EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc.
CLUB MANAGERIAL HISTORY
YEAR PRESIDENT GENERAL SECRETARY FINANCIAL SENIOR MANAGER CONTROLLER COACH
1976 Ray Johns N/A TBA TBA N/A 77-79 John Morris N/A TBA TBA N/A 80-81 Kevin Hall N/A TBA TBA N/A 1982 Brian Ginger N/A TBA TBA N/A 1983 Ian Fraser N/A Glenys Reed John Mitchell N/A 1984 Grahame N/A Glenys Reed Andy McPhee N/A Willis 1985 Grahame N/A Prue Daffy Andy McPhee N/A Willis 1986 Bill McLeod N/A Jill Turbill Andy McPhee N/A 1987 Bill McLeod N/A Jill Turbill Andy McPhee N/A Jim Pascoe 1988 Bill McLeod N/A Jill Turbill Jim Pascoe David Grace Bruce Johnson 1989 Grahame N/A Pam Johnson Jim Pascoe Bill Willington Willis 1990 Grahame N/A Pam Johnson Jim Pascoe Doug Scholz Willis 1991 Grahame N/A Henry Yeates Jim Pascoe Doug Scholz Willis 1992 Jim Pascoe N/A Henry Yeates Jacki Toy Mick Toy *1993 Tony Hill N/A Henry Yeates Ian Fraser James Walton *1994 Tony Hill N/A Henry Yeates Jake Doug Scholz Armstrong *1995 Tony Hill N/A Henry Yeates Lou Zivkovich Dennis Dunstan Garry Hutchinson *1996 Peter Physick N/A Henry Yeates John Spring Kevin Allen *1997 Peter Physick N/A Henry Yeates John Spring Matthew Frost *1998 Peter Physick N/A Henry Yeates John Spring Craig McGrath *1999 Peter Physick N/A John Jan Frost Craig McGrath Evernden Bob Wynne 2000 Peter Physick Andrew Bence Bob Wynne Jan Frost Tim Jones 2001 Peter Physick Andrew Bence Richard Lee Bob Wynne Tim Jones 2002 Peter Physick Andrew Bence Richard Lee Bob Wynne Andrew Baxter Gus Seebeck 2003 Peter Physick John Evernden Sarah Bob Wynne Michael Knuppel Campbell 2004 Peter Physick Bob Wynne N/A Bob Wynne Michael Knuppel 2005 Peter Physick David Ralston N/A Andrew Baxter Rohan Graham 2006 Peter Physick Wally Gallio N/A Andrew Baxter Rohan Graham 2007 Peter Physick Anthony Dignan N/A Andrew Baxter Rohan Graham 2008 Gus Seebeck Anthony Dignan N/A Phil Bester Glenn Garner
* The Sydney AFL Premier League teams played as the Baulkham Hills Falcons.
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EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. INDEX
Club Managerial history…………………………………………………………………. 2 Club Life Member Honour roll …………………………………………………………. 4 Executive and Team Management ……………………………………………………. 5 Chairman’s report……………………………………………………………………….... 6 General Manager’s report ………………………………………………………………. 8 Annual General Meeting notice for 2008 …………………………………………….. 11 Our Most Valued Sponsors …………………………………………………………….. 12 Strategic Planning ……………………………………………………………………….. 16 Financial Report ………………………………………………………………………….. 18 Canteen report ………………….………………………………………………………… 19 Facilities report…..…………………………………………………….…… …….…….. 20 West Coast Eagles ……………………………………………………………………….. 22 Vale – Doug Scholz ………………………………………………………………………. 23 Eagles’ Extravaganza ……………………………………………………………………. 24 Life Member ….……….…………………………………………………………………… 25 Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………………. 26 Special Achievements …………………………………………………………………... 27 Farewell to Ross & Laurel Abercrombie …………………………………………….. 28 Chairman’s Award……….…..…………………………………………………………… 29 Club Person of the Year Award………………………….…………………………….. 30 Leading Goalkickers …….…….….…………...………………………………………… 31 Clubman of the Year ………………….…………………………………………………. 32 Historical Record – Best & Fairest…. ………………………………………………… 33 Club Records ……………………………………………………………………………… 34 Football Operations report….…..……………………………………….…………….. 35 U/18 Coordinator’s report ………………………………..…………………………….. 37 U/18 Premier Cup …………………..……………………………………………………. 38 U/18 Challenge Cup ………………………………………………………………….…... 44 Reserve Grade…………………………………………………………………………….. 47 First Grade…………………………………………………………………………………. 52 BEST & FAIREST VOTING First Grade (Club Champion) including Players’ Player ………………………….. 58 Reserve Grade (Billy McLeod Medal) including Players’ Player………………..... 59 U/18 Best & Fairest Premier Cup………………………………………………………. 60 U/18 Best & Fairest Challenge Cup …………………………………………………… 61 Player milestones…………………………………………………………………………. 62 Premiership ladders …………………………………………………………………….. 63 Base Course Medals / Perpetual Trophy donors …………………………………... 65 Autographs ……………………………………………………………………………….. 66
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EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. CLUB LIFE MEMBER HONOUR ROLL
LIFE MEMBERS 1984 Glenys Reed & Doug Reed 1986 Ian Mercer 1988 Grahame Willis 1990 Ian Fraser & Bill McLeod 1991 John Payne & Rob Stone 1993 Kath Fraser 1994 David Grace 1995 Pam Johnson & Anne McLeod 1996 Arthur Frost, Bruce Johnson, Warren Quintrell, Henry Yeates 1997 Graeme Merkel 1998 Greg Crosby 1999 Ross Abercrombie, Graeme Bleus 2000 Laima Physick & Peter Physick 2001 Alan Brotherston, Paul Madden 2002 Craig Abercrombie, Scott Abercrombie, John Evernden, Les Jarjoura 2004 Rudi Bylsma, Richard Lee, Bob Wynne 2007 Mike Pilkington 2008 Trevor Hangan PLAYER LIFE MEMBERS 1989 Sean Fraser, Michael Payne, Guy Place 1990 Steven Brown, Alistair Jackson, Mark McLeod 1991 Jason Crawford, Scott Fraser, Craig McLeod, Adam Stone 1992 Hugh Stone, Matthew Courts, Todd Cuneo 1993 Brett Baker, Doug Baker, Simon Bishop, Peter Bleus, Brendan Courts, Robin Drew, Simon Hammond, Adam Turbill 1994 Scott Abercrombie, Craig Armstrong, Matthew McPhee, David Reed 1995 Trevor Hare, Matthew Hayman, Anthony Horner, Scott Jones, Stuart Wynn 1996 Greg Driscoll, Matthew Frost, Daniel Graham, Ryan Meldrum, Lachlan Pascoe, Nathan Scott-Rogers, Gerard Thripp 1997 Jason Duss, Josh Harvey, Steve Merkel, Dean Nankivell, Heath Sharpe 1998 John Burt, Tim Delaney, Rodney Frost, Luke McLeod, Greg Thomas 1999 Craig Abercrombie, Jay Brotherston, Rory Cormican, Jarrod Crosby, Paul Eastman, Troy Eastman, Michael Faulkner, Mark Harrison. 