BLACK DIAMOND AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE Inc

Black Diamond AFL Inc 16th Annual Report

BLACK DIAMOND AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE Inc.

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Financial Report & Balance Sheet

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

INDEX 2017 Officials and Office Bearers 3 League Honour Board 4 BDAFL Board of Management 4 Presidents Report 5 Football Operations Manager’s Report 6 BDAFL Coach Mentoring Program 15 Treasurers Report 16 Equalisation Policy 18 Umpires’ Coach Report 21 Club Field Umpires 23 Women Club Field Umpire Program 23 Women’s Football 24 Sponsorship 26 BDAFL Strategic Plan 27 Season Launch 28 BarTV 29 Run Against Violence 31 Community Involvement 31 Representative Football 32 Daniel Lloyd Debuts for GWS Giants 38 Pippa Smyth Drafted by GWS Giants 38 BDAFL Youngsters Continue to Shine 38 Milestone – Peter Van Dam 39 Finals 40 2017 Premiers & Best on Ground Winners 49 Elliott Davey Medal Presentation Night 50 Elliott Davey Medallist 52 Granland Medallist 53 Women’s Best & Fairest Medallists 53 Chris Arnold Medallist 53 Black Diamond Cup Coaches MVP 53 Black Diamond Cup Team of the Year 54 BDAFL Women’s Team of the Year 55 BDAFL Rising Star – Men’s & Women’s 56 Most Outstanding Young Footballer – Men’s & Women’s 57 James J Arnold Volunteer of the Year 58 AFL Merit Award 59 Club Championship 60 Club Administration Award 60 Leading Goalkickers 61 Milestone – John Sullivan 61 Milestone - Dane Amidy 62 Best & Fairest Voting 63 Tribunal 65 Approved Suppliers 66 Publicity 67 Football Record 69 Quality League Management 69 Grants & Facilities 70 Calender of Events 71 Competition Ladders 73 Black Diamond Cup Home & Away Results 74 Black Diamond Plate Home & Away Results 75 Women’s Home & Away Results 77 Reserve Grade Home & Away Results 79 2017 Club Statistics 81 Divisionalisation Analysis 85 Black Diamond AFL Records 86 2017 Financial Statements 91

 BLACK DIAMOND AFL Inc  ABN: 92 825 700 134 Unit 1, 15 Kam Close, Morisset NSW 2264 PO Box 9163, Wyoming NSW 2250 Football Operations Manager: Mobile: 0400 725 384 [email protected] www.bdafl.com.au 2

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

2017 OFFICIALS AND OFFICE BEARERS

President Wal Bembic

Vice President Phil Lewis

Board Members Megan Farrell, Kevin Greaves, Paul Kelly, Luke Rankin, Mark Stocker

Football Operations Manager Garry Burkinshaw

Treasurer Garry Burkinshaw

Football Record Editor Website Editor Independent Arbiter Garry Burkinshaw Garry Burkinshaw Anthony Monk

Committees Umpires Coach: Ms Christine Burrows Liaison: Jake Lowe Selectors: Ms Christine Burrows Garry Burkinshaw John Sullivan

Tribunal Panel Anthony Monk Paul Deaves Dave Thomas

Representative Staff - Men’s Representative Staff – Women’s Coach: Chris Bishop Simon Berry Asst Coach Martin Reiman John Parker & Lauren Cooper Selectors: Garry Burkinshaw (Chairman) Simon Berry Mitch Knight John Parker Martin Reiman Lauren Cooper Manager: Garry Burkinshaw Eliza Bunner Captain: Peter Van Dam Jess Phillips Runner: Jimmy Newburn Orana Eslick Trainers: Sean Riedel & Bob Dickson Craig Read

Life Members D.Amidy, +Senator J Arnold, +J. Arnold Jnr, +A. Baylis, D. Bouch, L. Boyd, +W. Best, R. Boyle, +B. Brown-Parker, L. Butt, G. Clark, +D. Craney, R. Dinneen, W. Deenen, E. Dixon, +W. Elliott OAM, +A. Gilpin, I. Granland OAM, +F. Kaaden, D.Luck, D. Manson, G. McBain, J. McCormack, Ald D. McDougal, D. McKenzie, +J. McKeown, +A. Needs, A. Oaten, R. Pratt, N. Reading, +D. Rees, Pastor W. Robinson, +A. Savage, C. Shackleton V. Stark, I. Shugg, J. Sullivan, +N. Turner, R. Walters, C. Watson +Deceased

BDAFL Ambassadors Jarred McVeigh, Mark McVeigh, Isaac Heeney, Craig Bird, Troy Luff, Matt Granland, Maurice Goolagong, Steve Allan,

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

BDAFL BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

LEAGUE HONOUR BOARD

YEAR PRESIDENT VICE GENERAL PREMIERS ELLIOTT-DAVEY MEDAL LEADING GOALKICKER PRESIDENT MANAGER 2000 *David Phillips Chris Arnold Michael Coligan Terrigal Avoca Troy Bayliss (C) 18 M. Goolagong (TA) 64 Chris Arnold Barry Leacy 2001 Chris Arnold Barry Leacy Greg Stewart West Newc. Wallsend Shawn Simpson (C) 20 M Goolagong (TA) 135 2002 Chris Arnold Barry Leacy Greg Stewart Cardiff David Hamilton (TA) 20 M.Goolagong (TA) 102 D. Healey (C) 102 2003 Barry Leacy Ian Granland Greg Stewart Newcastle City Jason Coulloupas (NC)16 M.Goolagong (TA) 122 OAM 2004 Ian Granland OAM Trevor Drake Greg Stewart Cardiff Jason Coulloupas (NC)22 M.Goolagong (TA) 121 2005 Ian Granland OAM *Trevor Drake Garry Burkinshaw Cardiff Clint Austerberry (KV) 24 M Goolagong (TA) 83 David Flynn 2006 Ian Granland OAM *David Flynn Garry Burkinshaw Cardiff Clint Austerberry (KV) 23 Michael Ryan (C) 92 John McMahon Angus Darling (TA) 23 2007 Ian Granland OAM Rob Dixon Scott Ledwidge Killarney Vale Tim Sheldon (C) 20 C.Knight (NC) 110 2008 Steve Smith Ian Kingwill *Scott Ledwidge Newcastle City Luke Rawnsley (NC) 28 Michael Ryan (C) 108 Les Hornery 2009 Steve Smith Grant Godfrey Scott Ledwidge Newcastle City Angus Darling (TA) 30 Peter Van Dam (TA) 76 2010 Steve Smith *Ian Granland Scott Ledwidge Newcastle City Mitchell Knight (NC) 18 Michael Ryan (C) 72 Michael Way 2011 Scott Harrington Anthony Monk Shayne McKenzie Newcastle City Ben Hodges(WB) 17 M Goolagong (TA) 82 2012 Scott Harrington Anthony Monk Adam Lowe Terrigal Avoca Anthony Stewart (NC) 19 Peter Van Dam (TA) 62 2013 Michael Gray Vacant Garry Burkinshaw Newcastle City James Webster (TA) 15 Courtney Knight (NC) 74 2014 Michael Gray Vacant Garry Burkinshaw Terrigal Avoca James Webster (TA) 22 Courtney Knight (NC) 76 2015 Wal Bembic Phil Lewis Garry Burkinshaw Terrigal Avoca James Webster (TA) 21 Courtney Knight (NC) 55 2016 Wal Bembic Phil Lewis Garry Burkinshaw Newcastle City Jayden Rymer (NB) 15 Mitch Crawford (NC) 68 2017 Wal Bembic Phil Lewis Garry Burkinshaw Terrigal Avoca Tom Yensch (C) 25 Scott Reed (KV) 32 * Resigned

BDAFL EXECUTIVE MEETING ATTENDANCE (From 1 November 2016 to 30 October 2017)

NAME No. Eligible to Attend No. Attended Apologies/Absent Wal Bembic 12 11 1 Phil Lewis 12 11 1 Kevin Greaves 12 10 2 Luke Rankin 12 2 10 Paul Kelly 12 8 4 Mark Stocker 12 7 5 Megan Farrell 12 10 2

BDAFL MAJOR SPONSOR

BDAFL MAJOR PARTNERS

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

In my time on the board of the BDAFL no season has been more demanding of its leadership. I believe our league has stepped up to the mark in so many areas that its gives me great satisfaction and confidence for what we can achieve.

The successes have been many, the Drafting of Pippa Smyth to the GWS, the debut of Daniel Lloyd, the significant performance of our Representative sides against Sydney AFL, the continued growth of Women’s Football along with the most competitive Black Diamond Cup season ever.

Of the Field we introduced our Equalization Policy, Coaches Mentor, Women’s Club Umpire program, Record Sponsorship along with continued support of Community projects- all initiatives that add to our existing benefits like BAR TV, Club Visit, Football Record and excellent Social and Media coverage. These programs are unique to our League in NSW and our clubs should be proud that we are now a benchmark in these areas.

The introduction of the Equalization Policy has bought much criticism and unfair abuse but ultimately was proved successful and has prepared the League for an expanded Black Diamond Cup Competition.

I would like to thank the clubs and Umpires for their continued support and vision, Our Sponsors, AFLNSW, in particular Simon Smyth for his excellent work on facilities in the region, and also the Board of the BDAFL for their commitment and input to steering the League in 2017.

Special Mention must be made of our Operations Manager Garry Burkinshaw who has the most thankless task of implementing the Boards and Clubs decisions, I understand the duress Garry worked under this year and I am sure that the abuse and criticism he received from the minority for implementing the Boards decisions was, and in future will be appreciated 100 fold by the majority of our League.

As we prepare for 2018 we are currently discussing the future of football in the region with AFLNSW. We both agree that Senior and Junior Football would be best served by a single entity. I am sure the BDAFL could administer Junior Football with the same inclusive and innovative passion that has served the Seniors so well, The Board will continue to be driven by the majority of our clubs and I see no reason why we will not continue prosper if we are diligent and refuse to accept mediocrity. Our Pillars of Strong Management, Competitive Football and Healthy Clubs have been never more important and I can assure our members we will be tenacious in our pursuit of these goals

Wal Bembic BDAFL President

2017 BDAFL Board (L to R) Top: Wal Bembic (President), Phil Lewis (Vice President), Kevin Greaves, Paul Kelly Bottom: Mark Stocker, Luke Rankin, Megan Farrell

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

FOOTBALL OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT

The dust has barely settled in the 2017 season and already preparations have begun for the 2018 season, a season which will usher in significant change.

The 2017 was a season which provided plenty of challenges, but more importantly more highlights as the league continues in it’s pursuit of “strong management, healthy clubs and competitive football”.

These highlights, amongst others included:

- The successful restructuring of the men’s competitions - Growth of the Women’s competition - Introduction of the Equalisation Policy - BDAFL’s continuing the relationship with Run Against Violence - Strong Representative Performances - New Sponsors - Continued Success of BarTV - BDAFL Coach Mentoring - Establishment of Women’s Club Umpiring Training Program - Increased Club Community Involvement - Finalisation of “Strategic Plan 2018-2020” - I congratulate the 2017 Premiers, Terrigal Avoca who claimed a fifth Black Diamond Cup Premiership, Maitland who won thir first ever senior premiership claiming the Black Diamond Plate Premiership, Cardiff who claimed the Reserve Grade Premiership and Newcastle City who had the most dominant season, going through undefeated to claim the GE Women’s title.

Congratulations also to Terrigal Avoca on winning their fourth Club Championship award in the past six seasons.

The season began back in November with the holding of the Annual General Meeting. Retiring members, Wal Bembic, Kevin Greaves, Luke Rankin and Paul Kelly were returned to the Board with a vote required following the receipt of two further Board nominations.

They joined incumbent Board Members, Phil Lewis, Mark Stocker and Megan Farrell to make up the Board. At the first Board Meeting Wal Bembic and Phil Lewis were re-appointed as President and Vice President respectively.

A Planning meeting was held following the AGM, where the Board released the Equalisation Policy which was aimed at providing a more competitive Black Diamond Cup competition with the view of this competition increasing from six teams to eleven teams in 2018.

The policy included a “recruitment restriction” being placed on both Terrigal Avoca and Newcastle City (the dominant sides of the past decade), meaning that they were unable to register any players who had previously played senior football for any other club apart from their own. The exception to this were for a senior coach or as approved by the BDAFL Board.

The meeting also saw the unveiling of the new competition structure which saw the abolishment of the Divisionalisation Model which had been in place since 2012 and favour of a two senior Grades and a Reserve Grade model. One again this was also seen as a move towards the expansion of the Balck Diamond Cup competition in 2018.

The new model meant that senior teams would be required to play in either the Black Diamond Cup or Black Diamond Plate (formerly 1st Division) and the the Reserve Grade sides would play in the Reserve Grade (formerly Second Division) competitions.

Given the depth of player talent at both Terrigal Avoca and Newcastle City they were permitted to have their Reserve Grade side play in the Black Diamond Plate competition and their thirds in the Reserve Grade competition.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Twenty six nominations were received from the thirteen clubs for the men’s competition, whilst twelve nominations were received for the women’s competition. All nominations were accepted.

With the change in comptition structures, Warners Bay and Killarney Vale opted not to field a thirds team in 2017 which left Newcastle City and Terrigal Avoca as the only teams to field three men’s teams.

Lake Macquarie were able to return to fielding two teams in 2017 which left The Entrance Bateau Bay and Muswellbrook as the only clubs with only one men’s team.

Muswellbrook joined Cardiff, Gosford, Killarney Vale, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Nelson Bay, Newcastle City, Singleton, Warners Bay and Wyong Lakes in fielding teams in the women’s competition, whilst Newcastle City were granted permission to field a second standalone women’s team in 2017.

This approval was for the 2017 season only, as AFL NSW/ACT were looking to establish a second inner city club in Newcastle in 2018. Newcastle City fully understood and accepted this condition of entry and the team was known as “Newcastle Novas”.

Following the nominations the competitions were structured as follows:

Black Diamond Cup - 6 teams Black Diamond Plate - 9 teams Women’s - 12 teams Reserve Grade - 11 teams

The season ran for 21 weeks for the men’s competitions and 20 for the women, with 18 and, 17 weeks respectively for home and away matches and three weeks for finals (Reserve Grade had 17 weeks for home and away matches and four weeks for finals as they ran a final five for the first time). In the Black Diamond Cup, Plate and Women’s competitions all teams played 16 home and away matches with Reserve Grade playing 15 home and away matches. There were General Byes for both Easter and June long weekends.

The Black Diamond Cup and GE Women’s competitions both had byes scheduled for the Representative fixture on 20 May 2017.

In the Black Diamond Cup all teams played each other three times with the remaining match matches seeded based on 2016 finishing positions (i.e 1 v 2, 3 v4 & 5 v 6 played each other a fourth time).

The Divisionalised structure always makes fixturing a challenge especially in relation to having all teams playing together at the same venue, in particular at home. In the end 80% of the time clubs had all teams playing at home together and for away games clubs were scheduled at more than two venues on nine ocassions in total. The clubs have requested that the venue splits are an issue they would like to avoid moving forward which was a major consideration in the Board’s competition restructure. In saying that however the clubs should be commended for their ability to overcome the difficulties associated with their teams being at different venues on the same day and being flexible with the venues of some of their teams which resulted in clubs opting to forgo standalone home matches in order to have all teams at the same venue.

The fixture was completed using the AFL Fixture software with the draft fixture sent to clubs in December and finalised in January.

All six women’s matches were scheduled at No 1 Sportsground on July 15 as part of Women’s Round, and this was again a success.

The majority of matches were played as daylight fixtures on Saturday, however Newcastle City played a number of Black Diamond Cup twilight fixtures to enable all five matches to be played at the same venue.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Killarney Vale and Terrigal Avoca played a Black Diamond Cup match on Friday night due to a request from Killarney Vale to enable the club to travel to Sydney the following day to watch Daniel Lloyd make his AFL debut. Full credit to Terrigal Avoca for agreeing to the change on short notice. The feedback from this game was very positive with a good crowd in attendance invcluding many past players who would normally not be able to attend Saturday matches.

Overall all competitions were very keenly contested and the finals positions in all competitions not being decided until the second last round.

Overall, ten clubs had teams that competed in the finals with seven of those having teams in the Grand Final.

The standard of competition continues to improve with the number of talented players returning to play in the BDAFL and less players leaving the area to play in Sydney. This allows the depth of talent to become greater which is the secret to any standard of competition improving.

A positive was the fact that their was only one forfeit during the year, which is a credit to all clubs.

Wet weather had a minimal impact throughout 2017 with no matches having to be transferred to the wet weather weekends, with only 14 matches requiring a change of venue. Disappointingly however was the fact that all matches scheduled at No 1 Sportsground as part of “Big-Freeze-Newcastle” had to be re-scheduled to both Nelson Bay and Maitland due to the ground being closed.

The only issue towards the end of the season was that the grounds were becoming too hard due to the lack of rainfall.

A major improvement in the BDAFL competition is the standard of the grounds and the ability to withstand significant rainfall. This, along with the support of the clubs and councils enables matches to proceed when in the past they would need to be postponed or cancelled.

Once again the clubs need to be commended on their ability to be able to change venues and match times at late notice, often resulting in loss of players as well as a financial loss.

In regards to facilities, Warners Bay’s ground, Feighan Oval benefitted from major ground renovations, which has turned it into an all weather surface. The clubs certainly appreciated the improvements and look forward to further future works proposed.

Newcastle No 1 Sportsground continues to be an enigma and whilst the ground was presented in pristine condition for the finals, it did come at the expense of Newcastle City having very limited access for training and as such were forced to train at a venue not suitable for a club of their size.

Cardiff returned to Hillsborough Oval full time this year with senior matches being played at the venue for the first time, whilst the club waits to move into the new facility at Cameron Park, which is expected to be completed in 2018.

With Cardiff no longer sharing Newcastle No 1 Sportsground, Newcastle City took over the winter tenancy from the BDAFL.

A $4 parking fee was once again applicable at No 1 Sportsground with Newcastle Lions Club acting as gate managers. The funds were split evenly between Newcastle City, Newcastle Netball and Lions Clubs. No other venue charged an entry fee for Home and Away matches.

2017 saw the BDAFL continue to partner the charity organisation, “Run Against Violence” (see separate section “Run Against Violence).

The BDAFL Board visit every club at training during the year to host a sausage sizzle whilst also conducting 400m races for both men and women, culminating with the finals being held in Grand Final day. The visits were well received.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

In addition to the club visits the BDAFL also held Delegates meetings in both March and July, whilst an Operations meeting was also held prior to the commencement of the season. All meetings were well attended.

2017 saw the Black Diamond AFL receive the support of a growing number of sponsors, both existing and new, inclusing a new major sponsor, Hunter Haval (see separate section “Sponsorship”).

Sponsorship is an important part of any sporting body whether it be a club or the league and we are grateful for the support we received. It is important however that we continue to support those businesses which support us.

2017 also saw the continuation of broadcasts of BDAFL matches courtesy of BarTV both live over the internet and on replay over the internet and at selected clubs and hotels through the Hunter, Sydney and Illawarra regions. (Refer separate section “BarTV”)

Overall, 33 matches were shown live, including 8 women’s matches with a further 33 matches (12 women’s) shown on replay.

Viewership increased by 200% during 2017 with numbers reaching 139,974 which is a fantastic result.

This initiative was well received by the clubs, the players and both BDAFL and AFL supporters.

The league once again held two major off-field functions, both were held at the Belmont 16 Footers Sailing Club and both were major successes.

The first was the Season Launch held on Sunday, 19 March 2017 with the event a lunch time event and was attended by approximately 100 club members and officials.” (refer separate section “Season Launch”)

The Leagues Gala off-field event of the year, the Elliott Davey Medal Presentation night was also held at Belmont 16 Footers Sailing Club. The event was attended by approximately 280 people who had an enjoyable night. Congratulations on Tom Yensch on winning the Elliott Davey Medal. (refer separate section “Elliott Davey Medal Presentation Night”).

Representative Football again played a major role in the 2017 season with the BDAFLHosting AFL Sydney for the first time at both men’s and women’s level. (refer separate section “Representative Football”)

Both matches were very competitive and of high standard, and whilst the BDAFL may not have got the results they were looking for, it was certainly a positive for the league.

Recent murmurings from head office that support for Representative Football is waning is disappointing as it plays an important part in the BDAFL program. The BDAFL Board is committed to finding quality opposition for our talented players to continue to thrive to play the best football possible and in doing so test themselves at the next level.

Arrangements have been confirmed for the BDAFL Men’s and Women’s teams to play AFL Canberra in Canberra next year.

Unfortunately the pre-season matches against the Sydney Swans Academy did not proceed due to a change in the National Under 18’s program.

We hope that these matches will be able to be rescheduled next year along with a women’s development game.

A NEAFL game was scheduled in Newcastle between Sydney Swans Reserves and Gold Coast Suns Reserves on 27 May.

The date of the match could not have conflicted with the BDAFL more, given it was played the week following the Representative Fixture and also on the same day as “Indigenous Round” which is a major BDAFL event. 9

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Prior to the match an approach was made to the AFL to have young local players used as “top up” player for both teams. This would not only provide a great experience for those players but also generate significant local interest. This was the case in 2013 when 11 local players were used as top up players for the Swans. Unfortunately this request was denied.

The match as a contest was a non-event with the Swans winning by 88 points, whilst the media coverage of the match was similar.

The BDAFL fully supports NEAFL matches being played in Newcastle, however for it to be a success consulation needs to take place regarding the timing for the match and the use of local players a must to generate the local interest.

The BDAFL was abuzz in on 13 May 2017 when former Killarney Vale forward, Daniel Lloyd made his AFL debut for GWS Giants against Collingwood at Spotless Stadium.

A huge contingent of Killarney Vale, and BDAFL members made the trip to watch Daniel and certainly made their presence heard before, during and after the match.

The Black Diamond Cup fixture between Killarney Vale and Terrigal Avoca scheduled for the Saturday, was hastily moved to the Friday night to enable players and supporters to make the trip.

After a promising debut, which included a goal, Daniel went on the play seven matches in his debut season (five wins) and was rewarded with a further two year contract with the Giants.

There was significant media attention surrounding Daniel both in the lead up to his debut game and during the season which provided excellent publicity for both the BDAFL and Killarney Vale.

Former Cardiff youngster, BDAFL Ambassador and Sydney Swans star, Isaac Heeney continued his rise through the AFL ranks and is now a key player for the club. After missing the early part of the season with glandular fever (coincided with the Swans poor start to the season) Isaac performed well in the second half of the season to finish 10th in the Clubs Best & Fairest award.

It was great to see Isaac and Daniel promoting the role that Cardiff and Killarney Vale played in their development and also to see them at local games when they returned to Newcastle and Central Coast respectively.

Former Warners Bay player, Paul Hunter continued on Adelaide’s Rookie List and whilst unable to obtain AFL selection was a strong contributor in the SANFL competition.

It was an exciting time for the women as well, which started with Nelson Bay’s Lisa Steane being a member of the GWS Giants train-on squad for the inaugural AFLW season. Lisa travelled to Sydney on a weekly basis to train with the Giants and even travelled to Adelaide with the team for one match when she was named as an emergency.

It ended on an even higher note with Pippa Smyth being drafted to the GWS Giants with Pick 43 of the 2017 draft. This is a fantastic result not just for Smyth but women’s football in the region and also the BDAFL. We look forward to watching her AFLW career unfold and seeing her back at Nelson Bay in 2018 following the AFLW season.

Warners Bay youngster, Jack Hardman continues to impress in his quest to join an AFL club. Having moved to Sydney at the end of last year at the behest of the Sydney Swans, Hardman impressed at the Under 18’s National Carnival, initially with the Sydney Swans Academy and then as a member of the Allies side.

Hardman’s performances saw him receive an invitation to attend the AFL State Combine.

2017 saw a number of significant milestones highlighted by John Sullivan who umpired an historic 1,000th match in May.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Other milestones include Killarney Vale’s (and BDAFL Life Member) Dane Amidy play his 350th senior game for his beloved Bombers, whilst Peter Van Dam celebrated his 300th senior game for Terrigal Avoca, in his final year of football.

We congratulate John, Dane, Peter and any other player/official who celebrated milestones in 2017.

Coaching Accreditation was again compulsory for all appointed coaches in 2017. Coaching courses were held in Sydney and Hexham prior to the season starting whilst a course was also held at Doyalson in May.

A major initiative of the BDAFL in 2017 was the commencement of a Coach Mentoring program for all the BDAFL senior coaches. In a major coup, current GWS Giants Assistant Coach and former Essendon player, Mark McVeigh was appointed as the mentor.

The program involved all the senior coaches having access to Mark on a regular basis to discuss all aspects of coaching. In addition to this Mark held three face-to-face sessions where he was very open and honest with coaching issues, discussing such things as tactics, training drills as well as player management. The program is a fantastic opportunity for the coaches in their development, and one that is not readily available elsewhere.

Discussions are underway for the program to not only continue in 2018 but also be expanded.

Once again the Newcastle Central Coast Umpires Association (NCCUA) was again affiliated with the BDAFL. The relationship between the BDAFL and NCCUA is very positive and this is due to the excellent leadership shown by President, Jake Lowe and his committee.

As per the existing agreement, Umpire payments continued to be in two parts with the major component continuing to be paid on match day whilst the umpires had the opportunity to be paid an incentive payment of approximately 30%. To receive the incentive payment the umpires had to be available for 66% of matches, attend 75% of training and to either be accredited or obtaining accreditation. Those umpires who met the incentive criteria received their incentive payments at the end of Rounds 6, 12 &18 and at the conclusion of the year.

Christine Burrows was reappointed as Umpires Coach for a fifth year and once again her performance in this role was excellent. Christine development skills continue to shine with the number of junior umpires progressing through to BDAFL ranks continuing to rise. The BDAFL under Christine’s guidance are the leaders in umpire development in the state with a number of umpires being given the opportunity to officiate a higher level matches or be part of pathway development squads, this included the BDAFL’s leading umpire Joseph O’Brien who was appointed to officiate in an AFLW match.

Christine was selected to undertake an AFL Executive Certificate High Performance Umpire Coaching and Management Course. There are only 14 invitations granted Australia wide for this course.

Christine has already been reappointed for 2018.

Two umpire training bases were again established, one at Pat Jordan Oval in Newcastle on Wednesday evenings and one at Bateau Bay Sporting Facility on the Central Coast on Tuesday evenings. In addition to this, during the season all umpires would meet at the AFL Office in Morisset for a combined coaching session.

The Umpire’s appointment panel consisted of Christine, NCCUA Representative (John Sullivan) and BDAFL Representative (Garry Burkinshaw).

The appointment process remained unchanged with all Black Diamond Cup matches being allocated a full panel of umpires, with one field umpire then appointed to all Black Diamond Plate matches followed by Women/Reserve Grade. Should there be surplus umpires after this, two umpires would then be appointed, commencing at Black Diamond Plate. For Women’s Round and finals a full complement of umpires were appointed for all matches.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Club umpires continued to play an important role in the BDAFL with each team in Black Diamond Plate, Women’s and Reserve Grade required to provide a club umpire. This meant that when an NCCUA umpire was appointed there would be three umpires officiating the match. No match could commence without a minimum of two umpires.

The upskilling of our Club Umpires continued to be a major focus for 2017 with club umpires required to complete an on-line training accreditation, as well as register in the Umpires Footyweb database prior to acting as a Club Umpire.

Clubs were given additional “Club of the Year” points for providing registered Club Umpires as well as once when a Club Umpire has officiated on ten match days.

There were 98 club umpires who officiated at least one match, of which 14 umpired on more than 10 match days.

Daryl Pemberton and Simon Denham were rewarded for their club umpiring performances by being appointed to Reserve Grade finals matches. It is the first time that club umpires had officiated in the finals.

In 2017 the BDAFL Board introduced “Women’s Club Umpire Program” in an attempt the encourage women to become either accredited or club umpires.

The program, ran by Christine, saw all women’s clubs required to provide a minimum of two women to be part of the program, which included three training sessions, with the option then to umpire with the assistance of a mentor during the Women’s Gala Day. Unfortunately the final training session and the women’s gala day were unable to be held due to wet weather.

Despite not being able to complete the program it was pleasing to note that from the program two women became accredited umpires whilst a further six umpires officiated matches during the year.

This program will continue in 2018.

In another major development, the way in which the umpires completed the Umpires Match Report and Best & Fairest votes was changed.

In previous years the umpires would complete their paperwork and give to the home club, who in turn would post to the BDAFL along with their documents.

This year all paperwork was submitted on-line as follows:

• The umpires would be allocated their match via Footyweb, which would give them access to the Umpires Match Report and Best & Fairest votes for their designated match via a phone app.

• At the completion of the match, the umpires would complete the report and votes via the app and then also take a photo of the team lists and send to the Football Operations Manager via SMS or e-mail. This process applied to both accredited and club umpires.

• The home clubs in turn would take a photo of the timekeepers report, umpires sign on form and team lists, with goakickers and best and also send to the Football Operations Manager via SMS or e-mail.

• The process was much improved and saw the majority of the paperwork received on Saturday night as opposed to the following Thursday/Friday depending on Australia Post.

The BDAFL continued with the Yellow & Red Card (Send-Off) System as well the Prescribed Penalty option for reported players.

When a reportable incident was encountered the field umpire had the authority to send the player from the ground using a yellow card for minor offences for 15 minutes of elapsed playing time and a red card for more serious offences which encompassed the remainder of

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report the match. In both cases the player were permitted to be replaced, albeit after fifteen minutes for those who receive a red card.

