader on the ground.

Renee Tsongas
Great start to Rec Footy in her two appearances. Found the footy well in both games and adapted well in Grand Final, playing the centre and back. Good future.

Simon Conti
Magnificent season before injury struck him down. High leap - and plays in front. Super runner, he thrives on the contest and wills himself to get better. Made defence his own this year. Voted well again.

Daniel Vitale
Strong support for players and coach - once again saw every match - and every goal.

Thanks to our one-gamers in 2009, Belinda Goldsworthy and Laura Walters, who both managed to kick goals in their respective games.