2000 Chris Cottee, Liam Madden, Ryan Madden, Tim Physick 2001 Scott MacLean, Daniel Murrell, Michael Murrell, Ben Shiel. 2002 David Bleus, Sam Brotherston, Tim Coakley, Quentin Ellis, Brett Jackson, Daniel Madden, Jared Madden, Ben Physick, David Walsh. 2003 Luke Austin, Stephen Bilkey, Chris Coakley 2004 Trent Goodrem, Alex Wynne 2005 David Hook, Jayden Pendleton, Chris Wynne 2006 Brad Ure, Rowan Bilkey, Scott Logan 2007 Damian Gatte, James Gordon, Nathan Gordon, Tim Kear, Ashley Loxton, James Mann, Chris Moore, Travis Thripp
Player Life Members listed above received their recognition under the separate Constitutions which governed the Baulkham Hills AFC and East Coast Eagles AFL Football Club up until November 2007. At the 2007 AGM, a revised East Coast Eagles Constitution was adopted which varied the qualification terms. See page 25 for full details of the new rules to apply from 2008 and beyond.
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EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. BOARD of DIRECTORS - 2008
CHAIRMAN Gus Seebeck VICE CHAIRMAN and MARKETING & SPONSORSHIP Craig Abercrombie GENERAL MANAGER Anthony Dignan FACILITY MANAGEMENT Peter Physick FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Phil Bester FOOTBALL Chris Ford PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT Mark Pinchen
TEAM MANAGEMENT
Under 18 Premier Cup Coach Peter Steer
Premier Cup assistant coach Jon Lee
Challenge Cup Coach Jon Lee
Challenge Cup assistant coaches Tim Lee & Peter Steer
Runner Lindsay Mayo
Match Day coaching assistant Mark Pinchen
Premier Cup Manager Peter Mack
Challenge Cup Manager Bryn Whales
RESERVES Coach Jason Duss
Assistant coaches Ryan Madden, Trevor Hangan
Manager(s) Various
Runner Sean Streat
FIRST GRADE Coach Glenn Garner
Assistant Coaches Michael Sankey, Jason Coulloupas
Match Day Coaching Assistants Tony Monaco, Trevor Hangan
Match Day Operations Peter Steer, Graeme Merkel
Runner Trent Baker and Matt Wynne
Manager Jon Gawley
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EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
GUS SEEBECK
"Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing – the result."
This is one of my favourite quotes from American Football legend Vince Lombardi. I believe it sums up the day-to-day reality of being involved in a football club. Football clubs are made up of a group of individuals all working together across a wide range of functions towards achieving a common goal.
So what "results" did we achieve in 2008? To have three of our four sides play off on Grand Final day is an achievement of which any club would be proud. I feel it exceeded all reasonable expectations set at the start of the year. To have our Premier Division Reserve Grade team win its third consecutive Premiership is also a tremendous effort and all involved should be thoroughly congratulated. The fact that our U/18 Premier Cup and Premier Division Senior sides did not perform as well as they would have liked on the day, must provide even greater determination for success in 2009.
Season 2008 was always going to be full of challenges for the East Coast Eagles. Some we could see coming and others popped up out of the blue along the way. Following the AGM in December 2007, we entered the year with a new constitution, a new Board, a new senior coach and a new Chairman.
I would like to begin by thanking the Club for having the foresight and courage to unanimously adopt these sweeping changes and for having the faith and trust in me and my fellow Board members to drive this change and take the club forward into a new era. I remain as confident as ever that the decisions we have made over the past 12 months, whilst not always easy, were correct. And even though our ultimate goal eluded us this year, we took a big step forward.
The season began, as most seasons do, with a renewed sense of optimism around the Club. A few key signings were made both on and off the field and a feeling of confidence and purpose resonated through the pre-season. It was always going to take some time for a new group to find its feet but when they did, on-field success quickly followed.
The disappointment endured when we finally realised that our new home would have to wait another year, was felt right across the Club. All I can say is that good things are worth waiting for and what we as a club were able to achieve in season 2008 without access to facilities like those we will enjoy at Bruce Purser, was a credit to all involved.
At this point we must thank Shane Jorgensen and the Baulkham Hills Falcons for allowing us to return to our spiritual home and share Charles McLaughlin Reserve with them during 2008.
Off the field we also achieved an enormous amount in 2008. Beginning with junior development we worked hard to formalise our links with key junior clubs in our area – the Kellyville Magpies, Quakers Hill Bombers, Nor-West Jets, Hawkesbury Saints and the Baulkham Hills Falcons. Together we formed the Nor-West Football Alliance which will help the progression of footballers of all ages and abilities.