As in past years, the Umpires completed the Report form and Offence Grade Template on- line after the match. Once the forms were completed on line the Football Operations Manager when then send a copy of the report form, offence grade template as well as the Prescribed Penalty offered to the clubs. The clubs had until 12pm on Tuesday to advise if they would accept the prescribed penalty or wish to have the matter heard by the tribunal the following evening.

The Black Diamond AFL once again accepted the AFL NSW/ACT Tribunal Manual Guidelines with a couple of minor local amendments made.

This year there were 21 reports made of which all opted to take the Prescribed Penalty, alleviating the need for the tribunal panel to meet.

In 2017 the BDAFL Investigative Officer was required to investigate two incidents.

As with 2016 there were only minimal By-Law changes in 2017, most emanating from changes in the AFL NSW/ACT Generic By-laws and Regulations, which the BDAFL adopts with local variations.

The clubs and the BDAFL continue to do their bit in the aid of charity with over $46K raised for a wide range of charities (refer separate section “Community Involvement”). This does not include the $141K raised as part of “Big-Freeze-Newcastle” which was chaired by Newcastle City President, Daniel Gardner.

The clubs continued to build on their relationship with the junior clubs within their pathways. In addition to providing coaches for the junior clubs match day activities as well Auskickers playing at half time of the main game.

This is a positive step and whilst it would be fair to say that some clubs engage with their junior clubs better than others, they all acknowledge the importance the junior clubs play.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of all clubs and in 2017 they once again played an important role and we thank them for that. Congratulations to Mark Rohan, Singleton who was named BDAFL Volunteer of the Year, whilst John Sullivan was awarded a prestigious AFL Merit Award for his services to umpiring.

We thank everyone who filled a volunteer role, no matter how big or small during the year.

In 2017, the BDAFL used Sherrin KB footballs, with a new football required for all Black Diamond Cup matches. A used football (defined as having not been used for more than three games previously) could be used for all other grades including women’s. The men’s footballs carried both the BDAFL logo and the Hunter Haval logo with the Women’s Footballs carrying the BDAFL and GE Industrial Solutions logo.

The BDAFL were required to order the footballs through AFL NSW/ACT which resulted in the clubs getting the Match day footballs at a subsidised rate. The BDAFL also provided a further subsidy of $10 per match ball which saw clubs paying $106 per match ball as opposed to the RRP of $150. All match day footballs were provided free for Women’s matches.

After renewing their exclusive supplier of playing apparel agreement with BLK for three years during 2016, the BDAFL were stunned by the news that BLK were placed in receivership.

The Board acted quickly and were able to come to an agreement with ISC to over from BLK on the same terms.

The agreement was for ISC to be the supplier of on-field playing apparel for the BDAFL and their clubs. In exchange ISC provided a rebate the BDAFL 7.5% for each purchase.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

All clubs were again required to order their playing apparel through the Football Operations Manager. Whilst this creates a significant amount of work it is a valuable service that the BDAFL offers to the clubs. (refer separate section “Approved Suppliers”).

Apart from some minor issues with our Account Manager (which saw him replaced), the service provided by ISC was first rate and we have developed a solid relationship with not only our Account Manager, but also the State Manager.

Insurance for clubs, players and public liability was again taken out through JLT Sport as part of the National AFL Program. AFL NSW/ACT paid the premium on our league’s behalf then invoiced the BDAFL who in turn invoiced the clubs. The league paid the insurance premium for the NCCUA.

The league continued to use the Sporting Pulse Footyweb System which enabled match information to be input directly and edited by club personnel. Almost all clubs used the Livescoring function and this proved to be popular with the supporters who were able to keep up to date with the scores of all matches via the BDAFL website and the Fox Sports Pulse App which enabled the scores to be viewed via a mobile device.

Home clubs were also required to update match details by 7:00pm on the night of the game/s whilst those clubs who did not livescore their games were required to provide a text message with quarter by quarter scores. I commend those who undertook this duty for their dedication in the way they got the job done.

In 2017, player registration was completed on-line only this year and was done using an e- mail address as opposed to a username and password which was the previous method. Whilst understanding the AFL’s reason for doing so this process is a most time consuming role for both club and league administrators. This has been relayed to AFL NSW/ACT however there appears to be no relief in sight.

The BDAFL’s exposure continues to grow weather it be by way of the three traditional forms (TV, Radio, Newspaper) or by social media (refer separate section “Public”). The media and marketing component of the Footy Operations Managers role has grown significantly in recent years, however with good results. I would particularly like to thank Dave Redden for his support throughout the year with both media reports and radio interviews.

The league received unprecendented media coverage in the lead up to the Preliminary Final with Cardiff captain, Simon O’Brien and his fiancée Cat getting married on the morning of the match prior to Simon leading Cardiff into the Preliminary Final , which they won. The story not only received local coverage but also national and even international coverage.

Following on from the season end the BDAFL Board released “Strategic Plan 2018-20” which outlines the Boards vision for the next three years which underpins the Boards vision of “Strong Management, Healthy Clubs & Competitive Football”.

As mentioned at the beginning whilst there were many high points during the year there were also challenges and non more so than those experienced following the Board’s introduction of the Equalisation Policy,

The policy was obviously universally accepted by the eleven clubs who were not affected, whilst Terrigal Avoca weren’t in favour of the policy, however understood that something needed to be done to make the competition more competitive and accepted the policy.

Newcastle City were vehemently opposed to the policy and vowed to do anything in their power to have the policy overturned. This included threats of legal action as well as engaging the AFL, who supported their cause, without fully understanding the reason for policy or speaking to the other clubs (not even Terrigal Avoca) to gauge their thoughts on the policy.

Newcastle City’s cause continued for the majority of the year and included abuse via Facebook and also text messages which was very disappointing.

For a club who prides themselves on their integrity and club culture, their refusal to accept the “umpires decision” was very disappointing and disrespectful to the league as a whole. 14

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Interestingly enough a club that was equally impacted by the introduction of the policy, but accepted it and moved on, Terrigal Avoca went on to win the Black Diamond Cup Premiership, and also the Club Championship. Speaks volumes for the that club !!!

Full credit must go to the Board for displaying strong management and also for the twelve other clubs for the respect shown to the Board.

With 2017 behind us, we look towards 2018 with plenty of optimism as we introduce our new competition structure in our continuation towards “Healthy Clubs and Competitive Football”. No doubt their will be challenges that need to be worked through, however given the “Strong Management” demonstrated by the Board in the past I am certain and challenges raised can be overcome.

In closing I would like to thank all those people who have assisted me in my role this year, in particular to Wal Bembic and his Board, the Club Presidents, Secretaries, Football Managers, Coaches as well as Christine Burrows in her role as BDAFL Umpires Coach.

See you in 2018.

Garry Burkinshaw Football Operations Manager

BDAFL COACH MENTORING PROGRAM

A key issue received from clubs as part of the competition structure feedback was the need to improve the level of coaching, or more importantly the support provided to coaches.

Following on from this the Board introduced the “Coach Mentoring Program”, and in a major boost GWS Assistant Coach and former Essendon player, Mark McVeigh was appointed as the mentor. Mark’s involvement was not only approved but also encouraged by GWS Giants Coach, Leon Cameron.

An invitation was extended to all senior club coaches to be part of the program and whilst unfortunately not all coaches accepted the invitation, those who did were treated to a coaching experience not available elsewhere in community football.

The program included three group face-to-face sessions with Mark as well as access to e-mail to Mark, where coaches could request training drills, have their coaching plans reviewed or discuss with Mark any coaching issues they may have.

At the beginning Mark said that the program would not be a “Level 1 Coaching Course” and he certainly delivered on this as he challenged coaches to step outside their comfort zone.

Mark should be commended for his openness and willingness to share his coaching knowledge and that of his colleagues at GWS Giants.

Discussions are already underway for Mark to continue in this role in 2018 and for the program to be expanded to include visits to GWS Giants training sessions during the pre- season.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

TREASURER’S REPORT

The BDAFL once again had another successful year financially and remain in a strong financial position.

The books have been audited with the final result showing a profit of $11,819

A summary of the financial statements is as follows (exc GST):

2017 2016 Difference Income 245,502 232,874 + 12,628 Retails Sales 189,190 146,897 + 42,293 Total Sales 434,692 379,771 + 54,921 Cost of Goods Sold 198,680 151,064 - 47,616 Gross Profit 236,011 228,706 + 7,305 Expenditure 224,192 225,406 + 1,214 Profit 11,819 3,300 + 8,519

Items of interest:

• Non Retail Sales Income increased by 5% due to introduction of a team affiliation fee for existing women’s teams for the 1st time. • Retail Sales increased by $42,292 which reflects an increase in the purchase of off-field apparel through our licenced supplier. • Increase in Cost of Goods sold related to increase in retail purchases • Expenditure remained similar to 2016. • Increased profit reflects increase in Non Retail Sales income

A break-up of how the leagues income is allocated is as follows (exc GST): Description Income Expenditure Sub Total Surplus/Deficiency Affiliation Fees – Club Fee 50,955 Football Operations Mgr 32,962 Footy Record Editor 4,545 Treasurer Honorarium 4,546 BDAFL Umpires Coach 5,356 Umpires Training Venue 1,821 49,230 + 1,725 Affiliation Fee – Team Fee 43,727 Representative Football 5,660 Club of the Year 19,558 Football Record 4,159 Season Launch 4,334 Printing & Stationery 3,023 Women’s Round 1,673 - Operations Costs - Misc 4,172 42,579 + 1,214 Sponsorship 54,022 Advertising & Marketing 19,111 Match of the Week Subsidy 9,800 Coaches Mentor Program 5,358 Run Against Violence/Donations 1,840 Club Visits 677 Sponsorship Expenses 84 36,870 + 17,152 Finals 20,515 19,145 19,145 + 1,370 Medal Night 13,370 14,743 14,743 - 1,373 Income – Misc 2,597 + 2,597 Ground Hire 11,692 11,812 11,812 - 120 Insurance 48,624 49,814 49,814 - 1,189 SUB TOTAL 245,502 224,193 + 21,309 Retail – Sales/Purchases 189,190 198,680 198,680 - 9,490 TOTAL 434,692 422,873 +11,819

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

As in previous years the BDAFL has continue to provide subsidy to the clubs which included (exc GST):

Club of the Year program $ 18,558.00 Club Championship Prizes $ 1,000.00 Subsidise Match of the Week Costs $ 9,800.00 Waive Women’s Team Fee – Muswellbrook $ 1,300.00 Club Fee Subsidy – Gosford $ 2,500.00 Provide Women’s Match Footballs $ 3,441.00 Football Subsidy ($6.00 per ball) $ 1,030.00 Supply Club Officials Shirts $ 2,069.18 $ 39,698.18

Affiliation Fees and Team Fees continue to remain unchanged for the fifth consecutive year.

Sponsorship continues to increase, which enables to league to continue to invest in the development and promotion of football in region

AFL NSW/ACT’s tangible contribution to the BDAFL in the last financial year included a $1,000 Representative Football subsidy, 15 contra footballs and a set of football gear. They also provided a subsidy of $1,170.00 to assist Muswellbrook Women’s team and $500 worth of Matchday Footballs for the new Port Stephens Women’s team.

AFL NSW/ACT also continued to waive the rent on the office space at Morisset which previously cost $5,178 per annum.

All clubs paid their invoices within the approved repayment term. I would like to thank all the clubs for their diligence in ensuring all accounts were paid on time.

At the end of the financial year there were no Accounts Receivables with accounts payable totalling $5,000 for an invoice received after 30 September. This account has since been paid.

The profit of $11,819 was achieved through continued good sponsorship being received whilst having home representative matches also contributed to this as well.

With the increase in Black Diamond Cup teams in 2018, as well as proposed away representative fixtures the profit accumulated this year will no doubt be attributed to cover these additional expenses.

As at 30 September 2017 the BDAFL had cash reserves of $94,288 (reduced to $89,288 after the payment of the late invoice) which is considered more than satisfactory to conduct their operations.

All taxation obligations have been met and financial records have been inspected by the BDAFL’s Auditor.

Garry Burkinshaw BDAFL Treasurer

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

EQUALISATION POLICY

The most fiercely debated issue of 2017 was the Board’s decision to implement an Equalisation Policy.

The policy was introduced after a 12 month study which included the analysising of data and club consultations with the aim of improving the competitiveness of the Black Diamond Cup competition with the overall view of being able to increase the number of teams in the BDAFL’s main competition, the Black Diamond Cup in which only six of the 13 clubs have teams in.

The study showed that Newcastle City and Terrigal Avoca had won the past nine Black Diamond Cup Premierships and had filled the top two positions on the ladder at the end of the home and away season every season since 2010.

In addition to this, in Black Diamond Cup matches from 2013-2016 ,where Newcastle City and Terrigal Avoca have played matches against sides other than themselves, they had won 95 out of 105 matches, with an average winning margin of 97 points.

There reserve grade sides were equally successfully losing over two matches (out of 60) against other Black Diamond Cup Reserve Grade sides and even winning 20 out of 49 when playing against the other senior teams in 1st Division (i.e Gosford, Maitland, Singleton and Wyong Lakes).

A review of both clubs playing lists indicated that there depth was far greater than any other club.

Both clubs acquired players different ways, with Newcastle City able to attract a number of recruits, through location, facility and success, whilst Terrigal Avoca were able to attain a number of high quality youngsters from across the Central Coast approx. six years ago, which have now developed into quality players and have also been able to acquire a number of quality recruits as well.

In order to achieve the outcome required determined that they needed to reduce the depth of talent at both these clubs and in doing so introduced the following By-Law in attempt to disburse the recruits across the league:

17.12 Equalisation Policy

(A) The League has prescribed the following Equalisation Policy:

a. Newcastle City AFC must not register any player who:

i. Has previously played senior football in any affiliated senior competition recognised by the AFL. The exception to this rule is if the player has previously played senior football for Newcastle City AFC

ii. Has played junior football in any affiliated junior competition recognised by the AFL. The exception to this rule is if the player has played for Newcastle City Junior AFC for the preceding three years; or if the player has played for less than three years, the player has played more junior matches for Newcastle City Junior AFC than any other Junior Club

b. Terrigal Avoca AFC must not register any player who:

ii. Has played junior football in any affiliated junior competition recognised by the AFL. The exception to this rule is if the player has played for Terrigal Avoca Junior AFC for the preceding three years; or if the player has played for less than three years, the 18

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

player has played more junior matches for Terrigal Avoca Junior AFC than any other Junior Club

(B) Any requests to register players which do not meet By-Law 17.12 (A) are to be referred to the Administration Committee for consideration.

The response to the policy was very mixed.

Terrigal Avoca did not agree with the introduction of the Policy, but agreed they measures had to be put in place to improve the competitiveness of the competition and given that they did not have an alternative accepted the decision and moved on.

Other clubs, BDAFL& AFL followers and even officials from other codes applauded the Board’s courage to implement the policy.

Newcastle City were adamant that the policy should not be introduced and threatened to do whatever was necessary, including legal action to stop the policy. They claimed the introduction of the policy would “cripple the club” both on and off the field.

Newcastle City found an ally in AFL NSW/ACT, who despite not speaking to any of the other BDAFL clubs, including Terrigal Avoca deemed that the introduction of the Policy was detrimental to the growth of the game and encouraged the BDAFL Board to remove the Policy and replace it with the AFL NSW/ACT Community Club Sustainability Program (Player Points System).

After reviewing this program to Board viewed that it would have no impact on the BDAFL and certainly would not achieve the result the Board was looking for.

Despite pressure from AFL NSW/ACT, Newcastle City and there supporters (especially via social media) the Board stood firm, although in the lead up to Round 1 they did offer to replace the Equalisation Policy with their own Player Point system, however this was rejected by both AFL NSW/ACT and Newcastle City.

Throughout the season Newcastle City continued to fight the policy even to the extent of advising new recruits to stay with the club rather than move to play for another club on the misguided belief that the Policy would be overturned. This resulted a number of players missing half the season before opting to join other clubs.

Overall, there was 12 players (8 x Newcastle City & 4 Terrigal Avoca) who were affected by the Policy of which 10 ended up playing for other clubs.

The Board did provide an exemption for 6 players to play for Newcastle City and 1 to play for Terrigal Avoca.

Did the Policy work?

That is the big question, however you could argue that with Terrigal Avoca winning the Black Diamond Cup premiership and Club Championship and Newcastle City finishing the home and away season in third position only to lose the first semi final by one point, as well as their Reserve Grade side making the Black Diamond Plate making the finals that it had no difference.

However if you look at the bigger picture you can see it did make an impact:

• Average winning margin reduced by 19 points to 40 points (best ever result was 57 points in 2014). • 35% of matches were decided by 20 points or less (previous best was 26% in 2012. 2016 was 16%) • 5 matches was the margin greater than 80 points ( In 2016 there were 15 which was the next best. In 2014 there were 25 matches with over 80 point margins). • No team had a percentage of 200%.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

• All clubs were involved in close matches which could have impacted the season standings, had the results gone the other way;

Actual Matches > 11 points Amended if Results Win/Loss Win/Loss Reversed Win/Loss Terrigal Avoca 14/2 1/0 13/3 Cardiff 13/3 7/1 7/9 Newcastle City 11/5 3/3 11/5 Nelson Bay 5/11 0/3 8/8 Warners Bay 3/13 1 / 4 6/10 Killarney Vale 2/14 2/3 3/13

• For the first time in a long time there seemed to be a possibility that on any given day any team could win even though Terrigal Avoca still won the premiership. The policy wasn’t about stopping Terrigal Avoca and Newcastle City winning premierships, it was about getting more competitive football.

• Recruits were spread throughout the competition, which would not have occurred without the Equalisation Policy

• Newcastle City still had the most players of any club in the BDAFL with 121 and even with the policy increased their numbers by 7 including 25 new players and 16 players returning to the club who did not play in 2016.

• What the policy did do was allow Newcastle City to play a number of under 18 players in their Black Diamond Cup side, which they had not previously done. I number of these players certainly stamped themselves players of the future which augers well for Newcastle City.

No doubt the Equalisation Policy was a tough penalty to apply to the two clubs, however which has certainly improved the BDAFL as a whole.

During the 2017 season a 12 person working group has been established to determine an appropriate Equalisation Policy to meet the requirements of the BDAFL for 2018 and beyond.

The Policy also saw a restructure of the competition, with the Divisionalisation model being replaced by two Senior and a Reserve Grade competition as well as a women’s competition. In 2018 it is envisaged that the competitions will consist of a senior (11 teams) and reserve grade (13 team) men’s competition and a women’s competition.

The need for a second team in inner Newcastle was also considered a priority under the review.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

BDAFL UMPIRE COACH’S REPORT

This season has been another successful one. Numbers have again increased, but only slightly, with the two locations having umpires of all disciplines attend training on regular basis, as well as junior umpires joining the group.

The training venues were changed again from last year with No. 1 Sportsground not available to us again this year, Wednesday training was held at Carrington Oval, while not ideal in wet weather as it has no facilities, it was still a very convenient location and numbers attending were very good and training on Tuesdays continued at Bateau Bay.

The continuance of Bar TV has also given the opportunity for feedback to the umpires, with many umpires reviewing their performances and I’m pleased to say that the umpires have worked really hard to make the suggested improvements.

This year we have had Jake Bateman appointed as the Umpire Development Co-Ordinator for our region and he has helped me identify promising junior umpires who would be able to make the transition to senior football - this is an ongoing programme and we hope to increase these numbers next season.

This season saw the implementation of the Women’s Umpiring Academy and I believe that this was a successful program we had good numbers participate and run games and I look forward to running this again next season.

We’ve again recruited boundary umpires from the junior groups, some of whom will make the transition to field umpires when they have more experience – in the next season or two. We have also recruited 2 new goal umpires.

We have 2 Umpires in the NEAFL Development Squad – Joey O’Brien in Field and Tom Sullivan in Goal.

We have 3 Umpires in the NEAFL Academy – Stephen Blume and Dave Parsons in Field and Lincoln McCauley in Boundary – Lincoln is also in the Next Gen programme in Field.

We’ve also had some good Representative game appointments this year:

• AFLW – Joey O’Brien - Field • Men’s BDAFL Rep Game v Sydney AFL – Joey O’Brien and Pat Lally - Field, Tom Sullivan- Goal and Lincoln McCauley - Boundary. • Women’s BDAFL Rep Game v Sydney AFL – Stephen Blume and Jake Bateman – Field, Jody Jackson – Goal and Simon McCauley – Boundary

Last November I applied for and was accepted into the AFL Executive Certificate High Performance Umpire Coaching and Management Course held in Melbourne. This was a University level course and on completion and passing I have progressed to be a Level 3 Umpire Coach, I am the 3rd Umpire Coach in NSW to gain this Accreditation Level.

I’d like to thank the Clubs for their support this past season – I’ve had some really good feedback from Coaches and feel that we are building very good relationships.

I thank the NCCUA for their support and assistance during the season.

I’d like to thank the BDAFL for the opportunity continue in this position, thanking Garry Burkinshaw, the BDAFL Board for their support over the entire season, I have enjoyed this season very much and am looking forward to next season.

Chris Burrows Black Diamond AFL Umpires Coach

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

No of Umpires Field Boundary Goal Total Club 2017 22 10 14 50 98 2016 25 23 16 64 68 2015 21 19 14 54 66 2014 15 15 12 42 43

BDAFL GRAND FINAL UMPIRE PANELS

Black Diamond Cup Black Diamond Plate Back: Tom Sullivan, Mayai Luck, Nick Hickson, Jake Back: Andy Baldwin, Colin Goodenough, Lincoln Lowe McCauley, Jody Jackson Front: Joseph O’Brien, Stephen Blume, Pat Lally Front: Darrel Luck, Jake Bateman, Dave Parsons

Women’s Reserve Grade Back: Rachel Robinson, Jake Sweetnam, Dave Back: John Sullivan, Miles McCauley, Lincoln McCauley, Parsons, Brady Sweetnam, Rachel Goodenough Chris Falley, Yuri Porter Front: Lincoln McCauley, Harrison Crook Front: Jodie Henderson, Xander Robinson, Ryan Stanton

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

CLUB FIELD UMPIRES

2017 saw the continuation of the Club Field Umpire Program (CFUP).

The program involved the following:

• For all matches where two accredited umpires were not appointed, each club was required to provide a club umpire. This occurred on almost all occasions for Black Diamond Plate, Reserve Grade and Women’s matches

• A minimum of two umpires required for any game to commence. • Club Field Umpires were not permitted to umpire two consecutive matches. • To become a Registered Club Field Umpire needed to complete a simple Club Umpire on-line training session and be registered in the Umpires Footyweb database. • On the Friday prior to the weekends matches Clubs were required to provide names of there club umpires for that week. Those umpires were then allocated to their match which enabled them to complete the on-line Umpires Match Report and Best & Fairest votes. Club were provided “Club of the Year” points for club umpires completing the registration process and also the Matchday paperwork. • Clubs received “Club of the Year” points if their “once a club umpire had officiated on a minimum of 10 match days and also if they attended Club Umpire training. • Club umpires were required to wear lime green/charcoal shirts (supplied by the league), black socks and black shorts. • Umpires had to be at least 16 years of age to act as a club field and goal umpire and 14 years of age to be a club boundary umpire.

In 2017, there were 98 club umpires who officiated at least one match, of which 14 umpired on more than 10 match days.

WOMEN CLUB FIELD UMPIRE PROGRAM

In 2017 the BDAFL Board introduced “Women’s Club Umpire Program” in an attempt the encourage women to become either accredited or club umpires.

The program was run by Christine Burrows and involved the following:

• Three pre-season coaching sessions, which clubs were required to provide a minimum of two females to attend. Unfortunately not all clubs provided participants. Wet weather caused the final session to be washed out which was disappointing. Overall, 18 women attended the sessions with 9 attending both. • The women were then encouraged to umpire matches, with a mentor during the Women’s Gala Day. Unfortunately the Gala Day was washed out which denied the women the opportunity to fulfil this part of the program. • Mentoring sessions would continue during competition matches until the women, in consultation with Christine were considered confiedent, and compentent enough to umpire on their own. • Whilst not being able to have the final coaching session and the opportunity to umpire at the gala day it was pleasing to note that two women became accredited umpires whilst a further six umpires officiated during the year. • Clubs were incentivised via the “Club of the Year” program to appoint female umpires.

Rachel Robinson was a part of this program and she was appointed to umpire Women’s Finals matches which was a fanstastic achievement.

Despite the disruptions at the beginning the program was considered a success and will be continued into 2018.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

2017 saw the BDAFL Women’s competition continue to go from strength to strength.

The season commenced with GE Industrial Solutions continuing as naming rights to the competition which was known as the “GE BDAFL Women’s Competition”.

Muswellbrook fielded a team for the first team, whilst Newcastle City were given approval to field a stand alone second team (Newcastle Nova’s). This approval was granted for 2017 only as AFL NSW/ACT look to form a second club in Newcastle which will include a women’s team.

These two new teams resulted in a 12 team competition.

“Come n Try” days were held by AFL NSW/ACT Development staff to assist clubs in attracting players however it was word of mouth and existing players bringing friends which had the best effect towards recruiting.

The introduction of the AFLW created interest in the region especially when Nelson Bay’s, Lisa Steane was included in the GWS Giants Women’ s train-on squad. Lisa travelled to Sydney once a week to train with the squad and was once named as an emergency, travelling to Adelaide with the squad. Lisa’s achievements has given plenty of hope to those women with ambitions of playing in the AFLW.

By the end of the year 395 women had played at least one game of AFL in 2017 which was up from 326 in 2016.

AFL NSW/ACT provided Muswellbrook with a Subsidy of $1,170.00 to assist purchase footballs whilst the BDAFL Board agreed to waive the Team Affiliation Fee ($1,300.00) for the club and the Medal Night Levy ($440.00) for all women’s teams, and also to provide all Match day Footballs.

Wet weather forced the cancellation of the annual Women’s Gala Day.

The By-Laws were amended to 2017 as follows:

- Max 22 players per match, consisting of 16 on-field players and 6 interchange players - Min 14 players

It was pleasing to note that their were no forfeits during the year and the average player number per team was 19.8 players/match. On 9 occassions (7 to Muswellbrook) were sides unable to field 16 players, however with the ability of players to be ‘loaned’ from the opposition this ensured the standard numbers were able to be achieved.

The season commenced the same day as all the men’s competition with the season consisting of 16 Home and Away matches and a three week finals series for the top six sides.

The fixture was completed so that each team played each other once and another five teams twice.

An attempt was made to schedule women’s matches at home to correspond with the men which was achieved on most occasions.

A highlight of the season was in Round 14 when all six women’s matches were played at No 1 Sportsground as part of “Women’s Round”, with all matches also broadcast live through BarTV. This concept was a great success.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Whilst interest in the battle for finals position was maintained right up until the final round the competitive of the Women’s competition continues to be an issue with Newcastle City and Nelson Bay again dominating.

It is interesting to note that Nelson Bay have never lost to any other team apart from Newcastle City, whilst the Blues lost a game to Cardiff and Warners Bay in 2016 & 2015 respectively to be their only blemishes apart from against Nelson Bay. It is also rare for teams to defeat teams above them on the ladder.

The Women’s Grand Final between Nelson Bay and Newcastle City was another season highlight with the decider again played as a twilight fixture following the Black Diamond Cup Preliminary Final. A large and vocal crowd were in attendance for this high quality match, which was also broadcast live. In a high quality match, which the scoreboard was not a true indication, Newcastle City proved too strong to win the Premiership.

The Newcastle City team was arguably the best ever seen in the three years and they went through the season undefeated, finishing the season conceding just 129 points (average of 12 points per game) and finishing the home and away season with a percentage of 1868%.

Another highlight of the season was the improvement of Singleton, who went from scoring just 13 points in 2016 to winning six games, and finishing eighth in 2017. The club has put the improved form to good recruiting in the off-season and good coaching.

The Women’s Best and Fairest Award went to Gosford’s Alison Parkin.

2017 also saw the BDAFL again field a Women’s Representative team, taking on AFL Sydney at Adelaide St Oval on 20 May 2017 in conjunction with the men’s representative fixture..

The match was a tight contest, however after getting of to a slow start and then being unable to capitalise on their opportunities, the women were defeated by 62 points.

Women’s football received significant media exposure throughout the year whilst crowds at the matches were very encouraging.

Overall Women’s football in 2017 was a quite success with the contribution made to both the league and clubs quite significant and refreshing.

2018 is already looking to be a big year with existing clubs Terrigal Avoca and The Entrance Bateau Bay expressing interest in fielding women’s teams for the first time, whilst Port Stephens and Wallsend have also approached the Board about joining the BDAFL and fielding women’s teams.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

SPONSORSHIP

In 2017 the Black Diamond AFL was fortunate to have a number of companies support the league.

The season saw a change in the Major Sponsorship with Hunter Haval taking over from BLK, who ended their agreement after the company went into receivership.

Hunter Haval became the naming rights sponsor of the league and also the Black Diamond Cup competition and had their logo incorporated into the existing BDAFL logo and also had their logo on the Match day footballs.

Hunter Haval also ran the very popular “Kick 4 Cash” promotion which gave one lucky supporter the opportunity to win $500 if they were able to kick the football into the back of an Haval. This promotion was ran at a Maitland and Cardiff game during the Home & Away season as well as at the Men’s and Women’s Grand Finals.

The league was also grateful to retain other partners in:

- Belmont 16 Footers Sailing Club who continued as a Major Partner. The club is the venue of our off-field Gala Events namely, Season Launch and Elliott Davey Medal Night whilst all the BDAFL’s meeting and workshops are held there.

