WRFL Annual Report 2012.Indd
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ANNUAL REPORT 2012 WESTERN REGION FOOTBALL LEAGUE - ANNUAL REPORT (2012) Front Cover - Joshua Doyle celebrates Hoppers Crossing’s Division Two (Under-18) Premiership Inside Cover - Brett Shiels & David Barnaby celebrate Altona’s fi rst-ever Division One Flag Back Cover - Remi Harvard laps up Albion’s Under-14 Grand Final win WRFL ANNUAL REPORT 2012 1 PRESIDENT Bill Baarini At the end of a successful 2012 WRFL football season, I am pleased to report Board is cooperating in the review process and we look forward to the project that football in the Western Region is in good shape and that the League is outcomes, particularly those with potential to increase resources to football in well positioned to meet the challenges ahead. With all of the key tasks set in our region. the 2010 Strategic Plan now completed, the League has established a sound WRFL/Western Jets players again featured prominently in the recent AFL administrative base with the capacity to properly service its member clubs and National Draft with Spencer White (Spotswood FC) at pick No. 25 to St Kilda; to guide the expansion of club and team numbers in the years ahead. Lachlan Hunter (Williamstown Jnr FC) at pick No. 49 to Western Bulldogs; and Perhaps the most signifi cant achievement of the past three years under the Majak Daw (Wyndhamvale FC) upgraded by North Melbourne from its rookie current Board was completed this year. A major review of the League’s rules list. We wish those players every success for their future football careers and and governance culminated in June 2012 with the unanimous adoption of a will follow their progress with both pride and interest. new Statement of Rules, replacing the former Constitution and Rules. The new rules not only resolved the confl icts and omissions inherent in the previous Of course, very few of those who start their football journeys at community level documents, but most importantly clearly defi ned the role of an independent will be fortunate enough to forge a career at AFL level. The WRFL provides the Board in the League’s governance structure. A thorough review of the League’s opportunity for more than 6,000 junior and senior players to enjoy their own By-laws is now in progress under the guidance of the Rules Review Sub- levels of achievement and fulfi lment in a team-sport environment. We are Committee, chaired by Mick Psaila. The revised By-laws will be in place in time equally proud of the achievements of each and every one of the players and for the 2013 football season. umpires, both male and female, who represent our clubs and their League at both junior and senior levels throughout the football season. My thanks to Mick Psaila and all of those who have served on the Rules Review Sub Committee over the past twelve months, undertaking this important work In junior ranks, a total of seven representative teams were selected in 2012 on behalf of all member clubs. to compete in WRFL colours as part of a comprehensive Junior Interleague program. Congratulations to all of those who were selected as interleague The Western Region of Melbourne is currently the fastest-growing population representatives, and thank you to all of the coaches, team managers, trainers, base in Australia. The 2010 Strategic Plan recognised the opportunities assistants and parents who contributed to the success of the program. presented by that growth and articulated strategies to leverage the expanding population to increase football participation across the region. The fi rst signs The junior football season culminated with a total of fi fteen Grand Finals across of success of those strategies are now evident, with two newly-formed clubs the age-groups and grades. The post-season junior presentation function was admitted to membership of the WRFL for the 2013 season. a sell-out at Wyndham Cultural Centre, refl ecting the pride and enjoyment experienced by players, club offi cials, families and friends alike. AFL Victoria has also recognised the opportunities presented by the growing population of both the western and northern regions of Melbourne. The At senior level, Altona Football Club won its fi rst ever Division 1 Grand Final, AFL Victoria Western and North West Region Future Directions Project was defeating perennial fi nalists Spotswood in a cliff-hanger by a single point. instigated during the 2012 season, aimed to “provide recommendations The game was a fi ne example of skill, courage and sportsmanship – a fi tting regarding the best structure for football competitions in these regions that will: testament to the image and standard of WRFL football. 1. Support sustainable Clubs In Division 2, Yarraville-Seddon Eagles held off a brave Parkside to triumph in another high-standard Grand Final. The Eagles will return to Division 1 in 2. Focus on increasing participation at all levels 2013, following four years of rebuilding in Division 2. 