We developed a new strategic plan which will serve as the framework to guide the governance of the club for years to come. We also developed closer links with the local community in the Nor-West area. This will be a major focus in 2009 when we begin our tenancy at Bruce Purser Reserve.
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EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. Importantly, through hard work and perseverance, we met our financial goals and the club will enter 2009 debt free. And let's not forget that we had a lot of fun along the way and shared plenty of laughs together.
To thank everyone that made a contribution to the East Coast Eagles in 2008 would require so much paper that I would be accused of not caring for the environment! Having the opportunity to serve as Chairman has only proved to further reinforce my belief that great clubs are built by great people and our Club has some of the best people I have ever had the good fortune of meeting.
From the countless volunteers who help on match days to the generosity of our sponsors and the understanding of the families who help their sons, boyfriends, brothers (and for those of us lucky enough, their fathers) to devote such a significant amount of time each week to the game of football.
I would like to personally thank a few people in particular. To our premium sponsors PMA Solutions and Phil Okill, Base Course Management and Steve Gawley along with Loscam and Barry Wellard, thank you for your continued support.
To the West Coast Eagles who continue to offer their unconditional support to our Club year after year. It is well documented that West Coast has, and to a certain extent still is, facing challenging times and it would have been understandable and not at all unreasonable for them to lower the priority of our relationship while they addressed these challenges. The fact that this did not occur and that West Coast continued to show a keen interest in the success of our Club on a weekly basis is testament to Trevor Nisbett, David Elliott, Claire Ryan and all involved.
To my fellow Board Members Craig Abercrombie, Peter Physick, Phillip Bester, Chris Ford and Mark Pinchen, thank you for your help and support throughout the year. As you will read throughout this report we are blessed with a passionate and energetic Board who devote countless hours to the Club.
To our General Manager Anthony Dignan, thank you for your hard work throughout the year. Working for a football club is often a thankless task that blurs the lines between weeks and weekends and is certainly not 9 to 5.
Finally, I would like to reserve the biggest thanks to my beautiful partner Laura and our daughter Ella for allowing me the time to indulge this passion. Their understanding and patience is tested on a weekly basis and is never taken for granted.
I would like to wish everyone an enjoyable off-season. Be safe and get some well-earned rest away from footy.
In 2008 the game of Australian Football celebrated its 150th birthday. As we say Happy Birthday to our great game, we look forward to seeing you all again in season 2009.
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EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. GENERAL MANAGER
ANTHONY DIGNAN
Let me take you on a journey … one which started in November of last year.
First it was a new coach, then a new Chairman, then four new members on the Board, and then it was to be a new ground and along the way came eight new recruits. We developed a new alliance with another senior club and all our local junior clubs.
It was the dawn of a new era in the Club and it brought much excitement and enthusiasm around the place. All this, coupled with the young talent that was coming through, put us in an excellent position.
At the start of this year the ECE Board established a clear purpose for the Club. It is:
To be the leading Club in the Sydney AFL, delivering on-field success and providing a positive experience for all involved.
Gaining a coach such as Glenn Garner was the first step along the journey and he has been fantastic in his first season as senior coach. He has provided great direction, professionalism and shown that things only happen if you put in the work necessary to achieve such high standards. Glenn shows the way in the time and effort he puts in to ensure we achieve the goals that we have set as a team and as a club.
Our new Chairman was an interesting one. It was unusual for a Chairman to be still playing and would he be able to do both? We needed a person who would provide us with the direction to be able to take our Club to a new level and develop an approach that would ensure we would become the club of choice in the Nor-West area for players, sponsors, volunteers and supporters.
Gus Seebeck and along with the Board of Chris Ford, Mark Pinchen, Craig Abercrombie, Phil Bester and Peter Physick have been outstanding in setting a direction that has hopefully set the Club up for years to come. It didn’t come easy and from what I have seen, I am sure that Gus and the Board will continue to work tirelessly to continue along this direction.
The next part of the journey was meant to be the wonderful new facility at Withers Road and we all know the story there. We now look forward to the journey in 2009 when we will be playing on the new ground and having a home.
To ensure we could provide football opportunities at all levels from Premier Division down to First Division, we developed an alliance with the Nor-West Jets. This provided us with the opportunity to allow players not picked in the Reserves to be able to play football as well as ensuring the two clubs were working together to make the Nor-West area as strong as possible across all levels.
We also developed stronger links with all our junior clubs in the area - Baulkham Hills Falcons, Kellyville Magpies, Quakers Hill Bombers and Hawkesbury Saints and when we get on to Bruce Purser Reserve these alliances will only get stronger. We sent senior players and coaches to all clubs throughout the year and will continue to work with them all to assist where possible.
Our strong link with Baulkham Hills continued and we thank Shane Jorgensen and the club for allowing us to use Charles McLaughlin Reserve once Withers Road was not going to be ready. The “Back to Baulko” day will continue to be a day of great importance to our Club.
Did all this lead to us reaching our purpose for the club? I have no doubt.
To have three teams play in finals for the first time and be the only club with three teams in the Grand Finals was a great achievement and gave us on field success and great enjoyment for all. Our new ______8 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. strategic plan gave an insight into where the Club wants to head and when we eventually move into our new ground, watch out.
Our senior side went from fifth to second and it will only improve after the players now know the direction and game plan that Glenn implemented. Glenn has also got to understand all players at the club and this can only help in going to the next level. As we all know, Glenn will leave nothing to chance to ensure we continue to improve in every aspect on the field.
Our Reserve Grade side went back-to-back-to-back. Yes a hat-trick of Premierships. Coach Jason Duss must think this coaching caper is easy, Two years in the job and two Premierships. He, Ryan Madden and Trevor Hangan have done a great job and what more can be said than another flag for our mighty Reserve Grade side.