- GE Industrial Supplies continued as a major partner and also held naming rights sponsor for the GE BDAFL Women’s Competitions. The GE logo was also included on the Women’s Footballs.

- Pullman Magenta Shores Resort continued as a major partner and also sponsor of the BDAFL Charity Partnership with “Run Against Violence”. They were also the sponsor of the Elliott Davey Medal Presentation Night.

- Prime7 also provided a contra sponsorship with a BDAFL specific weekly advert which shown several times throughout the week. They also provided introductions for both the Season Launch and Presentation Night. In addition to this they also supported Kirrily Dear and her Steps Together Ultra Marathon.

- Star104.5FM continued their sponsorship which this year was their 13th season in which they have supported the competition. Star 104.5FM promoted upcoming events on a regular basis. Their “Roadstar” vehicle was a regular at matches on the Central Coast and was also at the Grand Final in Newcastle. They also provided sponsor voiceovers for the BDAFL and also Maitland’s Beyond Blue fundraiser.

- Sportscoast Trophies and Embroidery continued as a Minor Partner

- The Entertainment Grounds – Central Coast continued as a Minor Partner and supporter of the Women’s competition

- Marks Men Workforce became a Minor Partner

- Subway, Morisset continued to provide a $20 voucher to be awarded to the player adjudged “Best On Ground” in the live BarTV broadcast match.

- Officeworks continued to provide a 10% discount the printing cost of the Football Record.

On top of the existing partners the BDAFL were able to acquire the additional partners:

- ISC Teamwear became the leagues apparel supplier on a three year agreement taking over from BLK. This partnership was the most lucrative apparel arrangement the BDAFL has experienced. In addition to the apparel supply ISC also provided the BDAFL with use of their outdoor corporate box at the SCG which was used by the Board to entertain key stakeholders.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

- BarTV Sports was also welcomed as a Media Partner as recognition for the support they give the BDAFL. Not only do they broadcast matches but they also produced the mens and women’s season promotions and also covered the club visits which included interviews and the 400m races.

- AFL NSW/ACT provided a $1,000 subsidy for Representative Football and a set of Representative Gear as part of the Club of the Year Program. They also provided the BDAFL with 15 Contra Footballs. In addition to this Muswellbrook was provided a subsidy of $1,170.00 to assist with the purchase of footballs for the women’s team with Port Stephens also being provided with $500.00 worth of Matchday Footballs for their new women’s team.

A number of other businesses also provided assistance across the course of the season.

The follow list includes the business that supported the Black Diamond AFL 2017:

MAJOR SPONSOR MAJOR PARTNERS MINOR PARTNERS Hunter Haval Belmont 16 Footers Sailing The Entertainment Grounds Club – Central Coast

GE Industrial Supplies Sportscoast Trophies & Embroidery / Waratah ISC Team Wear Sports

Pullmans Magenta Shores Subway – Morisset

Prime7 Marks Men Workforce

Star 104.5FM Central Coast AFL NSW/ACT

BarTV Sports Officeworks

Elite Sports Images

Target Press

BDAFL STRATEGIC PLAN – 2018-2020

After a successful 2017 season the Black Diamond AFL has unveiled the leagues Strategic Plan 2018-2020.

The plan, which was delivered and accepted by the clubs at the Delegates Meeting in July, covers the Black Diamond AFL "five pillors" which include:

- Strong Management - Competitive Football - Healthy Clubs - Facilities - Partnerships

Included in the Plan is the continuation of the Board's policy for competitive football and an increased Black Diamond Cup competition, whilst the need for a single governance model covering both senior and junior is also included.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

SEASON LAUNCH

The Black Diamond AFL launched the 2017 season in front of approximately 100 guests at Belmont 16 Footers Sailing Club yesterday.

Those who attended the lunch time function included representatives from all thirteen clubs as well as the NCCUA and special guests.

Guests were provided with complimentary finger food and drinks

A highlight of the event was the BDAFL announcing that Hunter Haval would be the leagues new Major Sponsor.

Channel Ten journalist, Michael Cain hosted the event and he interviewed men and women representatives from all clubs about how they were progressing in the lead up to the season.

BDAFL President, Wal Bembic opened the launch and mentioned that the Board has had a busy off season, but was looking forward to a successful season.

A couple of the initiatives include the appointment and subsequent involvement of GWS Assistant Coach, Mark McVeigh as BDAFL Coaches Mentor, whilst a Women's Club Umpiring program had been undertaken by 16 women under the guidance of BDAFL Umpires Coach, Christine Burrows.

The Equalisation Policy has created quite an amount of interest in the off-season however Mr Bembic believes it is important that the BDAFL competitions become more competitive and that the Policy is a means of achieving this. Interestingly enough incoming Terrigal Avoca coach, Mark Skuse supported the initiative despite his club being affected by the Policy.

The BDAFL Board Members were presented with badges representing their appointments.

The function also saw the BDAFL agreeing to support both the Big Feeze-Newcastle and Run Against Violence’s "Steptogether" Ultra marathon initiatives in 2017.

The launch ended with Newcastle City co-coaches Mitch Knight and Tim Cotter returning the Black Diamond Cup to Mr Bembic to launch the 2017 season

At the conclusion of the launch a photo was taken of a club representative in their playing gear with the Black Diamond Cup.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

BAR TV

2017 saw the continuation of broadcasts of BDAFL matches courtesy of BarTV both live over the internet and on replay over the internet and at selected clubs and hotels through the Hunter, Sydney and Illawarra regions.

Viewers were able to watch the matches live by clicking on a link on either the BDAFL, BarTV or Newcastle Herald (finals only) Website. In addition to this they could also watch a replay of the match at a later date or view a highlights package (approx. 9 minutes) compiled by BarTV via Social Media.

BarTV provided all Black Diamond Cup clubs and the umpires with a hard drive at the beginning of the season so that they could get a copy of the match at the end of the game. For the Lower Division matches, which were shown on replay, both competing teams were able to get a USB copy of the game immediately following the game.

The clubs had the opportunity to display their clubs logo’s during the quarter breaks, whilst their major sponsor’s logo was shown each time they kicked a goal. The BDAFL sponsors logo’s and advertisements were also shown and live reads were also included in the broadcast.

Hunter Haval, as major sponsor, became the naming rights sponsor of the Match of the Week broadcast and had their logo permanently displayed in the bottom right hand corner of the screen.

One Black Diamond Cup match each week (on two occasions we did two matches on the one day) as well as all Black Diamond Cup finals were broadcast live. In addition to this all six women’s matches were shown live as part of “Women’s Round” whilst the Grand Finals of all Grades were also broadcast live.

In addition to this the Men’s and Women’s Representative matches were also shown live.

The BDAFL’s Elliott Davey Medal Night was also broadcast live and attracted 828 views.

BarTV also attended each of the Club Visits where interviews were completed with club representatives and the 400m races were filmed. The interviews and races were subsequently shown via social media.

The Black Diamond Cup Match of the Week schedule was structured to not only get the best matches shown but also to ensure that all clubs had equal opportunity to have their matches broadcast.

All clubs also had the opportunity to get additional matches covered albeit to be shown on replay.

The Match of the Week had commentary from David Redden and Lucas Holmes with Garry Burkinshaw providing assistance from time to time during the year.

Overall, 33 matches (inc 7 women’s) were shown live and a further 33 matches (inc 13 women’s) on replay.

Subway, Morisset provided a $20 Voucher to the player judges by the commentators as “Best on Ground” in the Broadcast Match of the Week.

The BDAFL were able to continue subsidise approx. 40% of the broadcast costs which makes in affordable for the clubs.

This initiative continues to provide the league, clubs, players and umpires greater exposure which in turn will hopefully attract additional revenue and opportunities. Players are also using the vision to put together highlights packages to assist further their AFL careers.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Stats (as provided by BarTV)

It is estimated that there were approximately 139,974 views of BDAFL vision in 2017 made up as follows:

2017 2016 2015 Matches On You Tube (inc Replays & Highlights) 139,974 46,706 38,560 Average Viewing Time 11mins 56 sec 10mins 47 sec 12mins 17 sec

These numbers are actual devices viewed on with BarTV estimating that on average between 1.8 to 2.4 people watch each view which indicates that approx. 251K – 336K watched BDAFL football on-line in 2017.

The increase in numbers were due to matches also being able to be accessed via Facebook.

During the year there were active viewers from in excess of 25 countries with the top 3 being; Australia, USA and United Kingdom

Viewer Demographic

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

RUN AGAINST VIOLENCE 2017 saw the BDAFL continue their partnership with Charity Organisation “Run Against Violence” which is a supporter of the White Ribbon Program with the aim of raising awareness of family violence through Ultra Marathon Running.

Pullmans Magenta Shores continued as the Naming Rights Sponsor for the partnership.

After a very successful partnership in 2016, which saw the BDAFL visit all clubs to raise awareness about the affects of Family Violence and to also show the documentary “Iceberg”, 2017 saw the BDAFL support Kirrily and her team as they undertook the “Steps Together” Ultramarathon.

The Ultramarathon saw Kirrily run from Broken Hill to Sydney, a journey of 1300kms in 18 days and 3 hours commencing on 30 August.

As part of the Ultramarathon, Kirrily challenged everyone to get a team of ten people to race her, via way of a virtual challenge.

The team would record the distance the individual team members ran/walked each day via an App with the total used to race Kirrily.

The BDAFL Board (and extras) took up the challenge with the team doing an excellent job covering the journey in 15 days to finish in 36th position out of 217 teams.

Having been part of this team and the challenges we faced reaching the finish line with ten people, certainly put Kirrily’s performance on an even higher pedestal.

A challenge was issued to all BDAFL clubs to also participate with a $500 ISC voucher put up as first prize, unfortunately no clubs took up the challenge.

This year $1,550 was raised for Run Against Violence.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT The BDAFL and the clubs once again made a significant contribution to the local community by engaging in a number of fund raising activities which raised in excess of $46K

Some of those to benefit included: Newcastle Lions Club $13,540.00 Gatekeeping Duties for No 1 Sportsground Beyond Blue $11,228.00 Maitland & Wyong Lakes Beyond Blue day & Function Hands in for Jayde $ 9,500.00 Warners Bay & Killarney Vale MND $ 4,721.00 Part of “Big Freeze – Newcastle” fundraiser McGrath Foundation $ 2,146.00 NCCUA & Killarney Vale Run Against Violence $ 1,550.00 BDAFL Charity Breast Cancer Network $ 1,257.00 Nelson Bay Rohan Family $ 926.00 Singleton Caring for Cooper $ 700.00 Wyong Lakes Pink Day Friend’s With Dignity $ 560.00 Warners Bay Golf Day TOTAL $46,128.00

Warners Bay, Newcastle City, Terrigal Avoca, Nelson Bay, Killarney Vale & Gosford all wore special jumpers to celebrate the AFL’s Indigenous Round. In addition to this all clubs held Ladies Day’s and other community based activities.

Newcastle City President, Daniel Gardner was also the driver and Chairman of the “Big- Freeze – Newcastle” committee which raises awareness for Motor Neurone Disease. The fundraiser raised an amzing $141K.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

REPRESENTATIVE FOOTBALL

In 2017 Representative Football again played an important role in the Black Diamond AFL.

Representatives matches for both the men and women were scheduled against AFL Sydney as part of AFL NSW/ACT’s representative program. The matches were played at Adelaide St Oval.

Men’s Getting a match against AFL Sydney was quite a coup as it is a fixture the BDAFL has been trying to acquire for a number of years.

Chris Bishop was appointed as Coach of the men’s team with Marty Reiman his assistant, with Football Operations Manager, Garry Burkinshaw joining them as Chairman of Selectors. Paul Kelly was Team Manager.

As in previous years, the program was a one week commitment for the players with training on Tuesday night at Feighan Oval, Warners Bay and Thursday night at Adelaide St Oval.

The reduced program is well received by the players and has certainly improved player commitment.

In the lead up to the program all clubs were advised of those players who were in consideration and that they were required to be available for selection. The coaches spoke to most players in contention advising them of the program, in addition to this, matches involving all clubs were watched by the selectors.

The commitment from the players towards representative football was very good, however unfortunately the squad lost a number of key players in the lead up to the match due to injury.

Despite these losses the quality of the BDAFL side chosen was excellent which speaks volume for the depth of quality players currently in the BDAFL.

Following training on the Thursday night, Killarney Vale put on an old fashioned pie night for the players where the players were also presented with their shorts, socks polo shirt and hoodie by BDAFL President, Wal Bembic.

Peter Van Dam, who was making a record 12th appearance for the BDAFL, was named as captain with Aaron Seen his vice-captain. The leadership shown by both these men was first rate.

Whilst Van Dam was making his 12th appearance, 12 players were making BDAFL Representative debut . The average age of the side was 23 years and included 8 players 21 years or younger and one teenager, Rob Schindler-Taylor (18).

Sean Riedel was also appointed as trainer for a 15th year, and this year he was assisted by Bob Dickson and Craig Read. The professionalism shown by these gentlemen was well received by the players and they ensured that all players were well treated and returned to their club in good fitness.

Michael Smith assisted the coaches by taking the stats with Jimmy Newburn acting as runner on the day whilst the emergencies running acting as water runners which spoke volumes for them and the spirit within the squad.

Prior to the match the players were presented with their playing jumpers by Chris Bishop. The players kept all their playing attire including jumpers.

The ground was in excellent condition with perfect weather conditions for the match.

The match was broadcast live over the internet courtesy of Bar TV with Dave Redden and Lucas Holmes providing the commentary.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

It was a very even contest with AFL Sydney pulling away in the last ten minutes of the match to win by 26 points. (see match report).

A function was held at the ground with both teams and officials provided with steak and chicken burgers and also an open bar courtesy of the BDAFL. BDAFL Vice President, Mr Phil Lewis presented AFL Sydney with the winning trophy whilst AFL Sydney’s Shaun Crane received a plaque as “Best Player on the Ground”.

Women’s The BDAFL once again fielded a women’s representative team, this time playing the strong AFL Sydney side and for the first time in conjunction with the men’s representative team at Adelaide St Oval, Tumbi Umbi on 20 May 2017.

Simon Berry was re-appointed as Coach of the team with Lauren Cooper & John Parker also re-appointed as his assistants. With injury ruling Eliza Bunner out of the squad she filled the role of Team Manager.

An initial training squad of 40 women was named with the commitment from the women fantastic with only three women withdrawing from the squad and two of those were through injury and travelling overseas..

The side trained on Sunday and Wednesday before the squad was reduced to 25 (22 players plus 3 emergencies) for the final training session on the Wednesday prior to the match. All training sessions were held at Tulkaba Park.

Following the final training session the players had pizza for dinner at the ground and they were also presented with their polo shirt, hoodie and playing shorts and socks.

Gosford’s Alison Parkin and Nelson Bay’s Lisa Steane were named as captain and vice- captain respectively.

The side contained 9 players who were making BDAFL Representative debut . The average age of the side was 24 years and included 9 players, 21 years or younger and three teenagers.

Craig Read was the trainer for the team with Sean Riedel assisting him.

Full credit to the three emergencies who all acted as either runners or water carriers for the match.

The BDAFL also supplied water carriers for AFL Sydney.

Prior to the match the players were presented with their playing jumpers by Simon Berry. The players kept all their playing attire including jumpers.

The ground was in excellent condition with perfect weather conditions for the match.

The match was broadcast live over the internet courtesy of Bar TV with Dave Redden and Lucas Holmes providing the commentary.

AFL Sydney one the match, however the scoreboard was not a true indication of the match with AFL Sydney able to take greater advantage of their forward entries.. (see match report).

A function was held at the ground with both teams and officials provided with steak and chicken burgers and also an open bar courtesy of the BDAFL. BDAFL Vice President, Mr Phil Lewis presented AFL Sydney captain Phoebe Monohan a plaque as “Best Player on the Ground” whilst Audrey Gillingham was named the BDAFL’s best player..

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

General

Unfortunately due to the changing of the National Under 18’s structure, which included the AFL club Academy sides, the Development squads pre-season matches against the Sydney Swans Academy were unable to be played.

Also the women’s development match against AFL Canberra, which was originally held in 2016, did not proceed.

It is hoped that fixtures for both men’s and women’s development sides will be reinstated in 2018.

As in previous years all players and officials received a team photo and certificate recognising their participation in the BDAFL Representative Program. This year, the BDAFL allocated an individual Player Number to all players, both men and women who have represented the BDAFL.

The BDAFL is extremely lucky to have a number of coaches, players and supporters who are fully supportive of Representative Football which is a key component of the BDAFL.

It is important that competitive and varied representative fixtures are programmed each year (alternate home and away) to ensure that the best players in our competition are the opportunity to challenge themselves against the best players from other leagues.

Match Report – Senior Men’s vs AFL Sydney

AFL Sydney has ended Black Diamond AFL's four game representative winning streak with a 17.12.114 to 14.4.88 win at Adelaide St Oval.

In perfect conditions, played in front of a good crowd the lead see sawed throughout the day before AFL Sydney were able to gain the upperhand in the final quarter to win by 26 points.

The match opened at a frenetic pace and AFL Sydney had the first goal on the Board inside two minutes courtesy of Mark Weekes. Killarney Vale Coach, Scott Reed responded for the BDAFL side who then preceded to kick the next three goals including two to Pat MacMahon. Wayward kicking for gaols was hampering the visitors and at the first change the BDAFL led by 12 points.

AFL Sydney dominated the opening of the second quarter as their run and carry from defence cut up the BDAFL and they managed to kick six goals in the first twelve minutes of the second quarter, which was only punctuated by a McMahon goal, to open up a 19 points lead and looked like running away with the game.

The BDAFL however is made of stern stuff and they responded with the final four goals of the term to actually lead by four points at the long break in a high quality match.

AFL Sydney run from defence was starting to trouble the BDAFL side and placed enormous pressure on the BDAFL defence, however led by Zac Metcalfe, James Hart and Conor Haswell they were able to repel many attacks.

The third quarter was an even affair early however AFL Sydney forward Ben Zoppo was able to kick two opportune goals followed by Weekes' second goal. Cardiff ruckman Tom Yensch kicked a big goal from 50 to keep the margin less than a kick, but two AFL Sydney goals before three quarter time gave the visitors a 13 point buffer at the final break.

Coach, Chris Bishop implored his players for one final effort and they responded immediately with Warners Bay's Ben Kernahan kicking a goal inside the first two minutes to reduce the margin to seven points. 34

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

The BDAFL midfield led by Corey Billins, Aaron Seen, Alex Mitchell and Marcus De Leur were working overtime to match their fleet footed opponents.

A Wayd Blackburne goal from a free kick, was immediately answered by McMahon's fifth goal for the game and with 15 minutes remaining it was anyone's game.

At this point however the experience of the AFL Sydney came to the fore and they were able to make the most of their opportunities to kick four of the final five goals of the game to win by 26 points.

Both teams should be commended for putting on a fantastic spectacle and whilst AFL Sydney were deserving winners nothing can be taken away from the BDAFL side who were gallant in defeat.

AFL Sydney rover Shaun Crane was named Best on Ground and he received good support from ruckmen Andrew Browning, Kyle Devlin and Daniel Schacher whilst Ben Zoppo, Wayd Blackburne, Mark Weekes and Kyle Merson each kicked three goals.

For the BDAFL, Newcastle City's Conor Haswell was superb across half back repelling many AFL Sydney's attacking thrusts with intercept marks. Corey Billins was excellent in the midfield along with Alex Mitchell whilst James Hart was strong in defence. Pat McMahon once again demonstrated his undoubted ability kicking five goals on arguably the best defender in the state in Kieran Emery, although Emery was also influential for AFL Sydney.

Overall a thrilling game and great advertisement for representative football.

Representative Match Weather Fine BDAFL vs AFL Sydney @ Adelaide St Oval, Tumbi Umbi Saturday 20 May 2017 BDAFL 4.1 9.2 11.3 14.4 88 AFL Sydney 1.7 7.10 12.10 17.12 114 Goal Kickers BDAFL – Pat McMahon 5, Scott Reed, Ben Kernahan 2, Tom Yensch 1, Mark Skuse 1, Peter Van Dam 1, Corbin Bond 1, Aaron Seen 1 Best BDAFL – Conor Haswell, Corey Billins, James Hart, Pat McMahon, Alex Mitchell, Marcus DeLeur BDAFL Umpires: Pat Lally & Joey O’Brien (field), Lincoln McCauley (Boundary), Tom Sullivan (Goal)

2017 MENS REPRESENTATIVE TEAM

NAME CLUB NAME CLUB Marcus DELEUR Cardiff Zac METCALFE Cardiff Tom YENSCH Cardiff Alex BAILEY Killarney Vale Beau CUBILLO Killarney Vale Scott REED Killarney Vale Wade BEARD Maitland Pat MCMAHON Maitland Jeremy EDDY Nelson Bay Todd THORNTON Nelson Bay Conor HASWELL Newcastle City Macaulay O”MALLEY Newcastle City Aaron SEEN Newcastle City Alex MITCHELL Singleton Corey BILLINS Terrigal Avoca Corbin BOND Terrigal Avoca Sam ELLIS Terrigal Avoca James HART Terrigal Avoca Mark SKUSE Terrigal Avoca Peter VAN DAM Terrigal Avoca Ben KERNAHAN Warners Bay Rob SCHINDLER-TAYLOR Warners Bay Coach: Chris BISHOP Assistant Coach: Marty REIMAN Stats: Michael SMITH Runner: Jimmy NEWBURN Chairman of Selectors: Garry BURKINSHAW Team Manager: Garry BURKINSHAW Trainer: Sean RIEDEL Trainer: Robert DICKSON

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Back Row: James Hart, Alex Mitchell, Mark Skuse, Alex Bailey, Chris Eddy, Ben Kernahan, Corbin Bond Middle Row: James Newburn (Runner), Marty Reiman (Assistant Coach), Wade Beard, Zac Metcalfe, Luke Price, Marcus De Leur, Tom Yensch, Sam Ellis, Tim Oosterhoff, Scott Reed, Pat McMahon, Rob Schindler-Taylor, Beau Cubillo, Mick Smith (Boardman), Craig Read (Trainer), Sean Reidel (Trainer) Front Row: Macaulay O’Malley, Conor Haswell, Aaron Seen (Vice Captain), Chris Bishop (Coach), Peter Van Dam (Captain), Corey Billins, Jeremy Eddy, Todd Thornton

Match Report – Women’s vs AFL Sydney

AFL Sydney Women proved too strong for Black Diamond AFL Women in their representative match at Adelaide St Oval today, winning 10.12.72 to 1.4.10.

The final score was not a true reflection of the match with the BDAFL able to match their more fancied opponents around the ground however were not able to get quality forward entries to generate scoring opportunities.

AFL Sydney opened the match in fine style and courtesy of a couple of long goals led by 27 points atthe first break.

The game evened up in the second quarter as the BDAFL worked their way into the match and Newcastle City's Sarah Halvorsen kicked a great snapped goal to reduce the margin to 21 points before two late goals gave AFL Sydney a 37 point lead at the long break.

Despite the best efforts of the home side, AFL Sydney kicked the only four goals of the second half on their way to a 62 point win.

AFL Sydney captain Phoebe Monohan was named Best on Ground and she received excellent support from Jasmine Smith, Pippy Clegg and Melissa Freckelton.

For BDAFL Alison Parkin (Gosford), Kailee Goodwin (Newcastle City), Paige Mathewson (Newcastle City) and Sarah Burns (Maitland) were their best.

Women’s Representative Match Weather Fine BDAFL vs AFL Sydney @ Adelaide St Oval, Tumbi Umbi Saturday 20 May 2017 BDAFL 0.0 1.0 1.3 1.4 10 AFL Sydney 4.3 6.7 9.9 10.12 72 Goal Kickers BDAFL – Sarah Halvorsen 1 Best BDAFL – Alison Parkin, Kailee Goodwin, Paige Pathewson, Sarah Burns, Sarah Halvorsen, Rebecca Ives BDAFL Umpires – Stephen Blume & Jake Bateman (field), Simon McCauley (boundary), Jody Jackson (goal)

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

2017 REPRESENTATIVE TEAM

NAME CLUB NAME CLUB Karina BERRY Gosford Rebecca COLLINS Gosford Emily CROOKES Gosford Alison PARKIN Gosford Georgia BUTLER Killarney Vale Tarryn O’HEHIR Killarney Vale Sarah BURNS Maitland Sarah JAMES Maitland Jemma ASTLEY Nelson Bay Sophie BALCOMBE Nelson Bay Lauren COOPER Nelson Bay Kate HOLLAND Nelson Bay Pippa SMYTH Nelson Bay Lisa STEANE Nelson Bay Audrey GILLINGHAM Newcastle City Kailee GOODWIN Newcastle City Sarah HALVORSEN Newcastle City Meaghan MACDONALD Newcastle City Paige MATHEWSON Newcastle City Erin WHITE Newcastle City Kate BOOTH Warners Bay Bec IVES Wyong Lakes Coach: Simon BERRY Assistant Coach: Lauren COOPER Assistant Coach: John PARKER Runner: Jess PHILLIPS Chairman of Selectors: Simon BERRY Team Manager: Eliza BUNNER Trainer: Sean RIEDEL Trainer: Craig READ

Back Row: Kailee Goodwin, Lauren Cooper, Erin White, Jacqui Dudgeon, Kate Booth, Rachael Elcoate, Karina Berry Middle Row: Eliza Bunner (Team Manager), Sophie Balcombe, Jess Phillips, Jemma Astley, Sarah James, Sarah Halvorsen, Bec Ives, Pippa Smyth, Kate Holland, Georgia Butler, Emily Crookes, Audrey Gillingham, John Parker (Assistant Coach) Front Row: Paige Mathewson, Tarryn O’Hehir, Rebecca Collins, Alison Parkin (Captain), Simon Berry (Coach), Lisa Steane (Vice Captain), Sarah Burns, Meaghan MacDonald

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

DANIEL LLOYD DEBUTS FOR GWS GIANTS

After being taken by GWS Giants as a Rookie in 2016, Killarney Vale's Daniel Lloyd dream came true on May 13, when he made his AFL debut against Collingwood.

Such was the excitement within the BDAFL, the Black Diamond Cup match between Killarney Vale and Terrigal Avoca which was scheduled for the same day, was moved forward to the Friday night to enable Killarney Vale and Terrigal Avoca players/supporters to be able to attend the match.

The Killarney Vale members who made the trip to watch Daniel certainly made themselves heard before, during and after the match, with specially made Daniel Lloyd stickers being distributed prior to the match.

The match itseld was an exciting affair with GWS winning by three points courtesy of a last minute Steve Johnson goal with Daniel himself having a solid debut finishing with 17 disposals and a goal.

Lloyd ended up playing seven matches for the year, winning five and was rewarded for his hard work and professional attitude with a further two year contract with the Giants.

PIPPA SMYTH DRAFTED BY GWS GIANTS WOMEN

Nelson Bay’s Pippa Smyth became the first BDAFL Women’s footballer to be drafted by an AFLW club after being selected by GWS Giants with Pick 43 in the 2017 Women’s National Draft.

The 22-year-old has only been playing the sport for three years but was the stand-out performer at the draft combine in Melbourne on October 3 and 4.

The personal trainer and fitness fanatic was one of around 200 aspiring players who took part in the Giants testing day last month.

She then earned a surprise call-up as one of just four Giants picks to attend the two-day combine at Etihad Stadium for representatives from all AFLW clubs.

The combine comprised medical screenings, interviews and fitness testing and the towering ruck excelled in the latter. She recorded top-10 efforts in five of six endurance and agility tests conducted and clocked the fastest 20-metre sprint time of 3.24 seconds.

Smyth will now join the Giants for the 2018 AFLW season which runs from the end of January through to the end of March.

BDAFL YOUNGSTERS CONTINUE TO SHINE

Lloyd was not the only former BDAFL player to continue to shine in 2017.

Isaac Heeney is quickly turning into an AFL star with another impressive season which saw him once again named in the AFLPA Under 22 Team of the Year and also polled four Brownlow Medal votes and finished 10th in the Swans Best & Fairest award. All this was achieved despite missing the first four games (the Swans losing them all) with glandular fever.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Former Warners Bay player, Paul Hunter was retained by the Adelaide Crows as a Rookie and despite impressive performances for the clubs SANFL side, was unable to make his debut for the club in 2017. Hunter will now be anxiously waiting to see if the club retains for 2018.

Another Warners Bay youngster, Jack Hardman was relocated to Sydney by the Swans to finish school, a similar path to that of Isaac Heeney.

After representing the Sydney Swans Academy in the revamped Division Two of the AFL National Under 18’s Championships, Hardman was selected in the Allies squad to play in Division One of the same championships.

After impressing in the championships, Hardman was selected to attend the AFL State Combine recently. He will be hoping his name is read out in the upcoming drafts.

A number of younger BDAFL players also performed well at higher levels.

Brandt Job (Cardiff/Lake Macquarie) was also selected in the Sydney Swans Academy Under 18’s squad to play in the National Championships, and whilst he did not get a game he is still eligible for selection next year.

Ky McGrath (Warners Bay/Muswellbrook) and Aidan Watling (Newcastle City) were both selected to represent AFL NSW/ACT in Division Two of the National Under 16’s championships.

Cardiff youngster Damon Rowett also represented NSW/ACT in the AFL National Inclusion Carnival which was held on the Gold Coast. It is the second consecutive year that Damon has been selected in this side.