3. Maximise the future growth potential within the area” Congratulations to all teams that competed in the 21 Grand Finals, junior and AFL Victoria has appointed a Project Offi cer as a full-time resource for the senior, in season 2012; and particularly to those who enjoyed the ultimate review, working with the WRFL and other leagues across the region. The WRFL success of winning a premiership cup. Altona & Spotswood line-up for the National Anthem prior to the Division One Grand Final 2 WRFL ANNUAL REPORT 2012 The task of staging the WRFL fi nals series becomes more complex as our Our fund-raising support for the EJ Whitten Foundation in 2012 resulted in competition expands. This year, a total of 112 fi nals games were played over presentation to the foundation of a cheque for $10,000 in October. The a seven week period in August/September at fi ve venues across the region. foundation directs its funding to promotion of important men’s health We are grateful to Wyndham and Hobsons Bay Councils and to Westbourne messages and to research into the treatment of testicular cancer. The WRFL is Grammar School for their assistance and cooperation in providing the venues proud to be associated with the EJ Whitten Foundation, particularly given the used for our fi nals. Unfortunately, there are insuffi cient event venues across status of the football legacy of Ted Whitten Snr and his origin in the FDFL/WRFL the western region to meet our growing needs. The Board and administration at Braybrook Football Club. Plans are already afoot to increase our support for will need to address the venue shortage with local and state government the foundation in the years ahead. authorities as a matter of urgency. Thanks to League’s small but able band of staff, led by CEO Bob Tregear, who The Western Region Football League has established strong relationships have worked so hard throughout the past year to deliver the outcomes set by with a range of organisations across the region. In addition to the fi ve local the Board. government Councils (Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, Brimbank, Wyndham and Melton), we enjoy the strong and growing support of a wide range of sponsors, Thanks also to my fellow Board members who have all taken seriously their including the Western Bulldogs Football Club, Werribee Football Club and the responsibilities to provide sound, responsible and independent governance of Williamstown Football Club. We have also committed to supporting the work of the affairs of the League. Treasurer Dominic Drenen and directors Mick Psaila the EJ Whitten Foundation as our ongoing community partner. and Terry McGarity have all nominated for re-election at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting and will be declared elected, unopposed. I congratulate them Our valued sponsors are listed and acknowledged elsewhere in this report. I extend our thanks and gratitude to all of the sponsoring partners who have and thank them for their ongoing commitments. supported the League fi nancially in 2012. We could not exist without the Finally, thank you to all of the club offi cials, parents and supporters who have support of those sponsors and I encourage all associated with the WRFL to contributed to the work and success of the WRFL in season 2012. I wish you reciprocate support to those businesses wherever possible. all best wishes for the festive season and look forward to working with you The links between football bodies in the west are strong across AFL, VFL and again in season 2013. community levels. We are grateful for the continuing support of the Western Bulldogs, Werribee and Williamstown Football Clubs, all of whom support the Bill Baarini WRFL fi nancially and in the delivery of football programs. We look forward to President further strengthening those relationships to underpin the continued growth of football in Melbourne’s west. Back (From Left): Janine Mizzi, Dominic Drenen (Treasurer), Bruce Mildenhall, Bob Tregear (CEO), Bill Baarini (President), David Newton (GM – Football Operations), John O’Callaghan (Vice President), Gina Smith Front (From Left): Barry Lovell, Terry McGarity, Michael Psaila WRFL ANNUAL REPORT 2012 3 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Bob Tregear The 2012 football season was one of signifi cant achievements, despite the many challenges presented in a diffi cult social and economic environment. The value of a sound strategic planning and management process was vindicated by the achievement of virtually all of the targeted outcomes set out in the League’s 2010 three-year Strategic Plan. On the playing fi eld, outstanding fi nals series at both senior and junior levels; continued growth in junior team numbers; the introduction of Under 12 Girls and Youth Girls competitions; and further advances in umpiring standards and numbers were some of the stand-out results.