Our Premier Cup U/18’s have also followed the path of the seniors coming from fifth to second in one year. They had a fantastic season under the guidance of Peter Steer and he is to be congratulated on the huge improvement shown by all the players. I just hope some of theme realise how good they are and have the confidence knowing they will become good senior footballers for the Eagles. The amount of time Peter and his able side kick Alan Moeller put into the team is amazing. Once again Alan has been fantastic in his coordination of the U/18 teams. Due to his work above and beyond, we have now developed relationships with players from Scone to Bathurst. The Eagles brand is expanding even more with the work Alan has done.
Our Challenge Cup side won double the amount of games in season 2008 compared to season 2007. They were also far more competitive in each and every game. Jon and Tim Lee are to be thanked greatly for the development of each player that played in the Challenge Cup this year. They have done a great job over two years and I am sure that every one of them has not only improved as a player, but also as a person under Jon and Tim.
Unfortunately the Lee boys will not coach the Challenge Cup again in season 2009. Tim thinks that it maybe a bit too far to travel from New Zealand for training and games. We wish him all the best in his new journey over in Kiwi land. Jon, due to increasing work commitments, can no longer put the time and effort into the position so he felt it was time to give someone else an opportunity who could. He will not be lost to the Club as he will still help out when he can.
You are both Eagles through and through and you have done a great job. You will be sorely missed and hard to replace.
Another important group that has contributed to the great success of 2008 is the players. To everyone who pulled on an Eagles’ jumper in 2008, your efforts are very much appreciated. You have all worked hard to achieve what you did but we need to continue to work hard to maintain success and even achieve more.
To Jon Vlatko as Captain, your effort in leading the club has been fantastic. You continue to grow in the position and we look forward to working with you again to get even more from the playing group next year. Michael Sankey took on a new role as Development coach and was able to provide great assistance to many of our young players to help with their development. His experience and knowledge has been invaluable to the designated group and we look forward to further developing this program next year.
I thank the Eagles’ Medical team headed by Simon West and assisted by Sarah Bailey, Sam Ennis, and Antonia Albanese also on match day by Rudy Bylsma and Warren Evans. In all my time in working with and around clubs and the AFL Programs, they are the most organised and efficient medical team I have had the pleasure of working with.
We had to seek club umpires for the first time in 2008 due to dwindling numbers in the umpire ranks. A thankless task but a task that was taken on by Craig Abercrombie, Sean Street, Brendan Doyle, Matt Scholz, Alan Moeller and Tim Jenson. Special thanks go to Tim Jenson, who did most of the Challenge Cup games and a couple of Reserve Grade games and was a great asset to the club in this role. Alan Moeller is also to be thanked for the countless times he put his hand up to field or boundary ______9 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. umpire. It may have something to do with the fact that he has turned into someone who now runs as far as Forrest Gump.
It takes time and effort to run a football club and the East Coast Eagles are lucky enough to have a group of people that are willing to help on a weekly basis. Match day and especially home matches, require a lot of support and I would like to thank everyone who helped out throughout the season. In particular I would like to thank Scott Gatte who took on the role of volunteer coordinator and without his help the 80 volunteers who helped throughout the year would not have worked as efficiently and effectively as they did. I look forward to sharing a drink at our “volunteer thank you day.”
I will leave the team volunteer positions thanks to the respective coaches. Your efforts are also extremely valued and we look forward to seeing all volunteers back in some capacity in season 2009. It is a great strength of this Club that everyone gets in to help and wants to contribute in whatever way we can.
We thank Trevor Nisbett, David Elliott and Clare Ryan and all at the West Coast Eagles for their support. It is second to none and the partnership between the two clubs continues to get stronger. Michael Sankey, Jon Vlatko and I were privileged to spend three days over in Perth picking the brains of as many people as we could from the West Coast organisation. We had Kim Hannah and Brad Smith visit Sydney for three days looking at our schools program and the Kellyville Magpies junior club. It was great to see Trevor, David, and Clare on Grand Final day and at various times throughout the year and I am sure it is a partnership that will further develop over the years to come.
The Club continues to be involved in programs that develop the game in our area. In conjunction with the AFL NSW/ACT Development team, the East Coast Eagles were involved in a number of initiatives.
The programs that the Club was involved in were:
• Nor-West Christian School – AFL Sports Program, Arndell College – Year 9 Skills Programs, Paul Kelly Cup Days, In School Clinics, School Visits, Club Visits, 9–A Side Competitions, Private School Competitions, AFL talented Players and Schools Program.
The Club feels that this is an important area to be involved in to ensure the ongoing development and retention of players to the game. Our future stability depends on the development of juniors to ensure a community based club and the opportunity for all aspiring young AFL players in the area to play senior football at the East Coast Eagles.
To all the East Coast supporters, a big thanks for your fantastic support and effort throughout the year. We all look forward to the army growing even further with the introduction of Withers Road. Our army is the envy of all clubs. To Steve Gawley and the team from Base Course Management your support for me is very much appreciated. Steve is a great supporter of the club and this assistance is very much appreciated not only by me, but by all at the Club.
Craig Abercrombie, Rowan Bilkey and Digital Sports.... what can you say? They do more than is probably realised behind the scenes and especially to Craig thanks for all your help and everything that I asked you to do was never too much trouble.
Last, but not least, I must publicly thank my family Fiona, Jack and Molly for their patience and support throughout the year.
I wrote last year we should be producing and recruiting as many senior footballers to ensure that our seniors are playing finals football every year. Once you make finals in Sydney then anything is possible. Another main goal is to provide an attractive pathway for junior footballers to be able to play at the highest level in Sydney and to want to play for the East Coast Eagles.
With what has been put in place by the new Board and the work of the coaching staff and players we have been able to achieve this. The key now from here on in is to ensure that we achieve this every year.
Bring on 2009 and see you at the footy ….. ______10 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. 2008 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting of the East Coast Eagles AFL Football Club Inc will be held on Wednesday November 26th 2008, at a venue to be advised.
According to the new Constitution adopted at the 2007 AGM, two current Directors will retire from the Board; however they are permitted to offer themselves as available for re-election for another two year term. The remaining four Directors, (including the Chairman) will retain their positions and fulfil the balance of their two year term.