The women have also excelled with Nelson Bay’s Lisa Steane leading the way after being invited to be a part of the GWS Giants AFLW train on squad. This saw Lisa travel to Sydney once a week to train with the squad and she even travelled with the team to Adelaide for one match when she was named as an emergency.

MILESTONE – PETER VAN DAM – 300 CLUB GAMES

When League captain, Terrigal Avoca legend and all round champion Peter Van Dam ran out onto Hylton Moore Oval on 22 July 2017, he joined clubmates Ken O’Brien and Dave “Spoonman” Grimmond as the only Panthers in history to have played 300 games for their beloved club.

Van Dam has played his entire career at Terrigal Avoca joining the club as a 13 year old and he never looked back.” Van Dam’s 300 games do not include his junior football, so his achievement is a massive one for both him and Terrigal Avoca.

In addition to this Van Dam has also represented the BDAFL on a record 12 occasions.

Van Dam listed two players as the best he has played alongside; Maurice Goolagong and Dave “Spoonman” Grimmond. When asked about his best opponents, Van Dam stated Newcastle City’s Jason Colloupas and Killarney Vale’s Corey Shackleton as the two players he found the toughest to play on.

Van Dam hung up the boots following the Panthers Premiership win and we congratulate him on an excellent career.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

FINALS

In 2017, the four competitions used varying finals structures. Both the Hunter Haval Black Diamond Cup and Plate competitions played a finals four system played over three weeks. The Women’s played a final six over three weeks and the Reserve Grade competition used a final five system played over four weeks.

The finals commenced with Max McMahon Oval hosting the Women’s Semi Finals and also the Reserve Grade Qualifying Finals. The early finals start for the women was to enable their Grand Final to continue to be played as a twilight fixture immediately following the Black Diamond Cup Preliminary Final, which continues to be a successful initiative.

The following week the Black Diamond Cup Semi Finals and Women’s Preliminary Final were played on the Saturday at Dick Burwell Oval, which was the first time finals had been played at the venue. Both Black Diamond Plate and Reserve Grade Semi Finals were played on the Sunday at Adelaide St Oval.

Newcastle No 1 Sportsground then hosted the Preliminary Final and Women’s Grand Final as well as the men’s Grand Finals.

Fine weather greeted all finals days, except for the finals held at Dick Burwell Oval which saw very windy conditions followed by heavy rain for the evening match.

As in past years, the BDAFL Board set an admission charge of $5 for Adults with the admission fee applied to all attendees including players and umpires. Children under 16 remained free whilst Parking for Netball was still $5 per car for all finals except for the Grand Final which was $5 per adult.

Attendances for all finals were excellent with record numbers at both the Preliminary and Grand Finals.

Football Records were provided free of charge for all finals.

An invitation was extended to all clubs to host the semi finals and also for the catering and bar rights at No 1 Sportsground. The BDAFL Board then appointed venues and roles from expressions received.

Lake Macquarie undertook the catering, and Newcastle City the bar for all finals at No 1 Sportsground, Killarney Vale, Nelson Bay and Maitland did both the catering and bar at the semi finals held at their grounds.

The clubs who were granted the bar rights were required to provide security as necessary as per their Liquor Licence.

The Lions Club of Newcastle were approached to provide volunteers to act as gatekeepers for the finals at No 1 Sportsground, after this income opportunity was not taken up by any clubs. They agreed to assist and a donation of $1,500.00 was agreed to as recognition of their support. Killarney Vale, Nelson Bay and Maitland fulfilled these roles as part of their hosting agreement.

Grand Final day, was an excellent event with the leagues logo painted on the ground.

Sheree Lambie from Newcastle performed an excellent rendition of the National Anthem prior to both the Women’s and Black Diamond Cup Grand Finals.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Presentations were conducted on a stage with the President of the Premiership team presenting the premiership medallions and Premiership trophy.

Elite Sport Images were engaged to take the team photos as well as action shots throughout the day. Copies of the photos were provided to the BDAFL with photos displayed on their website for the public to view and purchase for free if they wish.

The Women’s Grand Final was played as a twilight fixture on Preliminary Final day and was a great success with a large and vocal crowd in attendance. This day has become a very social occasion with a number of clubs hosting their end of season celebration as part of this day. Whilst this creates a festive occasion it also presents a number of challenges as well in relation to crowd behaviour.

The league received unprecendented media coverage in the lead up to the Preliminary Final with Cardiff captain, Simon O’Brien and his fiancée Cat (pictured) getting married on the morning of the match, prior to Simon leading Cardiff into the Preliminary Final , which they won. The story not only received local coverage but also national and even international coverage. It was certainly a sight to see Kat handballing the ball in the goalsquare at half time in her wedding dress in front of photographers. A large number of wedding guests attended the match and were delighted when Simon kicked a goal in the final quarter.

All Black Diamond Cup finals, as well as the other grade Grand Finals were broadcast live.

Another highlight of the finals was the running of the Pullman’s Magenta Shores Run Against Violence 400m finals for both men and women. The finals were run at half time of the respective Grand Finals (i.e. men’s race at half time of the women’s Grand Final and vice versa) and created significant interest for the crowd. Congratulations to Clint Warnekan (Maitland) for winning the men’s race and Pippa Smyth (Nelson Bay) the women’s race.

In conjunction with both the Women’s and Black Diamond Cup Grand Finals, BDAFL Major Sponsor, Hunter Haval a “Kick 4 Cash” promotion was held. Those in attendance ha dthe opportunity to complete a registration form for the opportunity to have their name drawn out for the chance to win $500 by kicking a football into the back of an Haval. Unfortunately those who names were drawn out were unable to achieve this and as such the $500 was not won.

Grand Final Reports - Men’s

The best Hunter Haval Black Diamond Cup Grand Final in a generation saw minor premiers Terrigal Avoca hold off a fast-finishing Cardiff Hawks to win the Black Diamond Cup by a mere nine points at Newcastle No.1 Sportsground.

Final scores were Terrigal Avoca 13.11.89 to Cardiff 11.14.80.

In front of a recrd crowd on a glorious Newcastle spring day, the Panthers won the game in the second and third quarters, where they kicked nine goals to four to set up their great victory over a gallant Cardiff in a truly exciting, thrilling and pulsating Grand Final.

The Hawks led at quarter time after Elliott Davey Medallist Tom Yensch goaled from the 50m arc after the siren. However, led by McBain Medallist James Webster, the Panthers slipped away from Cardiff to lead by 26 points at the last break.

Cardiff, aided by a moderate Nor-Easter, kicked the only three goals of the last quarter but Terrigal threw players back in the last quarter, including veteran Alastair Richardson, and held on in a thrilling finish to a wonderful game.

Cardiff coach Nathan Harkness, never one to die wondering, made some interesting tactical moves in the second half that almost brought victory to the Hawks.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Regular centreman Marcus DeLeur, who copped a knock to his shin late in the second quarter, moved to ruck duties for most of the second half, winning his fair share of taps and giving Cardiff more options in the clearances. Yensch, who suffered cramping in the second quarter, played at full-forward in the last quarter, kicking two goals and nearly stealing victory for his club.

Terrigal Avoca's experience and desperation eventually saw them home. Ex-coach Chris Bishop won many clearances and proved a beast at winning contested ball. Sam Ellis was effective in the ruck and up forward, whilst rover Jack Grimmond continued his recent run of excellent form, often working at the bottom of stoppages.

Terrigal Avoca had four players kick two goals; Ryan Webster, James Webster, coach Mark Skuse and Alexander White. Tom Yensch kicked three goals whilst half-forward Tom Quade managed two majors.

Terrigal Avoca were best served by James Webster, Bishop, Grimmond, Skuse, Jarrad Flint and the incomparable Peter Van Dam in his last game of football.

Cardiff's best players were DeLeur, Chad Mayo, Yensch, Liam Gibson, Simon O'Brien and wingman Trent Thompson, who produced arguably his best-ever game for the Hawks.

Whilst Terrigal Avoca took the spoils winning their fourth premiership in the past six years, Cardiff lost no admirers with a gallant performance.

The Maitland Saints claimed their first ever premiership when they won the Hunter Haval Black Diamond Plate Grand Final defeating arch rivals Singleton by 25 points. Final scores being Maitland 14.5.89 to Singleton 9.10.64.

After a great first quarter where the Singleton kicked five goals to two, the Roosters could only manage four goals in the remaining three quarters as Maitland produced an excellent defensive performance to eventually win in convincing fashion.

Led by the vastly experienced Ben Stewart and Tim Sheldon, the Saints took control of the game after quarter time, aided by kicking fourteen goals from nineteen effective scoring shots. Stewart was superb in the centre, and Sheldon's work as the loose man across half-back was pivotal to Maitland's outstanding performance.

Singleton simply had no answers for the straight-shooting Maitland, who quite simply shut down the Roosters to deservedly hold up the Premiership Cup.

Skipper Wade Beard led the way up forward for Maitland with four very important goals. Beard was well supported by Aiden Damico with three goals and Chris Pedler with two majors. Alex Mitchell and Michael Phillips kicked two goals each for Singleton.

Recalled veteran Jim Taranto repaid Maitland's hierarchy by winning the Best on Ground Medal. He was well supported by Stewart (whose Polly Farmer-like handballing was a feature of the game), Pat McMahon, Sheldon, Aiden Damico and Beard.

Star centreman Andrew Scott was magnificent for the Roosters in a virtuoso display that would have him in contention for the Best on Ground Medal despite playing in a losing side. Time and again Scott, under intense pressure from the Saints, extracted the ball from contested situations. Scott was supported by Luke Davis, Joshua Long, Andrew MacPherson, Richard Wilkes and Jarryd Ingram.

Reserve Grade Minor Premiers Cardiff, beaten by Killarney Vale in the Second Semi Final, extracted sweet revenge in the Reserve Grade Grand Final with a polished and convincing 24 point victory over the Bombers at Newcastle No.1 Oval. Final scores were Cardiff 10.10.70 to Killarney Vale 6.10.46.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Grand Final Report – Women’s

Newcastle City capped off a magnificent 2017 GE Women's season by claiming the premiership, to complete the undefeated season for Nathan Wilmott and his team. Final Scores: Newcastle City 10.11.71 to Nelson Bay 1.6.12.

The scoreboard certainly did not reflect the quality of the match with both signs showing plenty of skill and determination but in the end Newcastle City proved too strong.

The game at a frenetic pace and it took seven minutes before Newcastle City captain Audrey Gillingham kicked the first goal of the game. Nelson Bay skipper, Lisa Steane kicked a long goal to respond for the Marlins, however unfortunately this was to be the only goal they kicked for the game.

Late goals to leading goalkicker, Meaghan MacDonald and Sarah Halvorsen saw the Minor Premiers lead by 10 points at the first change.

Newcastle City began to get on top in the middle of the ground with Best on Ground recipient , Erin White influential. Three goals for the quarter saw them open up a 29 point lead at the long break.

Even though they were trailing by almost five goals, Nelson Bay came out full of intent in the third quarter, and led by their guns, Pippa Smyth and Steane they matches their more fancied opponents but unfortunately this effort was not reflected on the scoreboard.

Tayla Braithwaite kicked the only goal for the term which took Newcastle City's lead to 40 points at the final change.

Three more goals in the final term saw Newcastle City eventually run out 65 point winners.

Best for the Premiers were White, Braithwaite, Paige Mathewson, Halvorsen, Madeline Smith and Gillingham with Taylah Smith, Ash Hallyar and Halvorsen each kicking two goals.

For Nelson Bay, Lauren Hughes was their best after doing an excellent defensive job on the dangerous Hallyar with Smyth, Steane, Sophie Balcombe, Lauren Cooper and Kate Holland also playing well. FINALS MATCH DETAILS

Women’s Semi Final & Reserve Grade Qualifying Finals – Saturday 12 August 2017 Gate: $2,209 Max McMahon Oval GE Women’s - 1st Semi Final Weather: Fine Gosford 0.2 1.3 3.5 6.7 43 Killarney Vale 0.0 0.0 1.1 2.2 14 Goal kickers: Gosford: Angela Jones 2, Jodi Carroll 1, Sarah Hudson 1, Rachael Elcoate 1, Kylie Mcmullen 1 Killarney Vale: Ashleigh Page 1, Chelsea Dawson 1 Best Players: Gosford :Alison Parkin, Rebecca Collins, Sarah Walsh, Maddison Kacarovski , Tarryn O'Hehir, Sarah Hudson Killarney Vale:Skye Bailey, Bethany Wood, Megan Jenkins , Monique Maddalena, Caitlin Sims, Suzanne Jeffree

GE Women’s - 2nd Semi Final Maitland 1.0 6.3 6.3 7.5 47 Wyong Lakes 1.0 3.1 3.1 4.1 25 Goal kickers: Maitland:Sarah James 3, Amy Worth 3, Sarah Burns 1 Wyong Lakes: Aleece Hemmings 2, Emily Bohan 1, Ashleigh Sephton 1 Best Players: Maitland: Felicity Millen, Anna Fraser, Jodie Eagar, Amy Worth, Amanda Smith, Jacqui Dudgeon Wyong Lakes: Rebecca Ives, Emily Bohan, Leah Tagilala, Aleece Hemmings, Jesse Graham, Sarah Ball

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Hunter Haval Reserve Grade – Elimination Final Terrigal Avoca 2.5 4.7 8.9 15.11 101 Nelson Bay 1.1 1.1 1.1 2.1 13 Goal kickers: Terrigal Avoca: Luke Gains 3, Timothy Kosmeier 2, Bryce Birks 2, Mathew Studdert 2, Luke Bury 2, Ryan Shaw 1, Scott Milne 1, Thomas Cansick 1 Nelson Bay: Nathan Stewart 1, Luke Bell 1 Best Players: Terrigal Avoca: Jai McNamara, Luke Bury, Byron Lawson, Ryan Shaw, Luke Gains, Lucas Billins Nelson Bay: Nick Ridgeway, Dylan Stuart, John West, Thomas Wood, Paul Smith, Timothy Murphy

Hunter Haval Reserve Grade – Qualifying Final Killarney Vale 3.2 5.2 8.2 11.9 75 Warners Bay 2.1 3.6 5.7 6.8 44 Goal kickers: Killarney Vale: Robert Zahra 3, Justin Daley 2, Glen Page 2, Rod Fiene 1, Michael Solomons 1, Brendan Lewis 1,Scott Reid 1 Warners Bay: Leigh Andersen 2, Jake Hayes 2, Jeremy Buckley 1, Riley Williams 1 Best Players: Killarney Vale: Robert Zahra, Adam Rumpler, Mitch Craig, Glen Page, Warwick Jackson, Stuart Cameron Warners Bay : Zachary Moore, Simon Rocco, Jack Downing, Jeremy Buckley, Joshua Buchanan, David Maione

Black Diamond Cup Semi Finals & Women’s Preliminary Finals– Saturday 19 August 2017 Gate: $ 2467 Dick Burwell Oval Hunter Haval Black Diamond Cup – 2nd Semi Final Weather: Overcast, Windy & late Rain Terrigal Avoca 4.1 8.1 14.4 17.8 110 Cardiff 1.2 3.4 5.8 9.10 64 Goal kickers: Terrigal Avoca: Peter Van Dam 4, Ryan Webster 3, Jayson Van Dam 2, Chris Bishop 1, James Hart 1, Kurt Fleming 1,Corey Billins 1, James Webster 1, Alastair Richardson 1, Sam Ellis 1, Mark Skuse 1 Cardiff: Cameron Jones 2, Josh Murphy 2, Simon O'Brien 1, Trent Thompson 1, Brandt Job 1, Tom Quade 1,Kieren Bellemore 1 Best Players: Terrigal Avoca: Jack Grimmond, Will Mckellar, Kurt Fleming, James Webster, Sam Ellis, Chris Bishop Cardiff: Jack Pratt, David O'Donnell, Jack Lennon, Marcus DeLeur, Tom Yensch, Lachlan Price

Hunter Haval Black Diamond Cup – 1st Semi Final Nelson Bay 4.4 5.6 6.10 6.12 48 Newcastle City 0.1 2.8 3.10 5.17 47 Goal kickers: Nelson Bay: Billy Barton 1, Adam Grinyer 1, Luke Price 1, Ben Eddy 1, Aaron Clayden 1, Jeremy Eddy 1 Newcastle City: Courtney Knight 1, Nicholas Gill 1, Liam Dwyer 1, Luke Rawnsley 1, Aidan Watling 1 Best Players: Neslon Bay: Chris Eddy, Ryan Mudd, Adam Grinyer, Jayden Rymer, Harrison Freund, Todd Thornton Newcastle City: Cameron Keast, Luke Rawnsley, Jake Hartikainen, Max Quinlan, Ethan Durbridge, Jackson Crawford

GE Women’s – Preliminary Final Newcastle City 7.2 11.9 18.11 23.13 151 Maitland 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 1 Goal kickers: Newcastle City : Ashlee Hayllar 5, Meaghan MacDonald 4, Paige Mathewson 4, Audrey Gillingham 3, Tayla Braithwaite 3, Taylah Smith 2, Sarah Halvorsen 1, Simone Sing 1 Maitland: Best Players: Newcastle City: Taylah Smith, Meaghan MacDonald, Erin White, Audrey Gillingham, Bethany White, Anna Ralston Maitland: Felicity Millen, Sarah Burns, Meagan Casserly, Amanda Smith, Anna Fraser, Jodie Eagar

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

GE Women’s – Preliminary Final Nelson Bay 2.2 6.5 7.6 9.7 61 Gosford 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.5 5 Goal kickers: Nelson Bay : Emily Nichols 3, Eliza Smyth 2, Jemma Astley 1, Jessica Phillips 1, Kaitlyn Douglass 1, Philippa Smyth 1 Gosford: Best Players: Nelson Bay : Philippa Smyth, Sophie Balcombe, Kaitlyn Douglass, Emily Nichols, Lisa Steane, Hayley West Gosford: Alison Parkin, Maddison Kacarovski , Rebecca Collins, Jazmin Norley, Rachael Elcoate, Tarryn O'Hehir

Black Diamond Plate & Reserve Grade Semi Finals – Sunday 20 August 2017 Gate: $3,058 Adelaide St Oval Hunter Haval Black Diamond Plate – 2nd Semi Final Weather: Fine Maitland 2.3 5.6 7.10 9.12 66 Wyong Lakes 4.1 4.4 4.7 5.10 40 Goal kickers: Maitland: Wade Beard 4, Pat McMahon 3, Hayden Taylor 2 Wyong Lakes: Rhys Dawe 2, Lee Moore 2, Timothy Hillman 1 Best Players: Maitland: Mitchell Greaves, Pat McMahon, Ben Crowley, Kaiden Ritchie, Wade Beard, Dean Notman Wyong Lakes: Tim Hillman, Lee Moore, Carter Jones, Brayden Tos, Gavin Stokes, Riley Johnston

Hunter Haval Black Diamond Plate – 1st Semi Final Singleton 2.4 3.5 9.9 12.13 85 Newcastle City 0.2 0.2 1.2 1.3 9 Goal kickers: Singleton: Oliver Moody 4, Cameron White 2, Jackson Kolatchew 2, Alex Mitchell 2, David Oman 1, Andrew Scott 1 Newcastle City: Bailey Cullen 1 Best Players: Singleton: Andrew Scott, Luke Davis, Mitchell Gaffney, Cameron White, David Oman, Zach Bray Newcastle City: Daniel Osarek, Ned Shanahan, Thomas Dwyer, Joshua King, Adam Johnston, Ben Thompson

Hunter Haval Reserve Grade – 2nd Semi Final Killarney Vale 4.4 5.5 10.7 12.10 82 Cardiff 1.0 3.3 4.3 6.3 39 Goal kickers: Killarney Vale: Scott Reid 3, Glen Page 2, Brendan Lewis 2, Peter Harvey 1, Marc Adams 1, Campbell Wilson 1, Robert Zahra 1, Trent Debnam 1 Cardiff: Zachary Moore 2, Hugh O'Neill 1, Thomas Lashlie 1, Scott Wolfenden 1, Tony Edser 1 Best Players: Killarney Vale: Dane Amidy, Adam Fiene, Campbell Wilson, William Cross-Hicks, Scott Reid, Michael Broadbent Cardiff: John O'Regan, Nicholas Kocon, Jesse Coombe, Michael Spitzkowsky, Thomas Lashlie, Hugh O'Neill

Hunter Haval Reserve Grade – 1st Semi Final Warners Bay 5.3 7.5 12.6 14.8 92 Terrigal Avoca 0.1 4.2 6.4 9.8 62 Goal kickers: Warners Bay: Jake Hayes 5, Leigh Andersen 4, Ryan Clarke 1, Lydon Bligh-Parker 1, Riley Williams 1, Jack Downing 1, Rick Robertson 1 Terrigal Avoca: Mathew Studdert 4, Jai Turner 1, Cori Hopper 1, Max Enders 1, Luke Gains 1, Alex Young 1 Best Players: Warners Bay: Leo Vo, Thomas Prentice, Zachary Moore, Daniel Lincoln, Scott Bartlem, Jeremy Buckley Terrigal Avoca: Mathew Studdert, Ryan Shaw, Jai McNamara, Joshua Glachan, Zak Van Dartel, Alex Young

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Preliminary Finals & Women’s Grand Final– Saturday 26 August 2017 Gate: $7,018 Newcastle No 1 Sportsground GE Women’s Grand Final Weather: Fine Newcastle City 3.2 6.5 7.10 10.11 71 Nelson Bay 1.4 1.6 1.6 1.6 12 Goal kickers: Newcastle City: Taylah Smith 2, Sarah Halvorsen 2, Ashlee Hayllar 2, Audrey Gillingham 1, Tayla Braithwaite 1, Paige Mathewson 1, Meaghan MacDonald 1 Nelson Bay: Lisa Steane 1 Best Players: Newcastle City: Erin White, Tayla Braithwaite , Paige Mathewson, Sarah Halvorsen, Madeline Smith, Audrey Gillingham Nelson Bay: Lauren Hughes, Lisa Steane, Philippa Smyth, Sophie Balcombe, Lauren Cooper, Kate Holland Umpires: Lincoln McCauley & Harrison Crook Best on Ground: Erin White (Newcastle City)

Hunter Haval Black Diamond Cup Preliminary Final Cardiff 3.3 6.9 10.11 16.13 109 Nelson Bay 1.1 2.2 5.4 7.6 48 Goal kickers: Cardiff: Jack Lennon 3, Josh Murphy 3, Tom Yensch 3, Tom Quade 2, Trent Thompson 2, Simon O'Brien 1, Liam Gibson 1, Kieren Bellemore 1 Nelson Bay: Jeremy Eddy 2, Jayden Rymer 1, Aaron Clayden 1, Luke Price 1, Mathew Dews 1, Louis Dews 1 Best Players: Cardiff: Simon O'Brien, Kieren Bellemore, Jack Lennon, Marcus DeLeur, Tom Yensch, Tom Quade Nelson Bay: Billy Barton, Luke Price, Todd Thornton, Jayden Rymer, Ben Grace, Jeremy Eddy

Hunter Haval Black Diamond Plate Preliminary Final Singleton 3.5 5.6 8.11 11.11 77 Wyong Lakes 1.2 6.2 6.3 7.7 49 Goal kickers: Singleton: Jackson Kolatchew 5, Daine Cowburn 1, Andrew Scott 1, David Oman 1, Michael Phillips 1, Joshua Long 1,Oliver Moody 1 Wyong Lakes: Justin McPhan 3, Tyler Wood 2, Rhys Dawe 1, Lee Moore 1 Best Players: Singleton: Chris Collier, Andrew Scott, Cameron White, Andrew Macpherson, Jai Pursell, Andrew Hodge Wyong Lakes: Brayden Tos, Timothy Hillman, Lee Moore, Mitchell Burgess, Carter Jones, Gavin Stokes

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Hunter Haval Reserve Grade Preliminary Final Cardiff 2.2 4.3 6.6 8.7 55 Warners Bay 1.3 3.4 3.10 4.15 39 Goal kickers: Cardiff: Aaron Wivell 2, Jesse Coombe 2, Hugh O'Neill 1, Julian Clements 1, Zachary Moore 1, Tony Edser 1 Warners Bay: Rick Robertson 1, Ian Bird 1, Thomas Prentice 1, Murray Younger 1 Best Players: Cardiff: Regan Bowe, Nicholas Kocon, Brendan Wold, Clinton James, Scott Wolfenden, Jesse Coombe Warners Bay: Zachary Moore, Thomas Prentice, Jeremy Buckley, Leo Vo, Joshua Buchanan, Tom Davidson

Grand Final – Saturday 2 September 2017 Gate: $9,464 Newcastle No. 1 Sportsground Hunter Haval Black Diamond Cup Weather: Fine Terrigal Avoca 4.3 9.4 13.7 13.11 89 Cardiff 4.5 6.7 8.11 11.14 80 Goal kickers: Terrigal Avoca: Ryan Webster 2, James Webster 2, Mark Skuse 2, Alexander White 2, Sam O'Brien 1, Sam Ellis 1, Daniel Heuston 1, Jayson Van Dam 1, Corey Billins 1 Cardiff: Tom Yensch 3, Tom Quade 2, Jack Lennon 1, Nicholas Chapman 1, Liam Gibson 1, Josh Murphy 1,Marcus DeLeur 1, Trent Thompson 1 Best Players: Terrigal Avoca: James Webster, Chris Bishop, Jack Grimmond, Mark Skuse, Peter Van Dam, Jarrad Flint Cardiff: Marcus DeLeur, Chad Mayo, Tom Yensch, Liam Gibson, Simon O'Brien, Trent Thompson Umpires: Joseph O’Brien, Pat Lally, Stephen Blume McBain Medallist: James Webster (Terrigal Avoca)

Hunter Haval Black Diamond Plate Maitland 2.0 6.1 9.3 14.5 89 Singleton 5.2 6.5 7.6 9.10 64 Goal kickers: Maitland: Wade Beard 4, Aiden Damico 3, Chris Pedler 2, Hugh Matheson 1, Riley Newstead 1, Ben Stewart 1, Clint Warneken 1, Jim Taranto 1 Singleton: Alex Mitchell 2, Michael Phillips 2, Cameron White 1, Brandon Quinn 1, Andrew Hodge 1, Jackson Kolatchew 1, Dominic Harrod 1 Best Players: Maitland: Jim Taranto, Ben Stewart, Pat McMahon, Tim Sheldon, Aiden Damico, Wade Beard Singleton: Andrew Scott, Luke Davis, Joshua Long, Andrew Macpherson, Richard Wilkes, Jarryd Ingram Umpires: Jake Bateman, Darrel Luck, Dave Parsons Steve Smith Medallist: Jim Taranto (Maitland)

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Hunter Haval Reserve Grade Cardiff 3.4 5.5 9.8 10.10 70 Killarney Vale 1.3 2.7 4.8 6.10 46 Goal kickers: Cardiff: Aaron Wivell 5, Lachlan Price 1, Jarrod Braybon 1, Jesse Coombe 1, Zachary Moore 1, Peter Bleus 1 Killarney Vale: Michael Broadbent 2, Trent Debnam 2, Scott Reid 1, Dane Amidy 1 Best Players: Cardiff: Clinton James, Nicholas Kocon, Zachary Moore, Jarrod Braybon, Brendan Wold, Tom Lashlie Killarney Vale: Robert Zahra, Brendan Lewis, Adam Fiene, Michael Broadbent, Peter Harvey, Justin Daley Umpires: Xander Robinson, Ryan Stanton, Jodie Henderson Bill Best Medallist: Clint James (Cardiff)

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

2017 PREMIERS

BLACK DIAMOND CUP TERRIGAL AVOCA

BLACK DIAMOND PLATE MAITLAND

WOMEN’S NEWCASTLE CITY

RESERVE GRADE CARDIFF

2017 GRAND FINAL BEST ON GROUND

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

ELLIOTT DAVEY MEDAL PRESENTATION NIGHT

Over 280 people attended the Black Diamond AFL Elliott Davey Medal Presentation Night which was held at Belmont 16 Footers Sailing Club. Hosted by Steve Allan, the night recognised the achievements of individuals, volunteers and clubs who excelled during the 2017 season.

The night included representatives from all clubs, who all were granted eight tickets per men’s team as part of their affiliation fee. Representatives from the Newcastle Central Coast Umpires Association were also in attendance.

BDAFL invited guests in attendance included representatives from sponsors/partners Hunter Haval, Belmont 16 Footers Sailing Club, GE Industrial Solutions, Marks Men Workforce, BarTV, AFL NSW/ACT Representatives and BDAFL Life Members. BDAFL Ambassador, Maurice Goolagong and David Arnold (son of James Arnold) were also present and able to present awards which carried their name.

The evening commenced in the Quarterdeck Room for complimentary pre-dinner drinks and canapés, which enabled the guests to enjoy the magnificent waterfront views.

The guests then took their seats in the Spinnaker Auditorium where they were served a two course meal with drinks available at the bar.

The night included video highlights of the season as well as individual highlights for those individual award winners.

As in previous years the night was broadcast live over the internet courtesy of BarTV with the coverage including interviews during the night. The viewing numbers (828) and related feedback indicated that the coverage was a success.

Cradiff ruckman, Tom Yensch capped off a fantastic season by taking out Elliott Davey Medal in a convincing fashion. 2016 winner Jayden Rymer presented Yensch with the medal.

Wyong Lakes ruckman, Brayden Tos took out the Granland Medal as the Best and Fairest player in the Black Diamond Plate with the Reserve Grade award being won by Jeremy Buckly from Warners Bay

Gosford captain, Alison Parkin won the Women’s Best & Fairest Award with an amazing 32 votes.

Singleton’s, Mark Rohan was a popular winner of the James J Arnold Volunteer of the Year, whilst John Sullivan was recognised for his long standing service of umpiring by being awarded a prestigious AFL Merit Award.

Newcastle City youngster, Hugh Blanchfield and Nelson Bay’s, Kaitlyn Douglass took home the BDAFL Men’s and Women’s Rising Star awards as the Best First Year player whilst Conor Haswell of Newcastle City took how the Most Outstanding Men’s Young Footballer with Newcastle Nova’s Rosie Ronan-Yates taking home the women’s award.

Cardiff’s Marcus DeLeur was the winner of the BDAFL Black Diamond Cup Coaches MVP award.

The leading goalkicker awards were won by Scott Reed – Killarney Vale (Black Diamond Cup); Aaron Kosub – Wyong Lakes (Black Diamond Plate); Meaghan MacDonald – Newcastle City (Women’s) and Josh Murphy & Mick Ryan – both Cardiff (Reserve Grade)

Terrigal Avoca were presented with the Club Championship Trophy with Singleton winning the Administration Award.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Elliott Davey Medal – Black Diamond Cup Best & Fairest Tom Yensch Cardiff Granland Medal – Black Diamond Plate Best & Fairest Brayden Tos Wyong Lakes Women’s Best & Fairest Alison Parkin Gosford Chris Arnold Medal – Reserve Grade Best & Fairest Jeremy Buckley Warners Bay Maurice Goolagong Trophy – Scott Reed Killarney Vale Black Diamond Cup Leading Goalkicker Black Diamond Plate Leading Goalkicker Aaron Kosub Wyong Lakes Women’s Leading Goalkicker Meaghan MacDonald Newcastle City Michael Ryan & Cardiff & Reserve Grade Leading Goalkicker Josh Murphy Cardiff BDAFL Rising Star Hugh Blanchfield Newcastle City BDAFL Women’s Rising Star Kaitlyn Douglass Nelson Bay Most Outstanding Young Footballer Conor Haswell Newcastle City Most Outstanding Young Women’s Footballer Rosie Ronan-Yates Newcastle Nova’s Black Diamond Cup Coaches MVP Marcus DeLeur Cardiff Club Championship Trophy Terrigal Avoca Club Administration Award Singleton James J Arnold Volunteer of the Year Mark Rohan Singleton AFL Merit Award John Sullivan

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

ELLIOTT DAVEY MEDALLIST

Cardiff follower Tom Yensch has taken out the prestigious Elliott Davey Medal as the Best and Fairest player in the Hunter Haval Black Diamond Cup competition.

The 23 year old, who joined Cardiff this year from Ovens and Murray club, Lavington polled 25 votes to win the award from his captain, Simon O’Brien (19 votes) with Terrigal Avoca coach, Mark Skuse in third position with 17 votes.

Yensch took the lead in Round 9 and was never headed although O’Brien and Newcastle City defender Conor Haswell (15 votes) drew within one vote after Round 13 before Yensch once again pulled away to win by six votes, polling the most votes for a winner since 2009 when Angus Darling won with 30 votes.

A measure of Yensch’s consistency was that he polled in 12 of the 15 games he played although he only was adjudged by the umpires to be the Best player on the Ground on four occasions including Rounds 16 and 18.

2016 winner, Jayden Rymer polled 11 votes to finish in a tie for sixth.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

GRANLAND MEDALLIST

Wyong Lakes ruckmen, Brayden Tos has been awarded the Granland Medal as the Best & Fairest player in the Black Diamond Plate competition in a thrilling finish.Tos was tied with Gosford rover, Brad Deitz heading into the final round and was awarded two votes in the Magpies win over Newcastle City whilst Deitz did not poll a vote in Gosford narrow loss to Singleton. It was second year in a row that Deitz has finished runner up.

WOMEN’S BEST & FAIREST MEDALLIST

Gosford midfielder, Alison Parkin has capped off a great year by taking out the GE Women's Best & Fairest Award.Parkin polled an astonishing 32 votes to win by five votes from Nelson Bay follower Pippa Smyth with 2016 winner, Lisa Steane, Nelson Bay a further five votes adrift in third position.Parkin was voted Best on Ground on eight occasions in a season which saw her only out of the votes on three occasions which included the last two rounds

CHRIS ARNOLD MEDALLIST

Warners Bay's Jeremy Buckley has won the Chris Arnold Medal as the Best & Fairest player in the Hunter Haval Reserve Grade competition.

Buckley polled 18 points, including five in the last five rounds to defeat Nelson Bay defender, Dylan Stuart by three votes with Buckley's teammate Chris Avery a further two votes back in third position

2017 BLACK DIAMOND CUP COACHES MVP

Cardiff’s Marcus DeLeur has been awarded the BDAFL Black Diamond Cup Coaches MVP award.

The award is determined by the Black Diamond Cup coaches who jointly voting 3-2-1 at the conclusion of each game.

DeLeur in his first full season in the BDAFL was standout with his ball winning ability and strength at the contest. He was a key figure in Cardiff’s rise to making the Grand Final.

Leaderboard Name Club Votes Marcus DeLeur Cardiff 13 Tom Yensch Cardiff 11 Kurt Fleming Terrigal Avoca 10 Aaron Seen Newcastle City 10 Jayden Rymer Nelson Bay 10 Simon O’Brien Cardiff 9 James Hart Terrigal Avoca 9 Conor Haswell Newcastle City 9 53

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

2017 BDAFL MEN’S RISING STAR

2017 BDAFL Rising Star winner is Newcastle City’s, Hugh Blanchfield.

At just 17 years of age, Blanchfield made an immediate impression with his tenacity and skill level and by the end of the year he had forced his way into the strong Blues midfield.

Blanchfield is a member of the Sydney Swans Academy.

Full Voting

Name Club Votes Hugh Blanchfield Newcastle City 19 Ky McGrath Warners Bay 17 Tom McDonnell Warners Bay 12 Dan Heuston Terrigal Avoca 10 Harley Bernleitner Killarney Vale 10 Reed Van Huisstede Newcastle City 10 Max Quinlan Newcastle City 10 Brandt Job Cardiff 9 Conor Reilly Killarney Vale 7 Aidan Watling Newcastle City 1

2017 BDAFL WOMEN’S RISING STAR

2017 BDAFL Women’s Rising Star winner is Nelson Bay’s Kaitlyn Douglass.

In her first season playing AFL, 19 year old, Douglass established herself as a key player in the strong Nelson Bay women’s side as a forward/midfielder.

Douglass finished the season with 29 goals from the 15 games she played.

Full Voting

Name Club Votes Kaitlyn Douglass Nelson Bay 36 Roisin Ronan-Yates Newcastle Nova’s 33 Madison Kacarovski Gosford 26 Mollie Palmer Cardiff 18 Kyah McBride Singleton 15 Annalise Norton Nelson Bay 6 Lua Roser Singleton 5 Tiarne Forder Muswellbrook 5 Tahlia Thompson Singleton 5 Kate Dinardo Newcastle Nova’s 4 Faith Lewis Cardiff 4 Rebekah Stuart Newcastle Nova’s 3 Joscelyn Kelleher Killarney Vale 2

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

2017 MOST OUTSTANDING YOUNG MEN’S FOOTBALLER Newcastle City’s Conor Haswell has taken out the prestigious BDAFL Men’s Most Outstanding Young Footballer besating a high quality field to claim the award.

After moving to defence, Haswell has been a standout for the Blues with his intercept marking and high skill level, starting many attacking forays for the team.

Haswell season was reflected in other awards coming equal third in the Elliott Davey Medal and equal sixth in the MVP Coaches Award

Haswell was a member of the BDAFL Representative side which played against AFL Sydney where he was also named as the leagues best player.

Full Voting

Name Club Votes Conor Haswell Newcastle City 25 Jayden Rymer Nelson Bay 24 Tim Oosterhoff Killarney Vale 18 Rob Schindler-Taylor Warners Bay 18 Jack Grimmond Terrigal Avoca 6 Chris Eddy Nelson Bay 5 Lachlan White Terrigal Avoca 3 Harley Bernleitner Killarney Vale 3 Hugh Blanchfield Newcastle City 2 Jackson Crawford Newcastle City 1

2017 MOST OUTSTANDING YOUNG WOMEN’S FOOTBALLER Newcastle Nova’s Rosie Ronan-Yates has been awarded the Most Outstanding Young Footballer award.

Depite playing for a side that won only two games for the year, Ronan-Yates was a standout with her tenacity and ball winning ability.

The 18 year old midfielder missed the 2016 season after suffering a knee injury.

Full Voting

Name Club Votes Rosie Ronan-Yates Newcastle Nova’s 30 Holly Kozlik Lake Macquarie 24 Sarah Burns Maitland 20 Kaitlyn Douglass Nelson Bay 18 Sophie Balcombe Nelson Bay 15 Mollie Palmer Cardiff 13 Skye Bailey Killarney Vale 12 Orana Young Killarney Vale 12 Madison Kacarovski Gosford 11 Kyah McBride Singleton 7 Abby Pearce Wyong Lakes 6 Jemma Astley Nelson Bay 5 Tonicah Eslick Killarney Vale 4 Faith Lewis Cardiff 3

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

JAMES J ARNOLD VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Singleton's Mark Rohan was a popular winner of the 2017 James J Arnold BDAFL Volunteer of the Year.

Rohan beat a strong list of nominees to win the award.

The citation which accompanied his nomination was as follows:

Rosie is the heart & soul of the Singleton footy club. He is the person who gets stuff done. Once when asked what his role in the footy club was, his response was everything. Everyone involved with the Singleton Football Club know that this is true. Rosie is Mr. Reliable and there is nothing too big or small for him to tackle.

One of his recent achievements was re-creating our club honour boards that were destroyed in the 2004 fire. Rosie spent months researching & tracking down old photographs to make sure we replicated the old boards then updated these to add the more recent office bearers, B&F winners & milestone game players. This has started to re-create the feel of the old footy club and has been pivotal in getting some of our Life Members back to the club on game days.

During the football season there is not a day when Rosie is not at the football club whether it be Monday dropping in to check that the ice machine is running OK & reset if tripped or Saturday when does everything from setting up the group to team manager for the men’s teams. It doesn’t end there though as Rosie also taking on responsibility for washing the jumpers & having the kit all ready to start again the following week

Rosie does everything he can to bring on & off field success to the Roosters, continuing these efforts long after his own sons have completed their playing careers. He is one of those people who, if they left a club like ours, would leave a void impossible to fill not just through his work efforts but the character of the man. He makes our club tick.

Other nominations: Quinton Davis – Cardiff; Claire Walsh – Gosford; Theresa Haggerty - Killarney Vale; Taylor Family - Lake Macquarie; Hugh Matheson – Maitland; Grant O'Leary – Muswellbrook; Roger Price - Nelson Bay; Kate Handley - Newcastle City; Harrison Crook – NCCUA; Chris Aitken - Terrigal Avoca; Trent Allen - The Entrance Bateau Bay; Brad Ede - Wyong Lakes

L to R: Mark Rohan (Singleton), David Arnold (son of James J Arnold), Trent Allen (The Entrance Bateau Bay), Quinton Davis (Cardiff), Harrison Crook (NCCUA), Chris Aitken (Terrigal Avoca), Kate Handley (Newcastle City), Hugh Matheson (Maitland), Thersa Haggerty (Killarney Vale), Grant O’Leary (Muswellbrook), Roger Price (Nelson Bay): Absent: Claire Walsh (Gosford), Taylor family (Lake Macquarie), Brad Ede (Wyong Lakes)

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

AFL MERIT AWARD – JOHN SULLIVAN

Legendary local umpire, John Sullivan added to his remarkable list of achievements last night by being awarded a prestigious AFL Merit Award.

Only two AFL Awards are allocated throughout AFL NSW/ACT each year to those people who have contributed significantly to AFL over a period in excess of ten years. Sullivan's name will now be added to the Honour Board in AFL House with other winners from across the country.

Sullivan this year umpired his 1000th game which is a remarkable achievement.

Below is the citation which accompanied his nomination:

There is nothing this man, affectionately known as Sully, hasn’t done in local umpiring. After commencing as a Field umpire, Sullivan moved into Goal Umpiring in his latter years.

Over his lengthy umpiring career the 71 year old has umpired 530 Newcastle AFL (NAFL) Matches, including a whopping 10 Newcastle AFL First Grade Grand Finals (5 of these as a Field Umpire). He has also officiated in 427 Black Diamond AFL Matches with 9 Black Diamond Cup (First Grade) Grand Finals and 4 lower grades Grand Finals. Throw into the mix, 59 AFL Hunter Juniors matches and this equates to over 1,000 matches for the Legend of the NCCUA.

In 2015 Sullivan was the first person to be inducted into the inaugural NCCUA Hall of Fame, and was also elevated to Legend status, currently the only person recognised as a Legend. This was in recognition of his outstanding achievements on and off the footy field, having also lead the Umpires Association through major changes between 2000 and 2005, as President and has continued serving the Association in other roles.

Since beginning his competitive umpiring career in 1970 Sully has received many awards, including the 1974 NAFLUA Umpire Achievement of the Year Award, two time NCCUA Goal Umpire of the Year, 2012-2013, as well as the honour of having that award named after him.

He is also a BDAFL Life Member.

Other BDAFL nominees were:

Simon Berry – Gosford; Chris Burrows - NCCUA; Mark Rohan – Singleton; Murray Schubert - Killarney Vale

L to R: Sam Graham (AFL NSW/ACT CEO), John Sullivan (NCCUA), Murray Schubert (Killarney Vale), Christine Burrows (NCCUA), Mark Rohan (Singleton), Simon Berry (Gosford)

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

The Club Championship Award is awarded to the leading Black Diamond AFL Club based on the on-field performance.

Points were awarded as follows:

Seniors: 6 points for a win/bye; 3 for a draw, 0 for a loss

Reserves: 4 points for a win/bye; 2 for a draw, 0 for a loss

Women’s or Thirds: 2 points for a win; 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss

If a club only had two teams their total points have a 10% weighting added to them.

The winning club was presented with a perpetual trophy at the Elliott Davey Medal Presentation Night as well as a payment of $500. The Runner Up received $300 and the third placed club $200.

Finals Standings were:

Seniors Reserves Wom/3rd Weighting Total Terrigal Avoca 84 32 22s - 138 Cardiff 78 52 6 - 136 Newcastle City 66 36 32 - 134 Maitland 84 20 24 - 128 Wyong Lakes 84 8 18 - 110 Singleton 78 12 12 - 102 Gosford 48 24 24 - 96 Nelson Bay 30 28 28 - 86 Warners Bay 18 48 18 - 84 Killarney Vale 12 52 18 - 82 Lake Macquarie 18 28 8 - 54 Muswellbrook 12 0 - 1.2 13.2

CLUB ADMINISTRATION AWARD

The Club Administration Award is presented to the club which demonstrates excellence in performing their off-field duties and responsibilities.

Points are allocated on a weekly basis.

At the end of the season the clubs are rebated an amount at the rate of $0.50 per point to a maximum of $1,500. Singleton received an additional $250 as the winning club.

Final Table: Points Singleton 4789 Warners Bay 4085 Wyong Lakes 3706 Killarney Vale 3678 Gosford 3470 Maitland 3463 Nelson Bay 2952 Cardiff 2936 Terrigal Avoca 2871 Muswellbrook 2431 Newcastle City 2427 Lake Macquarie 2268 The Entrance Bateau Bay 1822

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

LEADING GOALKICKERS

Hunter Haval Black Diamond Cup Scott Reed Killarney Vale 32 Kayne Gibbs Warners Bay 27 Josh Murphy Cardiff 25 Pat Gillingham Newcastle City 24 Mark Skuse Terrigal Avoca 23

Hunter Haval Black Diamond Plate Aaron Kosub Wyong Lakes 39 Wade Beard Maitland 36 Tim Eather Gosford 36 Travis Bates Singleton 33 Jarred Cross Wyong Lakes 33

GE Women’s Meaghan MacDonald Newcastle City 62 Ashlee Hayllar Newcastle City 42 Emma Jayne Howe Lake Macquarie 36 Aleece Hemming Wyong Lakes 35

Hunter Haval Reserve Grade 2017 Leading Goalkickers (Clockwise): Scott Reed, Josh Murphy Cardiff 35 Aaron Kosub, Josh Murphy & Michael Ryan & Michael Ryan Cardiff 35 Meaghan MacDonald. Matt Studdert Terrigal Avoca 34 Neil Walker Gosford 33

MILESTONE – JOHN SULLIVAN – 1,000 GAMES

On 22 April 2017, John Sullivan walked onto Feighan Oval to officiate in his 1000th AFL match in the Hunter & Central Coast Regions. That is no typo, ONE THOUSAND total matches in the Black Diamond AFL, Newcastle AFL and AFL Hunter Juniors.

There is nothing this man, affectionately known as Sully, hasn’t done in local umpiring. After commencing as a Field umpire, Sullivan moved into Goal Umpiring in his latter years.

Over his lengthy umpiring career the 71 year old has umpired 530 Newcastle AFL (NAFL) Matches, including a whopping 10 NAFL First Grade Grand Finals (5 of these as a Field Umpire). He has also officiated in 409 Black Diamond AFL Matches with 9 Black Diamond Cup (First Grade) Grand Finals and 4 lower grades Grand Finals. Throw into the mix, 59 AFL Hunter Juniors matches and the stats continue to tick over for the Legend of the NCCUA.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

MILESTONE – DANE AMIDY – 350 CLUB GAMES

Killarney Vale Dane Amidy’s list of achievements continues to grow with the veteran midfielder playED his 350th game for his beloved Bombers against Gosford in July.

The popular, 38 year old, affectionately known as “Draino” is second on the clubs all times game record which is held by current club secretary, Peter Kelleher who played 366 games for the club. Included in Draino’s games tally is 291 first grade games, which is the club record.

'Draino' came to the Bombers in 1993 as an Under 17’s player. In 1995 as a spritely 17 years he won a Reserve Grade Premiership and was awarded the Central Coast AFL Reserve Grade Best & Fairest award.

1n 1996 & 1997 Draino won a scholarship and attended Carey Grammar, Melbourne. where he played in the school’s first eighteen which included games on the MCG . He returned to the Bombers in 1998 and part of the clubs 1st grade premiership. He has remained a regular first grader at the club ever since, apart from the 1999 season which he spent in Tamworth AFL.

Throughout his career, Draino has proven an elusive midfielder / forward who has racked up a good tally of goals over the years.

He was a key member of the clubs Black Diamond Cup 2007 premiership side.

Draino was made a Life Member of the Killarney Vale Australian Football Club in 2013 and in 2014, he played his 250th 1stgame for the Bombers and is the current club games record holder.

During this time Draino has won two 1st Grade Best and Fairest, three times Runner Up Best and Fairest, represented the League on six occasions and was named in the Bombers 30 year ‘All Star’ team in 2008. He was also a member of the BDAFL team of the decade in 2009 and also the 2013 BDAFL Team of the Year.

Draino was awarded Life Membership of the Black Diamond AFL last year after achieving the 250 Black Diamond Cup game milestone.

Given that Killarney Vale is in Draino’s blood expect him to achieve plenty more milestones before he hangs up his boots.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

BEST AND FAIREST VOTING ——————————————————————————————————————————— 2017 ELLIOTT-DAVEY MEDAL VOTING – Hunter Haval Black Diamond Cup Best and Fairest ——————————————————————————————————————————— Tom Yensch (Cardiff) 25, Simon O’Brien (Cardiff) 19, Mark Skuse (Terrigal Avoca) 17, Conor Haswell (Newcastle City) 15, Rob Schindler-Taylor (Warners Bay) 12, Sam Ellis (Terrigal Avoca) 11, Jayden Rymer (Nelson Bay) 11, Aaron Seen (Newcastle City) 10, Jake Roach (Warners Bay) 8, Jackson Crawford (Newcastle City) 8, Max Mumford (Killarney Vale) 7, Kurt Fleming (Terrigal Avoca) 7, Luke Rawnsley (Newcastle City) 7, Marcus DeLeur (Cardiff) 7, Jeremy Eddy (Nelson Bay) 6, Jayson Van Dam (Terrigal Avoca) 5, Alastair Richardson (Terrigal Avoca) 5, Tim Oosterhoff (Killarney Vale) 4, Pat Gillingham (Newcastle City) 4, Ryan Barrett (Killarney Vale) 4, David Graan (Cardiff) 3, Dane Amidy (Killarney Vale) 3, Ben Simpson (Killarney Vale) 3, Jack Lennon (Cardiff) 3, Courtney Knight (Newcastle City) 3, Josh Murphy (Cardiff) 3, Mathew Dews (Nelson Bay) 3, Alexander White (Terrigal Avoca) 3, Jay Lewis (Terrigal Avoca) 3, Tim Divall (Nelson Bay) 3, Todd Thornton (Nelson Bay) 3, Corey Billins (Terrigal Avoca) 3, Nic Chapman (Cardiff) 3, James Bellman (Nelson Bay) 3, Daniel Heuston (Terrigal Avoca) 3, Leo Vo (Warners Bay) 3, Billy Barton (Nelson Bay) 3, Joshua Mifsud (Killarney Vale) 3, Lachlan Deverell (Warners Bay) 2, Luke Price (Nelson Bay) 2, Ben Hunter (Warners Bay) 2, Chris Bishop (Terrigal Avoca) 2, Ben Kernahan (Warners Bay) 2, Ky McGrath (Warners Bay) 2, Ben Eddy (Nelson Bay) 2, Will Mckellar (Terrigal Avoca) 2, Scott Reed (Killarney Vale) 2, Ryan Webster (Terrigal Avoca) 2, Ian Baker (Newcastle City) 2, Jack Grimmond (Terrigal Avoca) 2, Cameron Keast (Newcastle City) 2, Peter Van Dam (Terrigal Avoca) 2, Trent Thompson (Cardiff) 2, Asheet Tak (Newcastle City) 2, Tom Quade (Cardiff) 1, Kayne Gibbs (Warners Bay) 1, Thomas Cresswell (Terrigal Avoca) 1, James Hart (Terrigal Avoca) 1, Ethan Durbridge (Newcastle City) 1, Max Quinlan (Newcastle City) 1, Rick White (Killarney Vale) 1, Macaulay O'Malley (Newcastle City) 1, Tom McDonell (Warners Bay) 1, Tim Davison (Nelson Bay) 1 ———————————————————————————————————————————- 2017 GRANLAND MEDAL VOTING – Hunter Haval Black Diamond Plate Best and Fairest ———————————————————————————————————————————- Brayden Tos (Wyong Lakes) 21, Brad Deitz (Gosford) 19, Andrew Scott (Singleton) 15, Jarred Cross (Wyong Lakes) 13, Wade Beard (Maitland) 13, Andrew Macpherson (Singleton) 12, Alex Mitchell (Singleton) 12, Thomas Cresswell (Terrigal Avoca) 12, Pat McMahon (Maitland) 11, Lee Moore (Wyong Lakes) 9, Tim Eather (Gosford) 8, Luke Damico (Maitland) 7, Kyle Bray (Muswellbrook) 7, Alex Sain (Lake Macquarie) 7, Nic Bunny (Lake Macquarie) 6, Scott Burkinshaw (Gosford) 6, Jono Hamilton (Newcastle City) 6, Joseph O'Donoghue (Newcastle City) 6, Mitchell Gaffney (Singleton) 6, Michael Roach (Terrigal Avoca) 6, Abe Gibson (Newcastle City) 6, Darnell Wisham (Gosford) 6, Dominic White (Muswellbrook) 6, Ethan Formby (Terrigal Avoca) 5, Jack Bennett (Wyong Lakes) 5, Dustin Spriggs (Maitland), 5 Luke Davis (Singleton), 5 Tim Wells (Lake Macquarie) 5, Aiden Damico (Maitland) 5, Jasper Davis (Terrigal Avoca) 4, Jai Pursell (Singleton) 4, Cameron Benkovic (Muswellbrook) 4, Alex Remy (Gosford) 4, Rhett Allen (Newcastle City) 4, Chris Koop-Folkes (Wyong Lakes) 4, Riley Newstead (Maitland) 4, Scott Manuelle (Gosford) 4, Justin McPhan (Wyong Lakes) 4, Mark McLaughlin (Muswellbrook) 4, Daniel Heuston (Terrigal Avoca) 4, Aaron Holmquest (Newcastle City) 3, Jared Cullinan (The Entrance Bateau Bay) 3, Mick Peate (Maitland) 3, Mackenzie Leecroft (Terrigal Avoca) 3, Jamie Cleaver (Newcastle City) 3, Chris Collier (Singleton) 3, Jon Koop-Folkes (Wyong Lakes) 3, Pat Murphy (Gosford) 3, Neeson Naidoo (Wyong Lakes) 3, Jessy Besford (Muswellbrook) 3, Michael Norton (Maitland) 3, Travis Magyar (Maitland) 3, Dan Rodger (Gosford) 3, Cameron White (Singleton) 3, Michael Besley (The Entrance Bateau Bay) 3, Austin Clark (Terrigal Avoca) 3, Travis Bates (Singleton) 3, Aaron Kosub (Wyong Lakes) 3, Bailey Cullen (Newcastle City) 3, Josh Button (Maitland) 3, Daine Cowburn (Singleton) 3, Josh King (Newcastle City) 3, Andrew Thompson (Maitland) 2, Corbin Bond (Terrigal Avoca) 2, Lucas Johnston (Newcastle City) 2, Jarred Matson (Newcastle City) 2, Mathew Johnstone (The Entrance Bateau Bay) 2, Jackson Kolatchew (Singleton) 2, Rob Gray (Terrigal Avoca) 2, Rhys Dawe (Wyong Lakes) 2, Riley Janissen (Lake Macquarie) 2, Dylan Rumble (Lake Macquarie) 2, Luke Bury (Terrigal Avoca) 2, Hayden Kavanagh (Newcastle City) 2, Tim Hillman (Wyong Lakes) 2, Luke Besley (The Entrance Bateau Bay) 2, Lachlan Thompson (Gosford) 2, Lachlan Watts (Muswellbrook) 2, Reed van Huisstede (Newcastle City) 2, Ben Stewart (Maitland) 2, Mitch Ede (Wyong Lakes) 2, Tom Dwyer (Newcastle City) 2, Daniel White (Gosford) 1, Jayson Cleaver (Newcastle City) 1, Don Sheng (Newcastle City) 1, Jace Brokenshire (Newcastle City) 1, Nigel Smith (Muswellbrook) 1, David Maher (Lake Macquarie) 1, Joel Deacon (Singleton) 1, Hugh Matheson (Maitland) 1, Jake Bates (Gosford) 1, Daniel Crossley (Newcastle City) 1, Dale Walker (Terrigal Avoca) 1, Thomas Lambert (Singleton) 1, Jamie Orr (The Entrance Bateau Bay) 1, Damon Tually (Lake Macquarie) 1, Jack Bastin (The Entrance Bateau Bay) 1, Hamish Thomson (Newcastle City) 1, Tyler Smith (Lake Macquarie) 1, Daniel Gardner (Newcastle City) 1, Rohan Barsing (Gosford) 1, Ned Shanahan (Newcastle City) 1, Jacob Mandy (Gosford) 1,