These two Board positions will be declared vacant and nominations and elections will be held to vote in new, or re elected Directors.
The Board will have responsibility for the day to day operation of the Club and will be assisted by sub committees comprised of appointed officers.
All Club Members are encouraged to attend and become involved in your Club. Renewal of your Membership for 2009 will be required to be eligible to vote in the elections.
Full notice under the rules will be given of the Annual General Meeting and its venue.
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EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. OUR MOST VALUED SPONSORS
CRAIG ABERCROMBIE Director of Marketing and Sponsorship
Well what a year 2008 turned out to be. After being elected onto the Board in the role of Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, I felt a little bit like Ronald McDonald’s son…. very big shoes to fill. To take over from Steve Gawley after the years of work he has put into this Club was very daunting but once again, it was to the credit of our many sponsors that they stepped up to continue their support of the East Coast Eagles in 2008.
2008 was to be our groundbreaking year and it was a pleasure to be talking to our existing sponsorship base and introducing new partnerships with the exciting news of everything that was planned for the year surrounding our move back to the Hills. We finally had a home base that we could invite everyone to come and enjoy. However as we all know, the unseasonal weather took that away from us early in 2008 and we were again left without a place to call home.
However, it was the understanding and support of our sponsors that ensured that 2008 was not going to be just another year that the Eagles were “away from home”. In a message sent to all our sponsors by club captain Jon Vlatko in the week leading up to the historic Grand Final, “if not for the support of our sponsors, we would not be in the position we are having three teams in the 2008 Grand Final.”
In 2008 we enjoyed the continued support of PMA Solutions. Phil Okill and his fabulous band of workers have now supported the Eagles for four consecutive years and it’s hard to imagine an Eagles’ guernsey that doesn’t carry the PMA Solutions logo across the back. I would like to thank Phil, Aaron Spooner, Milly Coinakis, Sue O’Connor, Feda Faitrouni, Pauline Seymon and all the team at PMA for their many years of support and we look forward to inviting them down to our home ground in 2009.
2008 saw the introduction of a new Front Guernsey sponsor as we welcomed Base Course Management to the fold. BCM added the front of the Guernsey to their sponsorship this year in addition to the support for the official club polo, player sponsorship and the match day awards. There is no doubt that the support of Steve Gawley and his team at Base Course Management including Steve Berry and Paul Montgomery has ensured that this Club has risen to the successful heights it achieved in ’08. It is with great pride that the Eagles carry the Base Course Management logo on their chests and will continue to do so for some years to come.
Another of our long term sponsors is the team at Loscam. The Eagles give great thanks to Barry Wellard and his wonderful company for the fourth year in a row. This association has been one of our strongest and we once again look forward to inviting the team down to enjoy our return home in 2009. The support of Loscam, both financially and through the support of our club functions and club captain Jon Vlatko, is overwhelming and much appreciated. ______12 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. To Maree Gawley at Profiler Sales and Service, there is simply no better supporter of the Eagles. As a Polo shirt sleeve sponsor and a Match day supporter we are blessed with the support of Maree and her Company. But the best part about our association is just having Maree on our side of the fence. While we may be losing “One-More-Rosscoe” shortly, the players can rest assured that when things may be going tough, Maree will be the voice they hear to get them up and going again. Thanks again for your amazing support Maree.
The Ettamogah Hotel came on board for the first time in 2008 and quickly became our spiritual home for the season. The support of the Ettamogah was never ending. From their shirt sleeve sponsorship to the weekly Meat Raffle (which raised nearly $6,500 over the season) to welcoming the team each and every week for selection as well as hosting our Jumper Presentation night and the wonderfully enjoyable Casino night, we could not have asked for more support. The Ettamogah are wonderful supporters of sport in the Rouse Hill / Kellyville area and we are privileged to be part of their stable.
To our wonderful list of Match Day Sponsors I say a huge thanks in 2008. For years now our match day sponsors have been following us around Sydney for our “home” games so it was wonderful to outline at the start of 2008 how great it was going to be to join us at Bruce Purser Reserve. Of Course this was not to happen, but still our Match Day Sponsors turned up, cheered on the boys and enjoyed a wonderful day at the footy.
To Jan and Peter Barber from Coulton Isaac Barber Chartered Accountants we say thank you again for your support in 2008.
A big thanks to Deb and Kevin Whiley from The Beauty Shack not only for your match day support but also for your wonderful gift baskets.
To Gary George and the crew from Gary George and Co. Lawyers at Railway Parade in Granville, a big thanks for your support and your professional assistance.
And to John Geary and his team from Wirtgen Australia in conjunction with Maree Gawley and her Profiler Sales and Service crew, thanks for taking the opposition players minds off the game and onto the massive profiler machine parked on the side of the ground. A sight never before seen at a Sydney AFL game and one that helped to get us over the line. We have already marked out your spot at Bruce Purser Reserve.
The beauty of being involved with the sponsors at the East Coast Eagles is that you get to meet some wonderful people and we certainly found them in Tony and Gayle Moran from Wizard Home Loans in Rouse Hill. Wizard brought us our Match Balls in 2008 as well as a number of essential items such as water bottles and carriers, bottles of wine for raffles and tents for our match day sponsors. They even brought us Drew Banfield from Perth for our Business luncheon, but what they also brought was great support for our Club. We look forward to 2009 and a continued relationship with Wizard Home Loans in Rouse Hill. ______13 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc.
To the Castle Hill RSL Club and in particular to Sonya Stokes and the Board of Directors who have hosted us on many occasions in 2008 for our ever popular Black tie Ball, our Business Luncheon and of course our Club Champion Night, we extend a wonderful thanks. The Castle Hill RSL Club name also dons our goal post pads which will find a new home in ’09.