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Rory Sleeth (Lake Macquarie) 1, Mitchell Harrod (Singleton) 1, Oliver Gardiner (The Entrance Bateau Bay) 1, Benjamin Crowley (Maitland) 1, Hugh Blanchfield (Newcastle City) 1 ———————————————————————————————————————————- 2017 GE WOMEN’S BEST & FAIREST VOTING ———————————————————————————————————————————- Alison Parkin (Gosford) 32, Philippa Smyth (Nelson Bay) 27, Lisa Steane (Nelson Bay) 22, Tori Cowburn (Singleton) 21, Holly Kozlik (Lake Macquarie) 20 Audrey Gillingham (Newcastle City) 19, Anna Fraser (Maitland) 16, Meaghan MacDonald (Newcastle City) 15, Alexandra Pearce (Wyong Lakes) 12, Monique Maddalena (Killarney Vale) 12, Rachael Elcoate (Gosford) 12, Erin White (Newcastle City) 11, Rebecca Ives (Wyong Lakes) 11, Emma Hamilton (Warners Bay) 11, Sarah James (Maitland) 10, Megan Jenkins (Killarney Vale) 9, Jacqui Dudgeon (Maitland) 9, Roisin Ronan Yates (Newcastle) 8, Svenja Mueller Byrnes (Gosford) 8, Jemma Astley (Nelson Bay) 8, Emily Bohan (Wyong Lakes) 7, Emma-Jayne Howe (Lake Macquarie) 6, Neisha Smith (Singleton) 6, Madison Ryan (Cardiff) 6, Ashlee Hayllar (Newcastle City) 6, Georgia Butler (Killarney Vale) 6, Caitlin Wolfe (Warners Bay) 6, Paige Mathewson (Newcastle City) 6, Amy Worth (Maitland) 6, Sarah Halvorsen (Newcastle City) 6, Lynan Muldoon (Singleton) 6, Kate Booth (Warners Bay) 6, Claudia Nerinda Ferguson (Newcastle) 5, Emily Crookes (Gosford) 5, Kate Jenner (Lake Macquarie) 5, Sarah Ball (Wyong Lakes) 5, Kahlia Rocco (Warners Bay) 5, Karina Berry (Gosford) 5, Kayla Moke (Maitland) 5, Arlyn Jose Mills (Warners Bay) 5, Carla Hill (Lake Macquarie) 4, Sophie Balcombe (Nelson Bay) 4, Iesha Veness (Cardiff) 4, Tonicah Eslick (Killarney Vale) 4, Simone Sing (Newcastle City) 4, Karli Anshaw (Muswellbrook) 4, Jocelyn Kelleher (Killarney Vale) 4, Arizona Cross (Cardiff) 4, Tori Mcdonald-Stuart (Killarney Vale) 3, Kate Dinardo (Newcastle) 3, Kate Holland (Nelson Bay) 3, Hayley West (Nelson Bay) 3, Paula Bates (Singleton) 3, Amanda Smith (Maitland) 3, Taylah Gray (Newcastle City) 3, Tayla Braithwaite (Newcastle City) 3, Eliza Bunner (Cardiff) 3, Ashleigh Sephton (Wyong Lakes) 3, Dianne Crep (Warners Bay) 3, Hannah Page (Killarney Vale) 3, Bailee Relf (Nelson Bay) 3, Leesa Wholohan (Warners Bay) 3, Bethany White (Newcastle City) 3, Casey Eacott (Newcastle) 3, Naomi Medlin (Warners Bay) 3, Orana Young (Killarney Vale) 3, Erin Zell (Warners Bay) 3, Rachael Potts (Wyong Lakes) 3, Natasha Gregory (Killarney Vale) 3, Taylah Smith (Newcastle City) 3, Emma Foreman (Warners Bay) 2, Hayley Frazer (Singleton) 2, Chelsea Dawson (Killarney Vale) 2, Jasmine Mandy (Gosford) 2, Catherine Reed (Cardiff) 2, Elizabeth Ardill (Wyong Lakes) 2, Amelia Sturman (Newcastle) 2, Jessica Cassidy (Maitland) 2, Orana Young (Gosford) 2, Kyla Brogmus (Newcastle City) 2, Kailee Goodwin (Newcastle City) 2, Skye Bailey (Killarney Vale) 2, Georgina Winchester (Maitland) 2, Tahlia Thompson (Singleton) 2, Julia Bradfield (Wyong Lakes) 2, Kate Handley (Newcastle City) 2, Sarah Burns (Maitland) 2, Angela Jones (Gosford) 2, Sara Gilbert (Cardiff) 2, Meghann Sawkins (Muswellbrook) 2, Rebekah Stuart (Newcastle) 2, Emma Kelly (Nelson Bay) 2, Jessica Phillips (Nelson Bay) 2, Rebecca Collins (Gosford) 1, Amy Macpherson (Lake Macquarie) 1, Natalie Heard (Muswellbrook) 1, Tarryn O'Hehir (Gosford) 1, Faith Lewis (Cardiff) 1, Bethany Wood (Killarney Vale) 1, Grace Jarvis (Wyong Lakes) 1, Danielle Rippon (Wyong Lakes) 1, Skyla Dunn (Maitland) 1, Jodie Eagar (Maitland) 1, Amy McWilliam (Wyong Lakes) 1, Eliza Smyth (Nelson Bay) 1, Laura Kebby (Newcastle City) 1, Suzanne Jeffree (Killarney Vale) 1, Layne Berry (Wyong Lakes) 1, Jade Ryan (Cardiff) 1, Kirsty Ferguson (Newcastle City) 1, Sheree Vukovich (Cardiff) 1, Jamee Ellis (Newcastle City) 1, Kyah McBride (Singleton) 1, Ashleigh Barrowcliffe (Muswellbrook) 1, Casey Elkins (Maitland) 1, Emma Chester (Warners Bay) 1, Samira Alamudi (Wyong Lakes) 1, Sarah Dodds (Cardiff) 1, Felicity Millen (Maitland) 1 ———————————————————————————————————————————- 2017 CHRIS ARNOLD MEDAL VOTING – Hunter Haval Reserve Grade ———————————————————————————————————————————- Jeremy Buckley (Warners Bay) 18, Dylan Stuart (Nelson Bay) 15, Christopher Avery (Warners Bay) 13, Ryan James (Newcastle City) 9, Dane Amidy (Killarney Vale) 9, John West (Nelson Bay) 9, Hayden Kavanagh (Newcastle City) 8, Ben Thompson (Nelson Bay) 8, Justin Daley (Killarney Vale) 8, Mathew Studdert (Terrigal Avoca) 8, Lachlan Wilson (Killarney Vale) 7, Benjamin Herring (Lake Macquarie) 7, Don Sheng (Newcastle City) 7, Brendan Lewis (Killarney Vale) 7, Alex Young (Terrigal Avoca) 7, Thomas Paavola (Gosford) 6, Jarryd Brown (Terrigal Avoca) 6, Gary Newham (Wyong Lakes) 6, Kaiden Ritchie (Maitland) 6, Toby Machart (Cardiff) 6, Aaron Halls (Lake Macquarie) 6, Nicholas Kocon (Cardiff) 6, James Kidd (Killarney Vale) 6, Jai McNamara (Terrigal Avoca) 6, Ryan Shaw (Terrigal Avoca) 5, Timothy Kosmeier (Terrigal Avoca) 5, Michael Ryan (Cardiff) 5, Liam Ghalayini (Gosford) 5, Robert Zahra (Killarney Vale) 5, Joseph Ferguson (Warners Bay) 5, Liam Gibson (Cardiff) 5, Anthony King (Killarney Vale) 5, Jakson Bertoli (Lake Macquarie) 5, John O'Regan (Cardiff) 5, Thomas Prentice (Warners Bay) 4, Tony Edser (Cardiff) 4, Josh Murphy (Cardiff) 4, Andrew Elbourn (Maitland) 4, Hugh O'Neill (Cardiff) 4, William Cross-Hicks (Killarney Vale) 4, Adam Tomsett (Gosford) 4, Dom Pyne (Terrigal Avoca) 4, Ryan Mathison (Wyong Lakes) 4, Luke Bell (Nelson Bay) 4, David O'Donnell (Cardiff) 3, Michael Solomons (Killarney Vale) 3, Benjamin Simpson (Killarney Vale) 3, Luke Gains (Terrigal Avoca) 3, Liam Wood (Maitland) 3, Ben Kent (Wyong Lakes) 3, Ryan Levin (Lake Macquarie) 3, Jarrod Braybon (Cardiff) 3, Thomas Lashlie (Cardiff) 3, Mitchell Burgess (Lake Macquarie) 3, Hugh Fitter (Warners Bay) 3, Peter Bleus (Cardiff) 3, Trent Debnam (Killarney Vale) 3, Isaac Robinson (Cardiff) 3, Jorden Carrick (Killarney Vale) 3, Harley Davis (Lake Macquarie) 3, John Ryan (Cardiff) 3, 64

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Dylan Gisbey (Lake Macquarie) 3, Lucas Bingham (Gosford) 3, Matt Dippolito (Cardiff) 3, Daniel Curtis (Killarney Vale) 3, Joshua Long (Singleton) 3, Zachary Moore (Warners Bay) 3, Tim Divall (Nelson Bay) 3, Warwick Jackson (Killarney Vale) 3, Jack Downing (Warners Bay) 3, Alex Sain (Lake Macquarie) 3, Johny Cornelius (Singleton) 3, Mark Curran (Maitland) 3, Ian Wood (Maitland) 3, Lachlan Thompson (Gosford) 3, Donald Hornby-Waring (Singleton) 3, James Fleming (Nelson Bay) 3, Daniel Gardner (Newcastle City) 3, Lachlan Charnock (Singleton) 3, Luke Damico (Maitland) 2, Andrew Walker (Cardiff) 2, Thomas Cansick (Terrigal Avoca) 2, Lee Nevin (Maitland) 2, Jayden Noble (Wyong Lakes) 2, Cody Carroll (Singleton) 2, Nicholas McMahon (Maitland) 2, Daine Cowburn (Singleton) 2, Andrew Parsons (Singleton) 2, Nathan Stewart (Nelson Bay) 2, Aaron Smith (Gosford) 2, Luke Bury (Terrigal Avoca) 2, Michael Storey (Terrigal Avoca) 2, Jai Pursell (Singleton) 2, Ethan Kolatchew (Singleton) 2, Joshua Button (Maitland) 2, Robert Barlow (Warners Bay) 2, Byron Lawson (Terrigal Avoca) 2, Jai Turner (Terrigal Avoca) 2, Ryan Lloyd (Maitland) 2, Dylan Bennett (Maitland) 2, Brenton Weir (Newcastle City) 2, Thomas Cresswell (Terrigal Avoca) 2, Jason Roe (Wyong Lakes) 2, Matthew Noble (Gosford) 2, Jake Bates (Gosford) 2, Michael Cooke (Cardiff) 2, Shane Douglas (Terrigal Avoca) 2, Jace Brokenshire (Newcastle City) 2, Zach Symons (Warners Bay) 2, Ryan Reedman (Nelson Bay) 2, James Howie (Wyong Lakes) 2, Tim Hof (Warners Bay) 2, Miles Petersen (Cardiff) 2, Riley Williams (Warners Bay) 1, Joel Erickson (Nelson Bay) 1, Aaron Stephens (Maitland) 1, Leo Vo (Warners Bay) 1, Jacob Graetz (Wyong Lakes) 1, Samuel Wellard (Lake Macquarie) 1, Damon Tually (Lake Macquarie) 1, James Newburn (Warners Bay) 1, Michael Smith (Killarney Vale) 1, Paul Tapper (Singleton) 1, Christopher Davies (Cardiff) 1, Max Enders (Terrigal Avoca) 1, Deklan Bates (Gosford) 1, Mitchell Greaves (Maitland) 1, Ryan Clarke (Warners Bay) 1, Ian Bird (Warners Bay) 1, Michael Duggan (Singleton) 1, Krishan Maheepala (Newcastle City) 1, Regan Bowe (Cardiff) 1, Jacob Morris (Wyong Lakes) 1, Daniel Zuzek (Lake Macquarie) 1, Jack Weir (Killarney Vale) 1, Zachary Moore (Cardiff) 1, Adam Rumpler (Killarney Vale) 1, William Denniss (Wyong Lakes) 1, Alec Anderson (Newcastle City) 1, Chris Faulder (Singleton) 1, Jake O'Donnell (Lake Macquarie) 1, Mark Bottrill (Warners Bay) 1, Corey Deverell (Warners Bay) 1, Benjamin Julien (Cardiff) 1, Mitchell Ede (Wyong Lakes) 1, Lachlan West (Nelson Bay) 1, Daniel Greentree (Wyong Lakes) 1, Logan Johnson (Lake Macquarie) 1, Steven Whitehead (Singleton) 1, Hayden Taylor (Maitland) 1, Joshua Buchanan (Warners Bay) 1, Robert Gray (Terrigal Avoca) 1, Colin Carroll (Maitland) 1, Kaylub Druett (Gosford) 1

TRIBUNAL 2017 saw the BDAFL continue to adopt AFL NSW/ACT’s Tribunal Manual Guidelines which included the Prescribed Penalty matrix with a couple of minor amendments made.

In 2017 there were 20 reports and 1 citing which resulted in 21 Prescribed Penalties offered. From this the Prescribed Penalty was accepted on all occasions which meant that the tribunal was not required to sit.

A break up of reports and tribunal hearing statistics are as follows:

SUMMARY 2017 2016 2015 No of Charges 21 52 26 Set Penalties Offered 21 51 25 Set Penalties Accepted 21 43 25 Cases Before Tribunal 0 9 1 Guilty & Suspended 0 7 1 Guilty & Reprimand 0 0 0 Not Guilty 0 2 0

Sentences > Prescribed Penalty Offered 0 0 0 Sentences same as Prescribed Penalty 0 1 0 Offered Sentences < Prescribed Penalty Offered 0 5 0 2017 CHARGES Set Penalty Guilty Not Guilty Striking 10 0 0 Attempting to Strike 1 0 0 Abusive Conduct/ Abusive Language toward an umpire 3 0 0 Rough Conduct 3 0 0 Kicking 1 0 0 Headbutting 2 0 0 Forceful Front on Contact 1 0 0

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

APPROVED SUPPLIERS

2017 saw the BDAFL continue to support clubs by way of entering an agreement with an AFL NSW/ACT licenced supplier to supply on- field playing apparel to the BDAFL.

This is an arrangement which have been in place since 2006 and benefits the club by way of simplified ordering, competitive pricing, delayed payment as well as an income source for the league.

During 2016, the BDAFL renewed their agreement with BLK for three years, however to their surprise BLK was placed in receivership in November leaving the BDAFL without a supplier.

Following this the BDAFL Board acted quickly and appointed ISC as BLK’s replacement and in a further bonus, on the same terms as the BLK agreement.

Once again the Board decided to continue with the arrangement of all clubs requiring to purchase their on-field apparel through the league.

All BDAFL clubs are encouraged clubs to order their attire prior to Christmas to ensure delivery prior by Round 1. With clubs cash flow position not strong at this time the BDAFL carries the debt and does not invoice the clubs until May.

This arrangement worked well and for the first time in memory not one club was chasing up outstanding orders in the lead up to Round 1.

Other benefit for clubs is that they are not dealing with the supplier, rather the BDAFL which reduces the workload on club volunteers, although it does increase the Football Operations Managers workload quite significantly.

The benefit to ISC is that they are not dealing with the clubs, nor are they chasing payment as given all orders are placed by the BDAFL which makes the league responsible for payment.

The benefit to the league is that it is able to ensure all apparel meets the BDAFL guidelines, whilst receiving royalty of 7.5% on each order as well as other contra items.

In 2017, the retail purchases for apparel included 1,591 Jumpers, 2,053 pairs of shorts, 2,109 pairs of socks, 457 polo shorts, 662 training singlets/shirts, 323 jackets/hoodies and 40 gym shorts.Total spend was $160,748 which compared to $155,352 in 2016 and $87,230 in 2015.

In 2017, the BDAFL again used Sherrin KB footballs, with a new football required for all Black Diamond Cup matches. A used football (defined as having not been used for more than two games previously) could be used for Black Diamond Plate and Reserve Grade. The footballs were embossed with both the BDAFL and Hunter Haval logos

The Women used size 4 footballs (changed from 4.5 used in 2016) with used footballs permitted to be used. Women’s footballs were embossed with both the BDAFL and GE Industrial Solutions logos.

The clubs were required to purchase all match day footballs through the Football Operations Manager, who in turn placed the orders through AFL NSW/ACT.

AFL NSW/ACT sold the match day footballs for $116.00 (retails price $169.99) with the BDAFL providing a further discount of $10 per football, making the price $106.00 for the clubs. The BDAFL supplied all Women’s match day footballs free of charge. AFL NSW/ACT also provided 15 footballs free of charge and we appreciate this support.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

PUBLICITY

In 2017 the Black Diamond AFL continued to form strong relationships with the media and public outlets. These relationships as well as social media has the seen the BDAFL exposure reach a level never experienced previously.

The follow list includes the outlets that supported the Black Diamond AFL 2017:

Television Prime7 – BDAFL media partner provided an advertisement for weekend matches throughout each week including during Friday night’s AFL match. – Match specific advertisements were provided for all finals matches. – Provided introduction to the Season Launch & BDAFL Elliott Davey Medal Presentation Night – Provided media support and TV advert for BDAFL Charity, Run Against Violence NBN Central Coast – Attended matches on regular occasions and took vision for their nightly news. Also conducted interviews for their news program. NBN Newcastle – Provided scores each week and on occasion had vision occasionally for the news. Also conducted interviews for their news program. – Attended Grand Final Media Day

Radio Star104.5FM – BDAFL media partner saw information posted on their Central Coast website as well as regular reports on their daily shows. – Promoted BDAFL events via Community Commercials - Their ‘Roadstar’ vehicles attended/reported on games on a number of Saturdays during the season, Grand Final in Newcastle. - Match fixtures and results were included in news bulletins. - Provided acknowledgement for BDAFL Major Sponsor in all Commercials and Roadstar crosses 94.1FM Hits & Country – Football Operations Manager was a regular on their Central Coast Saturday mornings sports show

96.3FM - Dave Redden (BDAFL Media Co-ordinator) was a Central Coast regular on their Saturday mornings sports show

2NM 98.1 - Dave Redden (BDAFL Media Co-ordinator) was a Muswellbrook/Singleton regular on their Saturday mornings sports show

ABC 1233AM - Football Operations Manager appeared on Saturday Newcastle Morning Sport Show on occasions.

101.3SeaFM & 107.7 2GO - AFL NSW/ACT Regional Manager had weekly spot to Central Coast promote AFL and also the BDAFL.

102.9 KO-FM - Results were included in news bulletin and special Newcastle events were mentioned. - Interviews held to discuss BDAFL news on a regular basis

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Print Central Coast Express – The articles varied in length and often included photos of Central Coast players.

Newcastle Herald – Write up of matches in Saturday’s Edition Newcastle – Review of weekend’s match in Monday’s Edition. – Review of matches also included on website, with photos on Saturday evening. – Promoted BarTV Finals Broadcast through website – Editorial of special events throughout the year including season preview. – Attended Grand Final Media Day Maitland Mercury – Articles appear regularly on a weekly basis primarily on Maitland Maitland Saints.

Port Stephens Examiner – Articles appeared during the year on Nelson Bay, Port Stephens/Nelson Bay including feature articles on special achievements

Singleton Argus – Article about the Roosters appeared weekly during the Singleton year.

Muswellbrook Chronicle – Match review about the Cats appeared weekly during Muswellbrook the year.

Central Coast Grandstand - Fortnight publication with articles on BDAFL appearing Central Coast in most editions

Newcastle Star - Articles appear regularly on a weekly basis Newcastle

Lake Mail - Articles appear regularly on a weekly basis Newcastle

Sunday Telegraph - Results in Sunday’s paper Regional

Newcastle Sunday - Extensive coverage of BDAFL matches played Newcastle the previous day. Two page spread covering Grand Final

In addition to the above “Girls Play Footy” page did several interviews that were podcast on their website.

The Football Operations Manager provided area specific reviews, previews and other media releases to all media outlets throughout the year.

A media kit was also provided to all Media outlets at the beginning of the year.

The league is grateful for the coverage that the game received and hopes to extend our coverage in season 2018. In addition to the above external media coverage the BDAFL made a concerted effort to improve its exposure via social media.

Social Media Website – The website has shown a significant viewership over the www.bdafl.com.au past 12 months (Oct 2015-Sep 2016 - 1,350,203). Focus has been on having more regular content with the target of a fresh news item each day during the year and every second day in the off season. The downside to the website is the advertisement placement from Fox Sports Pulse which detracts from the website.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Facebook – Normal news has been transmitted via this source. The bdafl number of followers has increased from 1907 in October 2017 to current figure of 2342. A paid marketing campaign was undertaken at the beginning of the year.

Twitter – Information that has been posted on Facebook are also @bdafl included on Twitter. The number of followers have increased from 341 to 378 in the past 12 months.

In addition to the above, the BDAFL in conjunction with BarTV developed a promotional video involving men and women players from all BDAFL clubs at the beginning of the season. The video involved question and answers with the players accompanied by some highlights.

The video was distributed via social media with a paid marketing campaign and was also used during the season to promote the league.

THE FOOTBALL RECORD

The production of a weekly Football Record continued in 2017.

Each club were required to provide their team list with jumper numbers at the beginning of the season and requested to update throughout the season. Clubs were also required to contribute club notes each week. The notes were placed adjacent to their team list and home clubs were issued with 30 copies of the record.

The Grand Final Record included a coloured cover which was provided by Target Press Printing, who also designed the cover.

The publication was compiled and edited by Garry Burkinshaw who would then lodge a copy of the record with Officeworks, Gosford on Tuesday Morning for printing and collating. Once printed and collated, the A5 booklets were collected that afternoon, sorted and boxed into home club lots and couriered to the designated address of a home club official by each Friday.

Officeworks provided a 5% discount for the inclusion of an advertisement in the Record.

The season’s records will be bound and kept as part of the leagues historical records.

Whilst there is a reasonable effort in publishing the Football Record the end result is a tremendous vehicle for the league and clubs to push their cause and a wonderful effort for those concerned in its publication.

QUALITY LEAGUE PROGRAM

The BDAFL once again was involved in the AFL NSW/ACT Quality League Management Framework program which requires the league to be measured against a number of benchmarks, aimed at improving the way leagues are governed. Most senior and junior leagues across the state are involved in the program.

In 2016 the BDAFL were assessed by AFL at 85%.

AFL NSW/ACT will provide all leagues who obtain a rating of at least 75% a $1,000 cash payment as well as a set of representative gear.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

GRANTS & FACILITIES Grants AFL NSW/ACT provided Muswellbrook’s new women’s team a grant of with a $1,100 subsidy to assist with start-up costs and also 2018 new club Port Stephens with $500 worth of Matchday Footballs .

Facilities AFL NSW/ACT in conjunction with Federal, State and Local government continues to invest in the upgrade of facilities in our region:

Newcastle No.1 Sportsground Unfortunately this project will not proceed after Newcastle Council application for a Grant of approx. $1M via the Hunter Infrastructure Investment Fund to assist with upgrade of No 1 Sportsground was denied.

Newcastle City received a Joss Grant to assist with the installion of an electronic scoreboard.

Adelaide St Oval Works continue to be on going at Adelaide St Oval which is a credit to the clubs.

2017 saw an upgrade to the PA system with assistance from AFL NSW/ACT’s Joss Group.

Planned works include the establishment of a warm up area behind the clubhouse whilst the club is also looking into funding for a major upgrading of the changerooms.

Cardiff Home Ground Works at Cameron Park are well underway with finalisation expected during the 2018 which would be a great result for Cardiff who have been nomadic since 2006.

In 2017, Cardiff returned to Hillsborough Oval, where Black Diamond AFL matches were played on a regular basis for the first time.

Feighan Park At the conclusion of the 2016 season works were undertaken at Feighan Park to install drainage and reconfigure the ground.

This was a great result for not only the club but also the league.

The next project is the relocation and rebuilding of the changerooms, which the club is hopeful will commence in 2018.

Max McMahon Oval A significant number of projects have been approved for Max McMahon Oval over the next couple of years, which will arguably see it become the No 1 facility if the competition.

These projects include:

• Installation of irrigation (completed) • Widening the playing surface, making the size comparable to the MCG (2018) • Upgrading changeroom amentities (2018) • Build clubhouse (2019)

Dick Burwell Oval Prior to the commencement of the 2017 season, the changerooms were updated at the ground to make them more female friendly, which included the provision for individual shower cubicles.

This is great result and one that most clubs are now looking into.

Don Small Oval Whilst the process of rebuilding their clubroom which was destroyed by fire in 2013 is taking longer than the club had hopeful that construction will commence in 2018.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

November February continued … AGM & Planning Meeting held Hunter Haval become BDAFL Major Sponsor Wal Bembic, Paul Kelly, Kevin Greaves & Luke BDAFL commence inaugural Women’s Club Rankin returned to the Board Umpire Training Program BDAFL announce equalisation measures in place Season promo involving men and women players for 2017 with recruiting restrictions placed on from all clubs filmed at no 1 Sportsground Newcastle City & Terrigal Avoca. Wal Bembic and Phil Lewis re-elected as President March and Vice President respectively 2017 Competition Structure announced with BarTV to continue to broadcast BDAFL games Divisionalisation replaced by two senior and one LIVE in 2017. David Redden and Lucas Holmes reserves mens competition and one women's confirmed as commentators. competition. With the exception of Newcastle City and Terrigal Avoca (for 2017 only) all clubs will be able to field a maximum of two men's and one women's team. BDAFL Board meet with AFL NSW/ACT staff to Newcastle City premiership player, Mitch Crawford discuss proposal for funding assistance moves to Melbourne to pursue NFL dream. BDAFL Major Sponsor and Apparel Supplier, BLK Club Delegates Meeting Held go are placed in Receivership ISC appointed as BDAFL Apparel Supplier, BDAFL Operations Meeting held replacing BLK 25 mens and 12 women's teams nominate for the Women’s Gala Day washed out 2017 season GWS Assistant Coach, Mark McVeigh appointed as Umpires forum held at Morisset, including club BDAFL Coaches Mentor umpires Daniel Lloyd and Paul Hunter resigned as rookies Coaching Course held at Hexham for 2017 at GWS and Adelaide respectively Redevelopment work starts on Feighan Park Season Launch held at Belmont 16 Footers Terrigal Avoca forward, Mitch Betson signs with Newcastle City retains Muswellbrook invitational VFL Club, Coburg pre-season title. December The Entrance Bateau Bay hold emergency meeting. Joseph O'Brien named to umpire in AFL Women's April League Cardiff Best & Fairest winner, Max Hillier signs to 2017 season commences play in Ovens & Murray league in 2017 Black Diamond AFL Umpires Coach, Christine Warners Bay play first matches at Feighan Oval Burrows attends the AFL Executive Certificate High after renovation works on the ground. Performance Umpire Coaching and Management Course Newcastle City to host "Big Freeze - Newcastle" in Cardiff return to play Black Diamond Cup football at 2017. Hillsborough Oval 1st BDAFL Coaches Mentor session held John Sullivan umpires 1000th match Belmont 16 Footers Sailing club extend partnership Singleton women win first match after going with BDAFL through 2016 without a win. Six local umpires added to NEAFL Pathway squads Wyong Lakes hold 6th Annual Pink Charity day Muswellbrook nominate Women’s team for 2017 May Newcastle City granted permission to field second Colin Goodenough officiates his 250th game as a standalone women’s team for 2017 season only boundary umpire January AFL NSW/ACT Coaching Course held at Doyalson BDAFL fixture released Peter Van Dam named captain of BDAFL Rep team. It will be his 12th appearance. Representative fixtures against AFL Sydney Alison Parkin named captain of BDAFL Women’s confirmed. Representative team. Sports trainers Course held AFL Sydney defeat BDAFL in both representative fixtures. February Daniel Lloyd makes his AFL debut for GWS Giants Joseph O’Brien umpires AFLW match Swans play NEAFL match in Newcastle Nelson Bay’s, Lisa Steane named emergency for BDAFL celebrate Indigenous Round with six clubs GWS Women’s match in Adelaide after being a wearing specially designed indigenous jumpers member of the ‘train on’ squad. Prime7 continue media partnership with BDAFL AFL NSW/ACT hold Female Coaching Forum Chris Bishop & Simon Berry reappointed as Warners Bay hold fundraiser for Womne’s player Representative coaches Jayde Britton Pullman’s Magenta Shores renews agreement to June be BDAFL Charity sponsor BDAFL agree to continue its partnership with Run Newcastle City host “Big-Freeze – Newcastle” Against Violence charity who this year will be fundraiser to raise awareness of MND. The running the “Steps together” Ultramarathon from fundraiser raises $141K. Broken Hill to Sydney in August/September

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

July August cont… BDAFL hold “Women’s Round” with all five Finals matches are played at Maitland, Nelson Bay women’s matches held at No 1 Sportsground and Killarney Vale with the Grand Finals at No 1 Sportsground Club Delegates Meeting Held Maitland’s Clint Warnekan wins Run Against Violence 400m men’s final Dane Amidy plays his 350th senior match for Newcastle City wins GE Women’s Grand Final, Killarney Vale finishing the season undefeated. Erin White named Best on Ground. Terrigal Avoca’s Peter Van Dam play’s his 300th John Sullivan wins AFL Merit Award senior match BDAFL confirms competition structure for 2018 September Port Stephens, Terrigal Avoca & The Entrance Record crowds attend finals Bateau Bay apply to field women’s teams in 2018 Cardiff celebrate 50th anniversary Terrigal Avoca win 5th Black Diamond Cup Premiership Maitland & Wyong Lakes raise $11k for Beyond Terrigal Avoca’s James Webster wins McBain Blue Medal The Entertainment Grounds – Central Coast renew Maitland win Black Diamond Plate and Cardiff the partnership for further 12 months Reserve Grade Premiership Cardiff’s Damon Rowett represents NSW/ACT at Nelson Bay’s Pippa Smyth wins Run Against National Inclusion Carnival Violence 400m women’s final August BDAFL release 2018-20 Strategic Plan Hunter Haval launch their ‘Kick 4 cash’ promotion Numerous BDAFL women attend GWS Giants trial days Terrigal Avoca claim Black Diamond Cup Minor BDAFL Board compete in Run Against Violence Premiership and Club Championship Ultra marathon virtual challenge Elliott Davey Medal Presentation Night held at BDAFL accept offer to play representative fixtures Belmont 16 Footers against AFL Canberra in 2018 Cardiff’s Tom Yensch wins Elliott Davey Medal Wallsend express interest in fielding women’s team in 2018 Gosford’s Alison Parkin wins Women’s Best & October Fairest award Mark Rohan (Singleton) win BDAFL Volunteer of Chris Burrows reappointed BDAFL Umpires Coach the Year award for 2017 Cardiff captain Simon O’Brien and his fiancée, Cat AFL NSW/ACT holds meeting with clubs and get married on the morning of Simon leading his BDAFL to discuss future direction of AFL in the side in the Preliminary final, creating nationwide region media attention.

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

COMPETITION LADDERS 2017 Hunter Haval Black Diamond Cup Final Ladder TEAM P W L D For Agst PC Pts Terrigal Avoca 16 14 2 0 1436 772 186.01 56 Cardiff 16 13 3 0 1375 1157 118.84 52 Newcastle City 16 11 5 0 1265 1003 126.12 44 Nelson Bay 16 5 11 0 1161 1370 84.74 20 Warners Bay 16 3 13 0 970 1218 79.64 12 Killarney Vale 16 2 14 0 817 1504 54.32 8

2017 Hunter Haval Black Diamond Plate Final Ladder TEAM P W L D For Agst PC Pts Wyong Lakes 16 14 2 0 1663 695 239.28 56 Maitland 16 14 2 0 1468 661 222.09 56 Singleton 16 13 3 0 1406 654 214.98 52 Newcastle City 16 9 7 0 1185 829 142.94 36 Gosford 16 8 8 0 1260 1138 110.72 32 Terrigal Avoca 16 8 8 0 1006 1069 94.11 32 Lake Macquarie 16 3 13 0 738 1395 52.90 12 Muswellbrook 16 2 14 0 748 1461 51.20 8 The Entrance Bateau Bay 16 1 15 0 334 1906 17.52 4

2017 GE Women’s Final Ladder TEAM P W L D For Agst PC Pts Newcastle City 16 16 0 0 2167 116 1868.10 64 Nelson Bay 16 14 2 0 1211 307 394.46 56 Gosford 16 12 4 0 1177 405 290.62 48 Maitland 16 12 4 0 1069 577 185.27 48 Wyong Lakes 16 9 7 0 728 455 160.00 36 Killarney Vale 16 9 7 0 8.1 544 147.24 36 Warners Bay 16 9 7 0 642 613 104.73 36 Singleton 16 6 10 0 369 798 46.24 24 Lake Macquarie 16 4 12 0 586 890 65.84 16 Cardiff 16 3 13 0 370 1149 32.20 12 Newcastle Nova’s 16 2 14 0 272 1589 17.12 8 Muswellbrook 16 0 16 0 16 1965 0.81 0

2017 Hunter Haval Reserve Grade Final Ladder TEAM P W L D For Agst PC MR Cardiff 15 13 2 0 1850 544 340.07 86.67 Killarney Vale 16 13 3 0 1482 614 241.37 81.25 Warners Bay 15 12 3 0 1341 639 209.86 80.00 Terrigal Avoca 15 11 4 0 1393 757 184.02 73.33 Nelson Bay 15 7 8 0 997 865 115.26 46.67 Lake Macquarie 15 7 8 0 640 1274 50.24 46.67 Gosford 15 6 9 0 773 1319 58.61 40.00 Maitland 15 5 10 0 581 1073 54.15 33.33 Newcastle City 15 4 11 0 723 1063 68.02 26.67 Singleton 15 3 12 0 531 1349 39.36 20.00 Wyong Lakes 15 2 13 0 608 1422 42.76 13.33

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

2017 Black Diamond Cup Home & Away Results

Round 1 Nelson Bay 22.11 143 Warners Bay 7.9 51 Cardiff 14.10 94 Newcastle City 13.12 90 Killarney Vale 4.5 29 Terrigal Avoca 9.20 74 Round 2 Nelson Bay 10.10 70 Cardiff 12.8 80 Killarney Vale 9.7 61 Warners Bay 9.6 60 Terrigal Avoca 12.7 79 Newcastle City 6.7 43 Round 3 Terrigal Avoca 16.16 112 Nelson Bay 3.5 23 Killarney Vale 8.11 59 Newcastle City 17.4 106 Warners Bay 6.6 42 Cardiff 10.8 68 Round 4 Nelson Bay 21.16 142 Killarney Vale 10.8 68 Terrigal Avoca 20.15 135 Cardiff 8.7 55 Newcastle City 12.13 85 Warners Bay 6.6 42 Round 5 Cardiff 21.18 144 Killarney Vale 6.11 47 Warners Bay 5.2 32 Terrigal Avoca 10.11 71 Newcastle City 11.10 76 Nelson Bay 10.14 74 Round 6 Nelson Bay 11.21 87 Warners Bay 8.5 53 Killarney Vale 8.4 52 Terrigal Avoca 12.12 84 Newcastle City 9.16 70 Cardiff 10.16 76 Round 7 General Bye Round 8 Nelson Bay 8.15 63 Cardiff 8.19 67 Warners Bay 11.4 70 Killarney Vale 12.9 81 Terrigal Avoca 13.12 90 Newcastle City 6.6 42 Round 9 Terrigal Avoca 1.13 73 Nelson Bay 7.9 51 Newcastle City 5.6 36 Killarney Vale 3.10 28 Cardiff 12.8 80 Warners Bay 10.11 71 Round 10 Newcastle City 23.18 156 Nelson Bay 5.12 42 Killarney Vale 12.8 80 Cardiff 14.7 91 Warners Bay 4.3 27 Terrigal Avoca 11.15 81 Round 11 Nelson Bay 18.6 114 Killarney Vale 6.6 42 Terrigal Avoca 13.12 90 Cardiff 5.7 37 Warners Bay 8.9 57 Newcastle City 9.10 64 Round 12 Newcastle City 13.12 90 Terrigal Avoca 9.8 62 Cardiff 16.6 102 Nelson Bay 9.5 59 Warners Bay 12.7 79 Killarney Vale 4.6 30 Round 13 Cardiff 13.13 91 Warners Bay 12.9 81 Killarney Vale 6.7 43 Newcastle City 11.3 69 Nelson Bay 7.7 49 Terrigal Avoca 16.10 106 Round 14 General Bye Round 15 Warners Bay 19.11 125 Nelson Bay 7.5 47 Terrigal Avoca 21.17 143 Killarney Vale 4.3 27 Newcastle City 15.5 95 Cardiff 14.7 91

Round 16 Nelson Bay 7.8 50 Newcastle City 16.15 111 Terrigal Avoca 15.7 97 Warners Bay 9.7 61 Cardiff 16.15 111 Killarney Vale 9.2 56

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Round 17 Killarney Vale 10.5 65 Warners Bay 10.11 71 Newcastle City 9.11 65 Terrigal Avoca 9.14 68 Cardiff 15.9 99 Nelson Bay 5.6 36

Round 18 Killarney Vale 7.7 49 Nelson Bay 16.14 110 Warners Bay 7.6 48 Newcastle City 9.13 67 Cardiff 14.5 89 Terrigal Avoca 10.11 71

2017 Black Diamond Plate Home & Away Results

Round 1 Wyong Lakes 19.10 124 Gosford 9.5 59 Lake Macquarie 3.5 23 Newcastle City 13.9 87 Singleton 15.18 108 Terrigal Avoca 1.1 7 Maitland 18.10 118 Muswellbrook 1.9 15 The Entrance Bateau Bay Bye Round 2 Maitland The Entrance Bateau Bay Forfeit. Terrigal Avoca 5.13 43 Newcastle City 5.9 39 Singleton 17.12 114 Gosford 6.4 40 Wyong Lakes 24.15 159 Muswellbrook 3.7 25 Lake Macquarie Bye Round 3 Terrigal Avoca 13.15 93 Muswellbrook 3.3 21 The Entrance Bateau Bay 4.5 29 Gosford 21.14 140 Singleton 10.7 67 Maitland 8.5 53 Lake Macquarie 6.3 39 Wyong Lakes 18.16 124 Newcastle City Bye Round 4 Maitland 12.8 80 Newcastle City 5.8 38 Gosford 17.15 117 Lake Macquarie 8.6 54 Wyong Lakes 28.14 182 The Entrance Bateau Bay 1.0 6 Muswellbrook 6.7 43 Singleton 11.16 82 Terrigal Avoca Bye Round 5 Lake Macquarie 6.5 41 Maitland 22.12 144 Terrigal Avoca 12.4 76 Wyong Lakes 13.15 93 Newcastle City 19.13 127 Muswellbrook 3.3 21 The Entrance Bateau Bay 1.3 9 Singleton 15.14 104 Gosford Bye Round 6 The Entrance Bateau Bay 3.5 23 Lake Macquarie 15.10 100 Gosford 10.12 72 Terrigal Avoca 9.8 62 Wyong Lakes 8.9 57 Maitland 11.10 76 Newcatsle City 6.7 43 Singleton 13.12 90 Muswellbrook Bye Round 7 Wyong Lakes 15.9 99 Newcastle City 8.6 54 Maitland 18.9 117 Gosford 6.5 41 Lake Macquarie 6.6 42 Terrigal Avoca 14.7 91 Muswellbrook 19.22 136 The Entrance Bateau Bay 1.1 7 Singleton Bye Round 8 Gosford 15.11 101 Muswellbrook 10.4 64 Terrigal Avoca 10.1 61 Maitland 15.16 106 The Entrance Bateau Bay 3.3 21 Newcastle City 14.11 95 Singleton 7.6 48 Wyong Lakes 10.10 70 Lake Macquarie Bye Round 9 The Entrance Bateau Bay 4.6 30 Maitland 15.8 98 Newcastle City 9.6 60 Gosford 7.8 50 Lake Macquarie 4.4 28 Singleton 17.7 109 Muswellbrook 13.5 83 Terrigal Avoca 13.12 90 Wyong Lakes Bye

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Round 10 Gosford 20.14 134 The Entrance Bateau Bay 1.2 8 Wyong Lakes 18.9 117 Lake Macquarie 6.4 40 Singleton 18.13 121 Muswellbrook 7.3 45 Newcastle City 7.7 49 Maitland 12.10 82 Terrigal Avoca Bye Round 11 Terrigal Avoca 2.5 17 Singleton 13.11 89 The Entrance Bateau Bay 3.3 21 Wyong Lakes 26.13 169 Maitland 15.10 100 Lake Macquarie 4.8 32 Muswellbrook 3.3 21 Newcastle City 16.10 106 Gosford Bye Round 12 Singleton 8.9 57 Newcastle City 11.9 75 Lake Macquarie 13.6 84 Muswellbrook 6.13 49 Gosford 9.5 59 Wyong Lakes 11.18 84 Terrigal Avoca 17.13 115 The Entrance Bateau Bay 3.5 23 Maitland Bye Round 13 Gosford 12.6 78 Maitland 13.4 82 The Entrance Bateau Bay 10.6 66 Muswellbrook 8.7 55 Newcastle City 13.10 88 Lake Macquarie 3.5 23 Wyong Lakes 14.15 99 Terrigal Avoca 3.5 23 Singleton Bye 7 Round 14 Lake Macquarie 6.12 48 The Entrance Bateau Bay 6.6 42 Wyong Lakes 15.11 101 Singleton 3.5 23 Maitland 13.11 89 Terrigal Avoca 5.3 33 Muswellbrook 8.12 60 Gosford 12.15 87 Newcastle City Bye Round 15 Newcastle City 21.19 145 The Entrance Bateau Bay 4.1 25 Singleton 13.13 91 Lake Macquarie 3.5 23 Terrigal Avoca 14.10 94 Gosford 8.3 51 Maitland 12.8 80 Wyong Lakes 5.2 32 Muswellbrook Bye Round 16 Terrigal Avoca 12.8 80 Lake Macquarie 8.3 51 Muswellbrook 3.8 26 Maitland 13.11 89 Singleton 26.18 174 The Entrance Bateau Bay 0.1 1 Gosford 13.11 89 Newcastle City 9.7 61 Wyong Lakes Bye Round 17 Maitland 4.10 34 Singleton 8.13 61 Lake Macquarie 8.9 57 Gosford 12.5 77 Muswellbrook 4.4 28 Wyong Lakes 11.12 78 Newcastle City 12.8 80 Terrigal Avoca 4.6 30 The Entrance Bateau Bay Bye Round 18 Gosford 10.5 65 Singleton 9.14 68 The Entrance Bateau Bay 3.5 23 Terrigal Avoca 13.13 91 Newcastle City 5.8 38 Wyong Lakes 11.9 75 Muswellbrook 8.8 56 Lake Macquarie 8.5 53 Maitland Bye

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

2017 GE Women’s Home & Away Results

Round 1 Nelson Bay 10.11 71 Warners Bay 1.0 6 Maitland 23.23 161 Muswellbrook 0.0 0 Cardiff 9.17 71 Newcastle 2.0 12 Wyong Lakes 3.3 21 Gosford 5.2 32 Singleton 1.0 6 Killarney Vale 10.8 68 Lake Macquarie 0.0 0 Newcastle City 21.21 147 Round 2 Killarney Vale 7.6 48 Lake Macquarie 3.2 20 Nelson Bay 9.10 64 Cardiff 1.0 6 Wyong Lakes 12.17 89 Muswellbrook 0.0 0 Newcastle 1.0 6 Newcastle City 23.23 161 Maitland 4.6 30 Warners Bay 6.8 44 Singleton 0.2 2 Gosford 10.12 72 Round 3 Nelson Bay 8.5 53 Gosford 2.4 16 Warners Bay 5.2 32 Cardiff 4.4 28 Killarney Vale 16.11 107 Newcastle 1.1 7 Singleton 4.2 26 Maitland 12.9 81 Lake Macquarie 1.4 10 Wyong Lakes 6.9 45 Muswellbrook 0.0 0 Newcatsle City 28.28 196 Round 4 Gosford 13.10 88 Lake Macquarie 3.0 18 Nelson Bay 4.8 32 Killarney Vale 2.3 15 Maitland 1.4 10 Newcastle City 23.14 152 Wyong Lakes 4.10 34 Cardiff 4.5 29 Newcastle 1.3 9 Warners Bay 15.15 105 Muswellbrook 0.0 0 Singleton 8.15 63 Round 5 Warners Bay 5.9 39 Wyong Lakes 2.1 13 Newcastle City 33.23 221 Muswellbrook 0.0 0 Gosford 12.16 88 Singleton 0.1 1 Lake Macquarie 4.2 26 Maitland 5.10 40 Cardiff 3.2 20 Killarney Vale 7.7 49 Newcastle 0.1 1 Nelson Bay 19.23 137 Round 6 Warners Bay 16.16 112 Newcastle 0.1 1 Killarney Vale 21.12 138 Muswellbook 0.0 0 Newcastle City 21.14 140 Singleton 0.0 0 Nelson Bay 15.21 111 Lake Macquarie 0.1 1 Gosford 21.8 134 Cardiff 1.0 6 Wyong Lakes 3.5 23 Maitland 7.10 52 Round 7 General Bye Round 8 Lake Macquarie 11.16 82 Newcastle 2.1 13 Nelson Bay 16.11 107 Maitland 1.0 6 Gosford 31.24 210 Muswellbrook 0.0 0 Cardiff 0.1 1 Newcastle City 27.17 179 Singleton 1.5 11 Wyong Lakes 5.5 35 Warners Bay 0.9 9 Killarney Vale 3.0 18 Round 9 Muswellbrook 0.0 0 Warners Bay 13.14 92 Newcastle City 13.20 98 Killarney Vale 0.2 2 Lake Macquarie 8.12 60 Singleton 2.2 14 Maitland 4.5 29 Nelson Bay 8.5 53 Newcastle 1.0 6 Gosford 12.22 94 Cardiff 1.3 9 Wyong Lakes 10.9 69 Round 10 Newcastle 0.1 1 Maitland 23.21 159 Warners Bay 1.5 11 Gosford 11.10 76 Wyong Lakes 9.12 66 Lake Macquarie 4.3 27 Newcastle City 15.16 106 Nelson Bay 3.3 21 Killarney Vale 18.13 121 Cardiff 0.1 1 Singleton 5.7 37 Muswellbrook 1.1 7

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Round 11 Muswellbrook 0.0 0 Newcastle 7.15 57 Warners Bay 1.0 6 Newcastle City 19.14 128 Singleton 11.9 75 Cardiff 1.1 7 Maitland 11.12 78 Lake Macquarie 1.3 9 Nelson Bay 8.8 56 Wyong Lakes 3.2 20 Gosford 5.12 42 Killarney Vale 2.2 14 Round 12 Lake Macquarie 2.7 19 Warners Bay 5.11 41 Gosford 4.3 27 Nelson Bay 8.2 50 Newcastle City 10.16 76 Wyong Lakes 2.1 13 Cardiff 14.12 96 Muswellbrook 0.2 2 Singleton 8.18 66 Newcastle 0.4 4 Maitland 11.12 78 Killarney Vale 3.4 22 Round 13 Gosford 8.6 54 Maitland 9.9 63 Cardiff 2.2 14 Warners Bay 10.7 67 Wyong Lakes 3.1 19 Singleton 4.3 27 Killarney Vale 0.0 0 Newcastle City 16.21 117 Newcastle 4.5 29 Lake Macquarie 14.10 94 Nelson Bay 23.18 156 Muswellbrook 0.0 0 Round 14 Maitland 7.9 51 Cardiff 5.5 35 Gosford 15.8 98 Warners Bay 0.4 4 Killarney Vale 11.13 79 Singleton 1.1 7 Newcastle 1.1 7 Wyong Lakes 23.15 153 Muswellbrook 0.1 1 Lake Macquarie 23.20 158 Nelson Bay 2.3 15 Newcastle City 10.6 66 Round 15 Newcastle 11.11 77 Muswellbrook 0.0 0 Warners Bay 5.13 43 Lake Macquarie 1.2 8 Newcastle City 24.21 165 Cardiff 0.0 0 Maitland 8.9 57 Wyong Lakes 1.6 12 Singleton 0.0 0 Nelson Bay 11.13 79 Killarney Vale 3.6 24 Gosford 8.11 59 Round 16 Muswellbrook 0.0 0 Maitland 19.12 126 Gosford 1.0 6 Newcastle City 16.17 113 Singleton 4.3 27 Warners Bay 1.5 11 Wyong Lakes 4.4 28 Killarney Vale 3.5 23 Nelson Bay 21.20 146 Newcastle 1.0 6 Cardiff 5.15 45 Lake Macquarie 4.11 35 Round 17 Newcastle City 15.12 102 Newcastle 5.6 36 Killarney Vale 11.7 73 Warners Bay 2.8 20 Lake Macquarie 3.1 19 Gosford 11.15 81 Cardiff 0.2 2 Nelson Bay 9.6 60 Maitland 7.6 48 Singleton 1.1 7 Muswellbrook 0.0 0 Wyong Lakes 13.10 88

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

2017 Reserve Grade Home & Away Results

Round 1 Maitland 1.2 8 Cardiff 19.18 132 Wyong Lakes 7.3 45 Gosford 13.15 93 Nelson Bay 5.9 39 Warners Bay 10.6 66 Singleton 1.1 7 Terrigal Avoca 19.16 130 Lake Macquarie 1.3 9 Newcastle City 9.14 68 Killarney Vale Bye Round 2 Singleton 9.4 58 Gosford 13.10 88 Terrigal Avoca 11.9 75 Newcastle City 6.6 42 Killarney Vale 15.14 104 Lake Macquarie 5.3 33 Nelson Bay 1.3 9 Cardiff 24.15 159 Maitland 2.5 17 Warners Bay 15.9 99 Wyong Lakes Bye Round 3 Killarney Vale 22.9 141 Gosford 1.2 8 Lake Macquarie 11.7 73 Wyong Lakes 7.6 48 Terrigal Avoca 15.11 101 Nelson Bay 4.9 33 Warners Bay 7.8 50 Cardiff 12.8 80 Singleton 5.6 36 Maitland 12.5 77 Newcastle City Bye Round 4 Nelson Bay 7.9 51 Killarney Vale 12.7 79 Gosford 9.5 59 Lake Macquarie 14.12 96 Newcastle City 7.4 46 Warners Bay 11.9 75 Terrigal Avoca 15.10 100 Cardiff 9.10 64 Wyong Lakes 17.9 111 Singleton 3.5 23 Maitland Bye Round 5 Cardiff 15.15 105 Killarney Vale 9.12 66 Lake Macquarie 4.9 33 Maitland 17.8 110 Warners Bay 19.15 129 Wyong Lakes 1.5 11 Newcastle City 2.6 18 Nelson Bay 11.12 78 Terrigal Avoca Bye Gosford Bye Singleton Bye Round 6 Wyong Lakes 6.9 45 Maitland 10.3 63 Gosford 3.1 19 Cardiff 22.23 155 Killarney Vale 10.11 71 Terrigal Avoca 10.8 68 Newcastle City 14.6 90 Singleton 6.3 39 Nelson Bay 16.21 117 Lake Macquarie 1.0 6 Warners Bay Bye Round 7 Maitland 2.3 15 Gosford 13.16 94 Wyong Lakes 6.4 40 Newcastle City 14.17 101 Singleton 12.8 80 Warners Bay 13.3 81 Lake Macquarie 3.5 23 Terrigal Avoca 21.8 134 Killarney Vale 13.13 91 Nelson Bay 4.5 29 Cardiff Bye Round 8 Warners Bay 2.5 17 Killarney Vale 11.19 85 Cardiff 24.19 163 Newcastle City 2.8 20 Terrigal Avoca 22.14 146 Maitland 2.5 17 Singleton 10.9 69 Wyong Lakes 6.9 45 Gosford Bye Lake Macquarie Bye Nelson Bay Bye Round 9 Maitland 1.2 8 Nelson Bay 16.13 109 Terrigal Avoca 7.5 47 Killarney Vale 9.12 66 Newcastle City 9.15 69 Gosford 4.4 28 Cardiff 21.20 146 Wyong Lakes 1.3 9 Lake Macquarie 9.9 63 Singleton 2.8 20 Warners Bay Bye

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Round 10 Newcastle City 3.5 23 Maitland 11.5 71 Wyong Lakes 8.7 55 Lake Macquarie 11.9 75 Killarney Vale 5.5 35 Cardiff 8.4 52 Singleton 1.9 15 Nelson Bay 14.9 93 Warners Bay 21.23 149 Gosford 1.1 7 Terrigal Avoca Bye Round 11 Maitland 5.3 33 Lake Macquarie 6.7 43 Gosford 4.7 31 Killarney Vale 15.12 102 Nelson Bay 17.19 121 Wyong Lakes 3.4 22 Warners Bay 15.10 100 Newcastle City 4.4 28 Terrigal Avoca 14.17 101 Singleton 3.3 21 Cardiff Bye Round 12 Gosford 11.15 81 Wyong Lakes 6.8 44 Maitland 8.12 60 Killarney Vale 5.14 44 Singleton 9.7 61 Newcastle City 6.10 46 Lake Macquarie 1.0 6 Warners Bay 23.11 149 Cardiff 32.14 206 Terrigal Avoca 3.3 21 Nelson Bay Bye Round 13 Killarney Vale 14.18 102 Newcastle City 2.4 16 Nelson Bay 14.18 102 Singleton 2.4 16 Gosford 12.9 81 Maitland 6.6 42 Cardiff 10.11 71 Warners Bay 14.6 90 Wyong Lakes 1.2 8 Terrigal Avoca 19.15 129 Lake Macquarie Bye Round 14 Singleton 2.2 14 Killarney Vale 26.20 176 Nelson Bay 17.9 111 Gosford 5.3 33 Wyong Lakes 4.4 28 Warners Bay 19.15 129 Lake Macquarie 1.3 9 Cardiff 30.18 198 Maitland 4.1 25 Terrigal Avoca 12.16 88 Newcastle City Bye Round 15 Terrigal Avoca 24.15 159 Gosford 4.3 27 Maitland 4.1 25 Wyong Lakes 7.7 49 Lake Macquarie 7.6 48 Killarney Vale 13.13 91 Newcastle City 6.5 41 Cardiff 12.7 79 Warners Bay 12.12 84 Nelson Bay 2.6 18 Singleton Bye Round 16 Gosford 11.11 77 Newcastle City 10.13 73 Wyong Lakes 8.0 48 Killarney Vale 26.9 165 Cardiff 20.16 136 Singleton 3.3 21 Lake Macquarie 9.9 63 Nelson Bay 5.11 41 Terrigal Avoca 9.5 59 Warners Bay 16.9 105 Maitland Bye Round 17 Killarney Vale 8.16 64 Warners Bay 1.12 18 Cardiff 14.20 104 Nelson Bay 7.4 46 Lake Macquarie 8.12 60 Gosford 7.5 47 Newcastle City 6.6 42 Terrigal Avoca 9.12 66 Maitland 1.4 10 Singleton 7.9 51 Wyong Lakes Bye

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

2017 CLUB STATISTICS

Players Used

Teams 2017 Club Mens Wom TOTAL Men Wom Seniors Reserves 3rds Cardiff 2 1 120 73 47 44 59 Gosford 2 1 96 65 31 46 52 Killarney Vale 2 1 117 77 40 45 55 Lake Macquarie 2 1 108 78 30 49 68 Maitland 2 1 106 73 33 39 63 Muswellbrook 1 1 75 46 29 47 Nelson Bay 2 1 101 70 31 44 49 Newcastle City 3 1 147 121 26 41 67 64 Newcastle Nova’s 1 32 32 Singleton 2 1 116 83 33 52 63 Terrigal Avoca 3 106 106 36 54 70 The Entrance Bateau Bay 1 41 41 41 Warners Bay 2 1 104 75 29 42 51 Wyong Lakes 2 1 103 68 35 38 47 Total 2 6 12 1372 976 396 564 628 134 Average/per team 33 43 57 67 Increase on 2016 - No -1 2 -17 -84 67 -4 -25 -121 Increase on 2016 - % -3.7% 20% -1.22% -7.83% 16.70% 0.7% -43.8% -47.5%

Break up by Ages (as at 1 January 2017)

All

Games Played Age 1 2 - 4 5 - 8 9 - 12 13 - 16 17+ Total % <18 23 26 31 40 56 13 189 13.78 18 - 21 32 37 57 50 112 37 325 23.69 22 - 25 25 42 58 70 100 29 324 23.62 26 - 29 16 34 36 48 62 20 216 15.74 30 – 33 22 13 20 32 37 7 131 9.55 34 - 39 7 10 19 31 32 6 105 7.65 40 - 49 10 20 17 6 12 4 69 5.03 50+ 3 9 1 0 0 0 13 0.95 Total 138 191 239 277 411 116 1372 % 10.06 13.92 17.42 20.19 29.96 8.45 Average Age = 25.14 yrs. Average Age played 5 or more games = 24.83yrs

All - Men

Games Played Age 1 2 - 4 5 - 8 9 - 12 13 - 16 17+ Total % <18 15 16 20 23 36 7 117 11.99 18 - 21 23 27 40 37 72 28 227 23.26 22 - 25 19 33 45 46 66 25 234 23.98 26 - 29 12 28 26 32 38 14 150 15.37 30 – 33 17 12 18 27 28 4 106 10.86 34 - 39 6 5 15 23 24 6 79 8.09 40 - 49 8 17 14 4 6 4 53 5.43 50+ 3 6 1 0 0 0 10 1.02 Total 103 144 179 192 270 88 976 % 10.55 14.75 18.34 19.67 27.66 9.02 Average Age = 25.53 yrs. Average Age played 5 or more games = 23.97yrs

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

All - Women Games Played Age 1 2 - 4 5 - 8 9 - 12 13 - 16 17+ Total % <18 8 10 11 17 20 6 72 18.18 18 - 21 9 10 17 13 40 9 98 24.75 22 - 25 6 9 13 24 34 4 90 22.73 26 - 29 4 6 10 16 24 6 66 16.67 30 – 33 5 1 2 5 9 3 25 6.31 34 - 39 1 5 4 8 8 0 26 6.57 40 - 49 2 3 3 2 6 0 16 4.04 50+ 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 0.76 Total 35 47 60 85 141 28 396 % 8.84 11.87 15.15 21.46 35.61 7.07 Average Age = 24.18 yrs. Average Age played 5 or more games = 25.21yrs

Black Diamond Cup Games Played Age 1 2 - 4 5 - 8 9 - 12 13 - 16 17+ Total % <18 5 5 10 5 9 0 34 13.49 18 - 21 3 11 10 9 20 8 61 24.21 22 - 25 5 12 19 8 22 9 75 29.76 26 - 29 4 9 6 7 10 4 40 15.87 30 – 33 5 3 5 3 4 1 21 8.33 34 - 39 3 3 4 0 5 1 16 6.35 40 - 49 2 3 0 0 0 0 5 1.98 50+ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 27 46 54 32 70 23 252 % 10.71 18.25 21.43 12.70 27.78 9.13 Average Age = 24.02 yrs. Average Age played 5 or more games = 23.37yrs

Black Diamond Plate Games Played Age 1 2 - 4 5 - 8 9 - 12 13 - 16 17+ Total % <18 12 16 6 7 11 2 54 12.50 18 - 21 20 19 21 19 30 4 113 26.16 22 - 25 14 26 33 20 16 7 116 26.85 26 - 29 9 14 12 15 13 3 66 15.28 30 – 33 6 7 5 10 10 2 40 9.26 34 - 39 6 6 5 5 4 1 27 6.25 40 - 49 5 5 5 0 0 0 15 3.47 50+ 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0.23 Total 72 94 87 76 84 19 432 % 16.67 21.76 20.14 17.59 19.44 4.40 Average Age = 24.39 yrs. Average Age played 5 or more games = 24.15yrs

Reserve Grade Games Played Age 1 2 - 4 5 - 8 9 - 12 13 - 16 17+ Total % <18 16 14 18 10 5 0 63 9.83 18 - 21 33 37 27 18 7 1 123 19.19 22 - 25 31 40 32 36 5 0 144 22.46 26 - 29 26 33 20 26 8 1 114 17.78 30 – 33 24 14 13 15 15 0 81 12.64 34 - 39 8 10 15 20 10 1 64 9.98 40 - 49 5 17 9 2 6 3 42 6.55 50+ 3 7 0 0 0 0 10 1.5 Total 146 172 134 127 56 6 641 % 22.78 26.83 20.90 19.81 8.74 0.94 Average Age = 26.73 yrs. Average Age played 5 or more games = 26.79yrs

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Player Analysis – Club by Club

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Player Analysis – Players per Round

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Retention Rate

2017 No % Men 582 55 Women 167 51

Retention of Juniors

Under 17’s Senior Football

Year 2015 16yo 2015 16yo Retention Players eligible to play Players still eligible for Jnrs In CC & HC Rate Juniors in 2016 but only U17’s in 2017 who played Play 2016 Jnrs played BDAFL Seniors in 2016 BDAFL 2016 48 114 42.10% 7 22 2015 38 128 29.69% 5 23 2014 49 180 27.22% 17

Unfortunately 2017 result was unable to be ascertained due to inability to access junior records.