In 2008 we also offered permanent signage to our supporters and many were excited at becoming part of the scenery of our new ground. In the interim, we offered our sponsors signage at Charles McLaughlin and to drive over the hill to see a literal wall of support at every home game was a wonderful sight.
Firstly to Ian and Joan Francis of Signwave Seven Hills, thank you for coming to the rescue and supplying our wonderful signage which has been well travelled and stood up to the rigors of the “Charlie Mac Doctor” which came in on a few occasions in ’08. We look forward to handing you the blank canvass in ’09.
To all our signage sponsors, thank you for your support as well as your flexibility in 2008.
To Nathan Halliday and Sarah Bailey at Sports Physio Norwest, Peter and Laima Physick at Speakers Australia, Gus Seebeck at Network Ten, Arthur, Jan, Matt and Rodney Frost at the Lamson Paragon Group and Cheque Mates, as well as Andrew Searle at NAB, Lawrence Furlan at Drummond Golf in Camperdown and Tracey Whittaker at The Rouse Hill Town Centre, the Eagles thank you for your generosity in 2009.
Steve Yerbury and his team at True Blue Collectibles have also been valuable supporters in 2008 and we thank them for their support of our many events as well as supplying all of our framing for our match day sponsors and much more.
______14 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. To our wonderful list of player sponsors in 2008 we also thank you. It is the support of these partners which ensured that their chosen player could play at their best in 2008.
Cheque Mates Rodney Frost ICAP Daniel “Boony” Spiteri ALD Communication Mark Maher Forkpac Distributors Damien Bowles BAS Rail and Electrical Matthew Arbon Harbour Tower, Twin Towns James Mann Profiler Sales and Service Jason Duss Base Course Management Jon Vlatko Base Course Management Jason Coulloupas Digital Sports Rowan Bilkey Network Ten Gus Seebeck
It becomes quite obvious when compiling a list of thanks like this that we are simply blessed by the support shown by our sponsors. It also becomes apparent that due to such a wide ranging level of support it is possible to overlook the contribution of so many. It is the people like Ron Heathcote on the Barbecue (The best in the league by miles), Julie Whale, Alan O’Connor, Tammy Moeller and all those who helped out in the canteen. To Scott Gatte and all of the U/18 players and parents who made sure that every sign was out at the start of many cold mornings. To the many who trekked to all points of the compass in the sun, the wind and the Wollongong rain just to give us a “Go Eagles”…
Thank You!
It is simply overwhelming what goes into a successful footy club like ours.
I would also like to express my thanks to Gus and the other members of the Board who have helped me transform from shouting supporter to Board member. To Anthony Dignan, thank you for your attention to detail and constant assistance throughout the year. The theme from F Troupe is on high rotation at the office.
Finally, to my family who have either set up home in Port Macquarie, or who are halfway there, thank for your support and words of advice throughout what at times has been a tough year. And to Rowan Bilkey who has been my sounding board, my shouting post, my confidante and my willing worker, thank you.
To the East Coast Eagles players themselves, well done on your achievements in 2008. Each and every one of you should be proud to pull on the Eagles guernsey knowing that there is a team like this who are standing behind you supporting you in every kick, tackle, handball and goal.
Good things come to those who work hard.
I look forward to seeing you all again in 2009.
______15 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
MARK PINCHEN Director of Planning and Development
New constitution, new Board, new ground… “Well, two out of three ain’t bad”.
Not moving to Bruce Purser Reserve (BPR) as expected showed the truth in the adage, ‘you don’t plan not to change; you plan so you can change’. There certainly were significant changes to how we intended to operate and in our intentions to develop the club in 2008. However, we are now on the verge of realising that long held dream – a dream that represents even more significant change in the way we operate. As of next year East Coast Eagles will have a home ground; a ground and facility that will be second to none in the heart of one of the fastest growing areas in Australia.
We have a reputation for being well run and possessing an active supporter base. The arrival at a new home poses a complete new set of challenges that will put that reputation to the test. A clear plan of what we want to achieve and the will to pursue it are vital if we are to make the most of the opportunity ahead of us.
At the start of this year the ECE Board established a clear purpose for the club. It is:
To be the leading club in the Sydney AFL, delivering on-field success and providing a positive experience for all involved
The degree to which the Club’s purpose can be achieved and sustained relies on the club doing a lot of things right:
• Running the Club in the interests of the members and stakeholders. • Building the capability and infrastructure that will ensure it survives and thrives well into the future.
In support of this, our plan recognises five key areas of action where we need to deliver sustained success:
• On-Field Success – Development, growth & performance of the player base
A competitive Challenge Cup team, all three Premier Division teams making finals resulting in three grand final appearances and a Reserve Grade premiership; 2008 has already seen a terrific achievement in On-Field Success. A great result, but we will continue to progress plans to develop our playing list and broaden the opportunity for young players in the North West to play with East Coast – the East Coast Eagles Academy and expansion to a 3rd senior team are prominent initiatives in this area.
• Administration – The governance of the club, including its board, rules, policy & procedures
At the heart of every successful footy team is a good administration – the long term success of West Coast and the resurgent Hawthorn are testament to this. In this respect we have a lot to thank for the people who have been our committee and volunteers in the past, as well as those who continue to support us. We are well run, but we can be better. To this end we have sought to put in place an improved set of policies and procedures, in particular around the match day and operations. Improvement will continue in 2009 with the expansion of our administration to incorporate committees and engage more talent in the administration of the club.
______16 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. • Resources – Personnel, coaches, grounds & infrastructure needed to field teams
A significant achievement here is the depth and breadth of our volunteer base. It is, I believe, the best in the Sydney AFL. In addition to the people who contributed their time and effort, a big thanks must go to Scott Gatte, Anthony Dignan and Chris Ford for the way they have managed this very crucial aspect of our operations. Next year the challenge grows. We will have Bruce Purser Reserve to manage as well.
• Community – Access & influence we have in our community to promote and support for our club and code
Next to funding, this is the area that was most impacted by the deferral of the BPR launch. Without a home ground we were obviously not able to advertise or capitalise on our presence in the North West. Nevertheless, making Charles McLaughlin our de facto home ground provided an opportunity to re- establish links with the Baulkham Hills JAFC. Also, with U/18 players returning to their ‘origin clubs’ for occasional training sessions with juniors, we are expanding and reinforcing our relationships with Junior AFL in the North West. Other important relationships such as those with West Coast and the Baulkham Hills Council continue on a good footing and will grow with time.
• Operating Imperatives – Those fiscal imperatives needed to sustain operations now and in the future
We might feel that we have a great football club, but if we can’t provide it with a secure financial basis on which to operate we won’t last. The financial position of the Club in 2008 is addressed elsewhere, but one thing is clear – Season 2009 and the arrival at BPR will require us to give added emphasis to broadening and strengthening our funding support.
East Coast has made significant progress this year, but the challenges remain and develop. We recognise that although we are a community-based football club in Sydney’s Hills District, we need to continue to set ourselves standards of excellence that rival, if not exceed those normally expected in more noted operations. This realisation underpins our strategic plan now and for the future so, as our creed suggests we will continue to, “…know no boundaries”.
Ben Physick knows no boundaries ______17 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. FINANCIAL REPORT
PHIL BESTER Director of Finance and Administration
Firstly I would like to take a minute to explain a huge misnomer about the East Coast Eagles Football Club.
We are not a club that is wealthy with an endless supply of money. I think many people both within and external to the club think this is the case. This year has been a struggle to cover expenses for a number of reasons, but to the credit of a number of people we have managed to clear all previously held debts and keep our heads in front.
A number of debts were incurred that were not budgeted for due to previous donations being withdrawn. Special thanks to Peter Physick for helping to cover a major part of this expense.
2008 has been a year of many challenges and for me understanding how everything works has been a big learning curve. The year started with the challenge of finding extra funds required for the extra expenses associated with Bruce Purser Reserve, but unfortunately this did not eventuate. In many ways this may have been a blessing in disguise as it gave us a chance to consolidate as a club and fully comprehend and appreciate what will be involved.
For the club to fully achieve its goals, we as one group will need to look at ways we can attract funds to the club without continually asking the same people to reach into their pockets. We will also need to look how we can do things a lot smarter. One area where we can make a huge improvement is membership - it would be great to see all of the Eagles faithful join up as member in 2009, because believe me it is much needed.
Our new ground has not come to us free of charge and we have a loan repayment that is required for the next five years, so if you have any thoughts on how we can raise funds or know of any sponsors we can approach, please let us know.
My congratulations go to all the players and coaches on their efforts this year and special thanks go to all the people who put up their hands to help out this year.
• Julie Whale and all who helped in the canteen, especially the under 18’s and anyone who helped move stock from one fridge to another at the end of a long day, • All who ran the Saturday night Raffle at the Ettamogah, • Anyone who donated any item to the club, • All who contributed to the Eagles(Sankey & Bilkey) lotto, • Kristian Pearson for his efforts on the final raffle for the year.
A huge thank you as well to our sponsors, who Craig Abercrombie has thanked in his report. Whilst on the subject of Digital Sports, a massive thanks go to Craig Abercrombie and Rowan Bilkey for the “best in the league productions” they continually provide to us at no cost to the club.
Finally, thanks to Anthony Dignan for all his hard work this year and putting up with all my questions.
Full financial reports will be made available at the Annual General Meeting.
Next year we look forward to a new beginning and anyone interested in being involved in fund raising committees please contact me, as the more that help, the less work there is for each individual.
______18 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. CANTEEN REPORT
ANTHONY DIGNAN
In season 2008 it was decided to take on the canteen duties back within the Club. This was due to the fact that we would have a brand new facility and thought that it was time for us to take advantage of the money making ability that a canteen offers.
We sincerely thank Richard Lee and the Kellyville Lions Club for undertaking this role while the Club was not in a position to do so.
Even though the new facility did not eventuate, we still pressed on with taking on the canteen at Charles McLaughlin and we thank the Falcons for allowing us to freely use the facilities available. By doing so, it meant the players had to contribute a couple of times a year each and this was from U/18’s through to the seniors. Without their help, the canteen would not have been able to achieve its maximum output.
Not only would it require the players but also a few helpers along the way. Julie Whale stepped in to take on the role of canteen coordinator and was a great help in getting things organised and running smoothly. Julie’s cakes and salad for the food were an added bonus.
Julie was never short of people to step in and help and to all who assisted it is very much appreciated. Special thanks to Tammy Moeller, Phil Bester, Robyn Ford and Liz Duss who put in extra efforts.
Our second biggest asset was the BBQ man. Ron Heathcote and his able sidekick Jon Gawley’s efforts were sensational. Not only is Ron a great cook, he brought with him the world’s best home made, “trailerised” BBQ. Nothing but praise was heard for what came from the hot plate. I am sure sales increased because of his efforts. Certainly those players rostered on with him have gained enormous knowledge on how to cook the perfect steak.
We also thank Peter Physick for his efforts in ensuring we had enough bread and milk each week. Peter would pick them up early each game day and have then delivered in style in his Lexus. He was always on time to ensure even the earliest customer would be served without waiting.
In the end the canteen became the third biggest sponsor of the Club and I am sure we can improve on what was achieved this year.
From a little bit of effort by all, comes a huge result for the footy club.
______19 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. BRUCE PURSER RESERVE
PETER PHYSICK Director of Facility Management
Although discussions on a new ground for the Club had occurred prior to 1996, it was in the Year Book of ‘97 that the first documented report appeared.
Amongst other things, it said …
“The 1997 Committee came to the conclusion that to achieve the Club’s long term aims and to remain viable in the SFL, a concerted effort had to be made to substantially lift the standard of our facilities in both the short and long term. On the 14th February a meeting was held with Officers of the Council to look at all options open to the Club. A number were identified which were placed before a full BHAFC committee meeting on the 18th February 1997.