Warners Bay Bulldogs Newcastle City Blues Senior Coach – Marty Reiman Senior Coach – Mitch Knight Seniors – Black Diamond Cup Seniors – Black Diamond Cup 5th – 3 wins, 13 losses 4th – 11 wins, 6 losses Best & Fairest – Lachlan Deverell Best & Fairest – Aaron Seen Leading Goalkicker – Kayne Gibbs (27 Leading Goalkicker – Pat Gillingham(24 goals) goals) Reserves – Black Diamond Plate Women’s 4th – 9 wins, 8 losses 7th – 9 wins, 7 losses Best & Fairest – Brodie Jones Best & Fairest – Di Crep Leading Goalkicker – Jayson Cleaver (22 goals) Leading Goalkicker – Rachel Evans (15 goals) Women’s Reserves – Reserve Grade Premiers – 18 wins, 0 losses 3rd – 14 wins, 4 losses Best & Fairest – Sarah Halvorsen Best & Fairest – Leo Vo & Chris Avery Leading Goalkicker – Meaghan MacDonald (67 goals) Leading Goalkicker – Leigh Anderson (29 goals) Thirds – Reserve Grade Club Person of the Year – Adam Ledwos & Jeremy Buckley 9th - 4 wins, 11 losses Best & Fairest – Alec Anderson Leading Goalkicker – Jayson Cleaver (18 goals) Club Person of the Year – Kate Handley Killarney Vale Bombers Lake Macquarie Dockers Senior Coach – Scott Reed Senior Coach – Tom Croft Seniors – Black Diamond Cup Seniors – Black Diamond Plate 6th – 2 wins, 14 losses 7th – 3 wins, 13 losses Best & Fairest – Tim Oosterhoff Best & Fairest – Rory Sleeth Leading Goalkicker – Scott Reed (32 goals) Leading Goalkicker – Nathan Cliff & Nic Women’s Bunny (13 goals) 6th – 9 wins,8 losses Women’s Best & Fairest – Skye Bailey 9th – 4 wins,12 losses Leading Goalkicker – Georgia Butler (25 goals) Best & Fairest – Carla Hill Reserves – Reserve Grade Leading Goalkicker – Emma-Jayne Howe (36 goals) 2nd – 15 wins, 4 losses Reserves – Reserve Grade Best & Fairest – Justin Daley 6th – 7 wins, 8 losses Leading Goalkicker – Brendan Lewis (31 goals) Best & Fairest – Ben Herring Club Person of the Year – Therese Haggerty & Murray Leading Goalkicker – Harley Davis (13 goals) Schubert Club Person of the Year – Taylor Family

The Entrance Bateau Bay Newcastle Nova’s Senior Coach – Mick Besley Senior Coach – Chaz Wornes Seniors – Black Diamond Plate Women’s 9th – 1 win, 15 losses 11th – 2 wins, 14 losses Best & Fairest – Max Ifield Best & Fairest – Rosie Ronan-Yates Leading Goalkicker – Mick Besley (11 goals) Leading Goalkicker – Vic Dawes (10 goals) Club Person of the Year – Julie Williams

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Maitland Saints Nelson Bay Marlins Senior Coach – David Ross Senior Coach – Sean McGrath Seniors – Black Diamond Plate Seniors – Black Diamond Cup Premiers – 16 wins, 2 losses 3rd – 6 wins, 12 losses Best & Fairest – Pat McMahon Best & Fairest – Todd Thornton & Jeremy Leading Goalkicker – Wade Beard (44 goals) Eddy Women’s Leading Goalkicker –Luke Price & Mat Dews 4th – 13 wins,5 losses (20 goals) Best & Fairest – Jodie Eagar Women’s Leading Goalkicker – Sarah James (35 goals) 2nd – 15 wins, 3 losses Reserves – Reserve Grade Best & Fairest – Lisa Steane 8th – 5 wins, 10 losses Leading Goalkicker – Kaitlyn Douglass (29 goals) Best & Fairest – Lachlan Jones-Mashman Reserves – Reserve Grade Leading Goalkicker – Josh Easton (7 goals) 5th – 7 wins, 8 losses Club Person of the Year – Hugh Matheson Best & Fairest – Ben Thompson Leading Goalkicker – John West (32 goals) Club Person of the Year – Kylie Clayden Cardiff Hawks Terrigal Avoca Panthers Senior Coach – Nathan Harkness Senior Coach – Mark Skuse Seniors – Black Diamond Cup Seniors – Black Diamond Cup 2nd – 14 wins, 5 losses Premiers – 16 wins, 2 losses Best & Fairest – Tom Yensch Best & Fairest – Kurt Fleming Leading Goalkicker – Justin Murphy (31 goals) Leading Goalkicker –Mark Skuse (26 goals) Women’s Reserves – Black Diamond Plate 10th – 3 wins, 13 losses 6th – 8 wins, 8 losses Best & Fairest – Mollie Palmer Best & Fairest – Manning Mitchell Leading Goalkicker – Sara Gilbert (8 goals) Leading Goalkicker – Michael Roach (14 goals) Reserves – Reserve Grade Thirds – Reserve Grade Premiers – 15 wins, 3 losses 4th – 12 wins, 5 losses Best & Fairest – John O’Regan Best & Fairest – Byron Lawson Leading Goalkicker – Justin Murphy & Michael Ryan (35 goals) Leading Goalkicker – Mat Studdert (40 goals) Club Person of the Year – Lyn Cooksley Club Person of the Year – Dave Grimmond Singleton Roosters Wyong Lakes Magpies Senior Coach – Stephan Nester Senior Coach – Michael Tos Seniors – First Division Seniors – First Division 2nd – 15 wins, 5 losses 3rd – 14 wins, 4 losses Best & Fairest – Andrew Scott Best & Fairest – Lee Moore Leading Goalkicker – Travis Bates (33 goals) Leading Goalkicker – Aaron Kosub (39 goals) Women’s Women’s 8th – 6 wins, 10 losses 5th – 9 wins, 7 losses Best & Fairest – Tori Cowburn Best & Fairest – Alexandra Pearce Leading Goalkicker – Lynan Muldoon (7 Leading Goalkicker – Aleece Hemmings (37 goals) goals) Reserves – Reserve Grade Reserves – Reserve Grade 10th – 3 wins, 12 losses 11th – 2 wins, 13 losses Best & Fairest – Matt Tull Best & Fairest – James Howie Leading Goalkicker – Dylan Hixon & Peter Kolatchew (10 Leading Goalkicker – Ben Kent (14 goals) goals) Club Person of the Year – Ben Kent Club Person of the Year – Mark Rohan Gosford Tigers Muswellbrook Cats Senior Coach – Andy Gleisner Senior Coach – Brian Scott Seniors – Black Diamond Plate Seniors – Black Diamond Plate 5th – 8 wins, 8 losses 8th – 2 wins, 14 losses Best & Fairest – Brad Deitz Best & Fairest – Nigel Smith Leading Goalkicker – Tim Eather (36 goals) Leading Goalkicker – Adam Higham (17 goals) Women’s Women’s 3rd – 13 wins, 5 losses 12th – 0 wins, 16 losses Best & Fairest – Alison Parkin Best & Fairest – Meghann Sawkins Leading Goalkicker – Claire Walsh (20 goals) Leading Goalkicker – Gyarn Rawson & Ashleigh Barrowcliffe Reserves – Reserve Grade (1 goal) 7th – 6 wins, 9 losses Club Person of the Year – Patrick Morton Best & Fairest – Matt Noble Leading Goalkicker – Neil Walker (33 goals) Club Person of the Year – John Thompson

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Divisionalisation Divisionalisation was introduced in 2012 in an attempt to obtain more competitive competition across all grades.

This meant that the competitions became team based as opposed to club based.

Average Winning Margins 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Black Diamond Cup 40 56 61 57 67 67 86 Black Diamond Plate 61 76 60 52 64 48 71 Reserve Grade 69 66 56 50 74 68 n/a Women’s 71 62 44

Wins & Percentage (Men’s Competitions) Wins <3 3-5 6-8 9-11 12-14 >14 Teams 2017 No 5 5 5 3 8 0 26 % 19 19 19 12 31 0 2016 No 4 5 8 3 4 3 27 % 15 18 30 11 15 11 2015 No 3 7 6 4 6 1 27 % 11 26 22 15 22 4 2014 No 3 8 2 7 5 1 26 % 11 31 8 27 19 4 2013 No 4 4 5 1 7 1 22 % 18 18 22 4 32 4 2012 No 2 3 4 4 2 3 18 % 11 17 22 22 11 17 2011 No 2 7 0 4 4 1 18 % 11 39 0 22 22 6

Percentage <51 51-100 101-150 151-200 201-300 >301 2017 No 5 8 5 2 5 1 26 % 19 31 19 8 19 4 2016 No 7 8 3 1 5 3 27 % 26 30 11 4 1 11 2015 No 4 11 2 4 5 1 27 % 15 41 7 15 19 4 2014 No 4 9 3 7 3 0 26 % 15 35 12 27 11 0 2013 No 6 5 3 3 1 4 22 % 27 23 14 14 4 18 2012 No 4 6 1 2 4 1 18 % 22 33 6 11 22 6 2011 No 4 5 1 3 3 2 18 % 22 28 5 17 17 11

Club Success

Last Senior Last Senior Last Any Club Finals Premiers Premiers Cardiff 2017 2006 2017 – 2nds Killarney Vale 2015 2007 2007 - Seniors Lake Macquarie 2007 n/a n/a Maitland 2017 2017 2017 - Seniors Muswellbrook 2016 n/a n/a Nelson Bay 2017 2013 2013 - Seniors Newcastle City 2017 2016 2016 – Seniors Singleton 2017 2016 2016 - Seniors Terrigal Avoca 2017 2017 2017 - Seniors The Entrance Bateau Bay 2016 2016 2016 - Seniors Warners Bay 2015 n/a 2012 – 2nds Wyong Lakes 2017 2014 2014 – Seniors 87

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

BLACK DIAMOND CUP RECORDS

Highest Winning Score Round 12 - 2008, Cardiff 65.29 (419) d Lake Macquarie 4.2 (26) at Bill Elliott Oval Highest Losing Score Round 11 - 2004, Killarney Vale 22.11 (143) V Nelson Bay 25.7 (157) at Dick Burwell Oval Lowest Score Round 3 – 2011 (ppt), Singleton 0.0 (0) v Terrigal Avoca 33.16 (214) at Hylton Moore Oval Most Goals in a Match - Team Round 12 - 2008, Cardiff 65 goals v Lake Macquarie 4.2.(26) at Bill Elliott Oval Most Behinds in a Match - Team Round 16 - 2001, Newcastle City 39.35 (269) V Woy Woy at No. 1 Sportsground Most Goals in a Year - Player 135 Maurice Goolagong (Terrigal Avoca) 2001 Most Goals in a Match - Player 25 Maurice Goolagong (Terrigal Avoca) Rd18 2001, V Woy Woy at Heazlett Park, Avoca Most Goals in a Grand Final - Player 8 Courtney Knight (Newcastle City) 2013, V Terrigal Avoca at No 1 Sportsground

Club Championship Winners 2017 Terrigal Avoca AFC 2008 Cardiff AFC 2016 Newcastle City AFC 2007 Newcastle City AFC 2015 Terrigal Avoca AFC 2006 Newcastle City AFC 2014 Terrigal Avoca AFC 2005 Cardiff AFC 2013 Nelson Bay AFC 2004 Cardiff AFC 2012 Terrigal Avoca AFC 2003 Newcastle City AFC 2011 Warners Bay AFC 2002 Newcastle City AFC 2010 Cardiff AFC 2001 Killarney Vale AFC 2009 Cardiff AFC 2000 Cardiff AFC

GRAND FINALS

Grand Finals Premierships Cardiff 13 4 Newcastle City 10 7 Terrigal Avoca 9 5 Killarney Vale 3 1 West Newcastle Wallsend 1 1

Premiership winning team home and away finish First Place 11 Second Place 4 Third Place 3

Teams to make Grand Final finishing outside the top two West Newcastle Wallsend 2001 Cardiff 2003 Newcastle City 2009 Killarney Vale 2014

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

FINALS GATE TAKINGS COMPARISONS YEAR Elimination Qualifying 1st Semi 2nd Semi Prelim G/Final TOTALS 2000 n/a n/a $1,158.00 $ 998.00 $1,349.00 $4,622.00 $ 8,127.00 2001 n/a n/a $2,100.00 $1,824.00 $1,700.00 $4,783.00 $10,407.00 2002 $1,768.00 $1,260.00 $1,015.00 $1,486.00 $1,896.00 $5,053.00 $12,478.00 2003 $1,592.00 $1,530.00 $1,140.00 $1,894.00 $1,755.00 $5,626.00 $13,537.00 2004 n/a n/a $ 715.00 $1,693.00 $1,243.00 $5,836.00 $ 9,487.00 2005 n/a n/a $2,358.00 $2,454.00 $1,416.00 $5,948.00 $12,176.00 2006 n/a n/a $2,317.00 $2,454.00 $2,056.00 $5,410.00 $12,236.00 2007 n/a n/a $2,917.00 $3,596.00 $3,416.00 $8,059.00 $17,988.00 2008 n/a n/a $1,713.00 $2,777.00 $3,507.00 $5,062.00 $13,059.00 2009 n/a n/a $1,443.00 $2,425.00 $4,429.00 $11,168.00 $19,465.00 2010 n/a n/a $2,041.00 $3,708.00 $3,421.00 $10,334.00 $19,504.00 2011 n/a n/a n/a $3,879.00 $4,564.00 $10,373.00 $18,816.00 2012 n/a n/a n/a $4,325.80 $5,644.60 $12,971.00 $22,941.40 2013 n/a n/a n/a $3,620.00 $5,367.00 $9,776.00 $18,763.00 2014 n/a n/a n/a $4,036.60 n/a $8,879.45 $12,916.05 2015 n/a n/a $3,096.70 $4,378.00 $5,581.65 $6,164.30 $19,220.65 2016 n/a $1,867.15 $2,882.85 $4,238.90 $5,495.50 $8,630.20 $23,114.60 2017 n/a $2,209.00 $3,058.00 $2,467.65 $7,017.95 $9,464.40 $24,217.00

FINALS Grand Final Year Winner Score Runner Up Score 2000 Terrigal-Avoca 17.16 (118) Cardiff 10.18 (76) 2001 West New-Wallsend 21.9 (135) Cardiff 18.13 (121) 2002 Cardiff 11.15 (81) Terrigal-Avoca 7.10 (52) 2003 Newcastle City 17.16 (118) Cardiff 11.10(76) 2004 Cardiff 16.13 (109) Terrigal-Avoca 15.9 (99) 2005 Cardiff 17.11 (113) Killarney Vale 11.6 (72) 2006 Cardiff 8.9 (57) Newcastle City 2.4 (16) 2007 Killarney Vale 9.9 (63) Newcastle City 4.17 (41) 2008 Newcastle City 14.12 (96) Cardiff 8.11 (59) 2009 Newcastle City 12.15 (87) Cardiff 11.14 (80) 2010 Newcastle City 17.21 (123) Cardiff 10.12 (72) 2011 Newcastle City 14.20 (104) Cardiff 10.11 (71) 2012 Terrigal Avoca 10.8 (68) Cardiff 7.12 (54) 2013 Newcastle City 18.9 (117) Terrigal Avoca 14.9 (93) 2014 Terrigal Avoca 17.12 (114) Killarney Vale 8.11 (59) 2015 Terrigal Avoca 14.9 (93) Newcastle City 10.11 (71) 2016 Newcastle City 14.13 (97) Terrigal Avoca 5.6 (36) 2017 Terrigal Avoca 13.11 (89) Cardiff 11.14 (80)

Preliminary Final Year Winner Score Loser Score 2000 Cardiff 13.17 (95) Killarney Vale 11.17 (83) 2001 West New-Wallsend 15.19 (109) Killarney Vale 12.11 (83) 2002 Cardiff 13.15 (93) Killarney Vale 11.11 (77) 2003 Newcastle City 18.15 (123) Terrigal-Avoca 11.17 (83) 2004 Terrigal-Avoca 19.8 (122) Newcastle City 13.12 (90) 2005 Cardiff 28.16 (184) Terrigal-Avoca 14.10 (94) 2006 Newcastle City 20.17 (137) Terrigal-Avoca 11.7 (73) 2007 Killarney Vale 15.18 (108) Warners Bay 11.9 (75) 2008 Cardiff 24.12 (156) Warners Bay 12.10 (82) 2009 Newcastle City 15.24 (114) Terrigal-Avoca 12.10 (82) 2010 Cardiff 13.12 (90) Terrigal-Avoca 9.10 (64) 2011 Cardiff 15.16 (106) Terrigal-Avoca 3.5 (23) 2012 Cardiff 13.11 (89) Newcastle City 8.8 (56) 2013 Terrigal Avoca 26.12 (168) Cardiff 6.12 (48) 2014 Killarney Vale 12.11 (85) Newcastle City 6.11 (47) 2015 Terrigal Avoca 13.21 (99) Killarney Vale 7.7 (49) 2016 Terrigal Avoca 16.21 (117) Nelson Bay 12.10.(82) 2017 Cardiff 16.13 (109) Nelson Bay 7.6 (48)

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Second Semi Final Year Winner Score Loser Score 2000 Terrigal-Avoca 21.18 (144) Cardiff 15.17 (107) 2001 Cardiff 20.12 (132) Killarney Vale 13.11 (89) 2002 Terrigal-Avoca 20.14 (134) Cardiff 16.7 (103) 2003 Cardiff 14.16 (100) Newcastle City 12.12 (84) 2004 Cardiff 23.20 (158) Terrigal-Avoca 11.12 (78) 2005 Killarney Vale 14.9 (93) Cardiff 12.14 (86) 2006 Cardiff 23.19 (157) Terrigal-Avoca 11.7 (73) 2007 Newcastle City 18.20 (138) Killarney Vale 11.8 (74) 2008 Newcastle City 14.10 (94) Cardiff 9.16 (70) 2009 Cardiff 16.17 (113) Terrigal-Avoca 8.11 (59) 2010 Newcastle City 13.14 (92) Cardiff 12.16 (88) 2011 Newcastle City 9.23 (77) Terrigal-Avoca 5.8 (38) 2012 Terrigal Avoca 11.12 (78) Newcastle City 7.10 (52) 2013 Newcastle City 15.14 (104) Terrigal Avoca 10.12 (72) 2014 Terrigal Avoca 17.10 (112) Newcastle City 12.10 (82) 2015 Newcastle City 9.15 (69) Terrigal Avoca 6.8 (44) 2016 Newcastle City 10.17 (77) Terrigal Avoca 8.7 (55) 2017 Terrigal Avoca 17.8 (110) Cardiff 9.10 (64)

First Semi Final Year Winner Score Loser Score 2000 Killarney Vale 17.14 (116) Nelson Bay 13.17 (95) 2001 West New-Wallsend 26.23 (179) Nelson Bay 14.16 (100) 2002 Killarney Vale 3.11 (29) Newcastle City 2.7 (19) 2003 Terrigal-Avoca 17.12 (114) Nelson Bay 14.15 (99) 2004 Newcastle City 29.19 (193) Warners Bay 6.12 (48) 2005 Terrigal-Avoca 9.7 (61) Newcastle City 6.8 (44) 2006 Newcastle City 11.17 (83) Warners Bay 5.12 (42) 2007 Warners Bay 14.14.(98) Cardiff 12.9.(81) 2008 Warners Bay 12.8 (80) Killarney Vale 9.6 (60) 2009 Newcastle City 17.16 (118) Warners Bay 5.13 (43) 2010 Terrigal Avoca 12.12 (90) Warners Bay 9.5 (59) 2011 Cardiff 14.5 (89) Warners Bay 4.12 (36) 2012 Cardiff 17.17(119) Killarney Vale 1418 (92) 2013 Cardiff 17.7.(109) Killarney Vale 10.8 (68) 2014 Killarney Vale 12.12 (84) Cardiff 9.12 (64) 2015 Killarney Vale 16.7 (103) Warners Bay 5.9 (39) 2016 Nelson Bay 10.17 (77) Nelson Bay 9.10 (64) 2017 Nelson Bay 6.12 (48) Newcastle City 5.17 (47)

CLUB BLACK DIAMOND CUP WINS AND LOSSES SINCE 2000

CARDIFF KILLARNEY VALE Opposition Won Lost Drawn Total Opposition Won Lost Drawn Total Gosford 28 1 - 29 Cardiff 11 39 - 50 Killarney Vale 39 11 - 50 Gosford 21 6 - 27 Nelson Bay 29 8 - 37 Lake Macquarie 11 2 - 13 Lake Macquarie 13 - - 13 Nelson Bay 18 14 - 32 Newcastle City 28 31 - 59 Newcastle City 12 36 1 49 Singleton 6 1 - 7 Singleton 6 1 - 7 Terrigal Avoca 31 32 - 63 Terrigal Avoca 13 39 - 52 Warners Bay 44 9 - 53 Warners Bay 31 22 - 53 West New/Walls 4 3 - 7 West New/Walls 7 1 - 8 Woy Woy 2 - - 2 Woy Woy 2 - - 2 Wyong Lakes 13 1 - 14 Wyong Lakes 15 1 - 16 TOTALS 237 97 - 334 TOTALS 147 161 1 309 Win Ratio: 70.96% Win Ratio: 47.57%

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

LAKE MACQUARIE NEWCASTLE CITY Opposition Won Lost Drawn Total Opposition Won Lost Drawn Total Cardiff - 13 - 13 Cardiff 31 28 - 59 Gosford 2 7 - 9 Gosford 26 1 - 27 Killarney Vale 2 11 - 13 Killarney Vale 36 12 1 49 Nelson Bay 1 1 - 2 Lake Macquarie 14 - - 14 Newcastle City - 14 - 14 Nelson Bay 27 8 - 35 Singleton 1 2 3 Singleton 6 - - 6 Terrigal Avoca - 14 - 14 Terrigal Avoca 34 30 - 64 Warners Bay 2 13 - 15 Warners Bay 42 5 - 47 Wyong Lakes 2 8 - 10 West New/Walls 7 1 - 8 Woy Woy 2 - - 2 Wyong Lakes 16 - - 16 TOTALS 10 83 - 93 ¤ TOTALS 241 85 1 327 Win Ratio: 10.4% Win Ratio: 73.70%

TERRIGAL-AVOCA WARNERS BAY Opposition Won Lost Drawn Total Opposition Won Lost Drawn Total Cardiff 32 31 - 63 Cardiff 9 44 - 53 Gosford 26 2 - 28 Gosford 26 2 - 28 Killarney Vale 39 13 - 52 Killarney Vale 22 31 - 53 Lake Macquarie 14 - - 14 Lake Macquarie 13 2 - 15 Nelson Bay 35 1 - 36 Nelson Bay 18 18 - 36 Newcastle City 30 34 - 64 Newcastle City 5 42 - 47 Singleton 6 - - 6 Singleton 7 1 - 8 Warners Bay 35 7 - 42 Terrigal Avoca 7 35 - 42 West New/Walls 3 3 - 6 West New/Walls 3 3 - 6 Woy Woy 2 - - 2 Woy Woy 2 - - 2 Wyong Lakes 15 1 - 16 Wyong Lakes 14 2 - 16 TOTALS 237 92 - 329 TOTALS 126 180 306 Win Ratio: 72.03% Win Ratio: 41.18%

GOSFORD NELSON BAY Opposition Won Lost Drawn Total Opposition Won Lost Drawn Total Cardiff 1 28 - 29 Cardiff 8 29 - 37 Killarney Vale 6 21 - 27 Gosford 14 9 - 23 Nelson Bay 9 14 - 23 Lake Macquarie 1 1 - 1 Lake Macquarie 7 2 - 9 Killarney Vale 14 18 - 32 Newcastle City 1 26 - 27 Newcastle City 8 27 - 35 Singleton 1 1 - 2 Singleton 3 0 - 3 Terrigal Avoca 2 26 - 28 Terrigal Avoca 1 35 - 36 Warners Bay 6 22 - 28 Warners Bay 18 18 - 36 West New/Walls 1 5 - 6 West New/Walls 6 0 - 6 Woy Woy 2 - - 2 Woy Woy 2 - - 2 Wyong Lakes 13 5 - 18 Wyong 3 8 - 11 TOTALS 49 150 - 199 TOTALS 78 145 - 223 Win Ratio: 24.6% Win Ratio: 34.98%

SINGLETON WYONG LAKES Opposition Won Lost Drawn Total Opposition Won Lost Drawn Total Cardiff 1 6 - 7 Cardiff 1 13 - 14 Gosford 1 1 - 2 Gosford 5 13 - 18 Killarney Vale 1 6 - 7 Killarney Vale 1 15 - 16 Lake Macquarie 3 2 - 5 Lake Macquarie 8 2 - 10 Nelson Bay 0 3 - 3 Nelson Bay 8 3 - 11 Newcastle City - 6 - 6 Newcastle City - 16 - 16 Terrigal Avoca - 6 - 6 Singleton 1 1 - 2 Warners Bay 1 7 - 8 Terrigal Avoca 1 15 - 16 Wyong Lakes 1 1 - 2 Warners Bay 2 14 - 16 West New/Walls - 1 - 1 TOTALS 8 38 - 46 TOTALS 27 93 - 120 Win Ratio: 17.39% Win Ratio: 22.5%

WEST NEWC/WALLSEND

Opposition Won Lost Drawn Total Cardiff 3 4 - 7 Gosford 5 1 - 6 Killarney Vale 1 7 - 8 Nelson Bay - 6 - 6 Newcastle City 1 7 - 8 Terrigal Avoca 3 3 - 6 Warners Bay 3 3 - 6 Wyong Lakes 1 - - 1 TOTALS 17 31 - 48 Win Ratio: 35.42%

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

SENIOR MENS REPRESENTATIVE MATCHES

YEAR OPPOSITION VENUE RESULT FOR AGAINST 2001 Syd Football Assn Newcastle No.1 Won 30.16 (196) 16.6 (102) 2002 Comb Defence Force Newcastle No.1 Won 16.16 (112) 4.6 (30) 2003 Riverina FL Wagga Wagga Lost 6.5 (41) 28.17 (185) 2004 South Coast AFL Camden Won 43.34 (292) 8.4 (52) 2005 Hume League Culcairn Won 12.14 (86) 10.10 (70) 2006 ** Riverina FL Wagga Wagga Won 5.2 (32) 3.6 (24) Farrer FL Won 4.3 (27) 3.1 (19) Hume FL Won 8.3 (51) 1.1 (7) Riverina FL (Final) Won 6.7 (43) 6.6 (42) 2007 North Coast Newcastle No.1 WASHED OUT 2008 AFL Sydney U23s Newcastle No.1 Lost 19.13 (127) 21.20 (146) Riverina FL ** Wagga Wagga Lost 0.3.(3) 8.5 (53) Hume FL ** Lost 4.5 (29) 7.6 (48) Farrer FL ** Lost 5.5 (35) 6.3 (39) North Coast ** Won 19.8 (122) 4.3 (27) 2009 Riverina FL Newcastle No.1 Lost 12.7 (79) 14.18 (102) 2010** Riverina FL Wagga Wagga Won 4.1 (25) 3.6 (24) Farrer FL Won 6.2 (38) 2.6 (18) AFL Sydney U23s Lost 3.3 (21) 7.5 (47) AFL Sydney U23s (Final) Lost 2.6 (18) 10.8 (68) 2011 Farrer FL Newcastle No.1 Won 13.14 (92) 9.13 (67) 2012 Riverina FL Blacktown ISP Lost 7.14 (56) 17.11 (113) 2013 Farrer FL Wagga Wagga Won 10.12 (72) 10.8 (68) 2014 AFL Sydney U23s Newcastle No 1 Won 17.11 (113) 10.5 (65) 2015 NSW/ACT U22’s Blacktown ISP Won 19.10 (124) 10.12 (72) 2016 Farrer FL Wagga Wagga Won 15.21 (111) 11.9 (75) 2017 AFL Sydney Adelaide St Oval Lost 14.4 (88) 17.12 (114) ** NSW Country Championships

SENIOR WOMENS REPRESENTATIVE MATCHES

YEAR OPPOSITION VENUE RESULT FOR AGAINST 2016 AFL Canberra Bateau Bay Lost 4.7 (31) 12.6 (78) 2017 AFL Sydney Adelaide St Oval Lost 1.4 (10) 10.12 (72)

Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

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Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide a quality sporting experience within an inclusive environment, fostering the development of Australian Football. VISION

“Strong Management, Healthy Clubs, Competitive Football”

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The BDAFL will be measured against the following

• To have an adaptable organisational structure commensurate with available resources • Each club to meet BDAFL Governance Standards • Develop strategy to ensure competitive and sustainable competition structure • To identify and pursue one facility improvement per year • Maintain and develop effective relationships with both internal and external partners

The Black Diamond AFL would like to thank the following partners for making season 2017 a great success. We look forward to your support again in 2018

BDAFL MAJOR SPONSOR

BDAFL MAJOR PARTNERS

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Black Diamond AFL Inc 2017 Annual Report

Elliott Davey Medal Winner Women’s Best & Fairest Winner Volunteer of the Year Tom Yensch (Cardiff) Alison Parkin (Gosford) Mark Rohan (Singleton)

2017 Hunter Haval Black Diamond Cup Premiers

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