“On that night, they were considered and a momentous decision was made. The motion was passed to put a proposal to Council to develop a major Australian Rules facility on Council owned land at Commercial Road in Kellyville. This decision will undoubtedly have a pivotal influence, not only on the Club’s future, but that of AFL in the West and North West areas of Sydney. On the 7th March, a letter of intent to pursue our plans was sent to Council.”
And in November 2008, the Club will finally take possession of the Bruce Purser Reserve on the corner of Commercial Road and Withers Road in Rouse Hill.
Clearly an enormous amount of effort has been expended over those 12 years to obtain the first class facility that we now have. All in Sydney football should be indebted to folk like Graeme Merkel, John Evernden, Chris Bilkey and Peter Physick who have at various times toiled endlessly to achieve the ultimate aim. These people headed up numerous task forces over the years and latterly, in conjunction with Allan McKinnon and Clare Toia-Bailey from the AFL (NSW/ACT) Commission, the prized patch of dirt was eventually secured. The group then designed (within the parameters provided by Council) what they felt was needed in the construction of what was to be only the second ever purpose built AFL ground in Sydney.
The Baulkham Hills Council are to be congratulated on their foresight in acknowledging the growth of the code in the Hills area and their decision to fund and build the $7 million complex demonstrates considerable faith in AFL football and the East Coast Eagles Football Club. The complex is built to a standard that is required for senior State League football and the additional funding that was needed to bring this about was injected by the AFL and your Club. The Eagles have entered into a $130,000 repayment program over the next five years, which is on top of all the other operational expenses the Club now has. The assistance of all associated with East Coast is now vital to make sure that we can stay on top of this additional financial commitment, as well as continuing to place a competitive side on the field.
We share the ground (on a seasonal basis) with the NorWest Cricket Club which has funded turf wicket areas both on and off the ground. Excellent relationships exist with cricket and we expect these to continue as the Eagles use BPR for the first ever pre season program in its history. The Kellyville Magpies junior football club are also co-tenants during the winter season.
The complex has been built to a standard exceeding most others. There are 500 lux lights to the ground allowing night football. The evening glow from these lights is visible from miles around. There is an extraordinary drainage program that recycles all rainwater from anywhere on the Reserve to a three million litre retention basin at the bottom of the property. This stored water is then used to irrigate the ______20 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. lush couch grass on the oval via 36 automated sprinklers. 65% of this water is then returned to the basin via 15 kilometres of sub soil drainage pipes beneath the oval. The change rooms are vast for the home and visiting teams and the umpires will certainly appreciate the extra space in their rooms.
Having now obtained the ground, there are still some challenges left for the Club.
• Corporate naming rights are available for the oval itself. The licence with Council permits us to obtain a naming rights partner. Whilst this will be a large ticket item, we are confident that in the fullness of time, an appropriate partner will be secured.
• Fence signage is available for local business houses and we anticipate a good take up to this offer.
• A large area of space to the northern end of the Facilities block has been deliberately left free of any construction. It is currently paved to allow spectator access, but it does clearly identify where the future East Coast Eagles Social Club will be built when funds permit. If we remain as committed to the construction of this Social Club as we were to getting the ground itself, then I’m sure the proposal will see the first brick in place before not too long. Look out for ways in which you can help.
And so the Football Club, who have been nomads for the last nine years since leaving Charles McLaughlin Reserve, finally have somewhere to call home. Although a senior Premiership has not been achieved in that time, the success of the Club is testimony to the considerable dedication of players and supporters who have travelled far and wide to play, train and watch at various “home grounds” across Sydney in that time.
Bruce Purser Reserve – October 2008
______21 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. WEST COAST EAGLES
DAVID ELLIOTT
It was only this time last year that East Coast were dealing with some major positional changes within the club both on and off the field. During these times, tough decisions had to be made with the priority being the football club. The results from this period last year were on display on Saturday, September 20 when all three grades played in their respective grand finals.
We at West Coast have recently been going through that similar period when tough decisions have had to be made. The new football department structure is nearly complete with the appointments of Neale Daniher, Phillip Walsh, Warren Kofoed and Scott Burns. We are now confident we can build on the many positives to come out of a poor 2008 and make significant on-field improvements in 2009.
On another similar note, after eight years we can all look forward to starting the 2009 season with East Coast establishing a brand new home ground facility. After a long haul, I am certain everyone believes the wait will be well worth it and we are very excited about the flow-on benefits this will bring to your football club.
Over on the west coast, we are in a similar predicament with government unable to provide any sort of direction in relation to a future stadium redevelopment or rebuild. In the meantime thousands of our loyal supporters sit on a wait list unable to attend our games. This situation sits very uncomfortably with us, but like you we will continue to battle with the parties involved to seek the best long-term result for our football club.
Congratulations must go to all players and coaches for making the three grand finals across the under- 18s, reserve grade and senior grade. Well done to Glenn Garner after a slow start to gather the boys all the way to a grand final in the first season as playing coach. Another amazing moment for Jason Duss to achieve three premierships in a row and the future looks bright with the lifeblood of the football club, the under-18s fighting out the grand final, well done.
I have great pleasure in reporting that the relationship between our two clubs grows from strength to strength. I would like to thank Gus Seebeck, Anthony Dignan, Steve Gawley and Peter Physick for their continued professionalism in keeping our club informed regarding the strategic direction East Coast is heading. There is no question that East Coast is the most professionally operated club in the Sydney AFL that aligns parallel with our West Coast brand in the national AFL.
The on-field relationship will kick off again in January with Glenn Garner spending an intense week within the West Coast football department inner sanctum to bring back key learnings for the players and coaches. And Anthony Dignan and I will create further marketing opportunities to leverage our brand awareness and positioning.
So much of the hard work must now get done during the off-season; it is this crucial period when the fundamental foundations are set for next season. Both of our clubs are in great shape off the field and this will ensure not only strong performances in 2009 but build clubs that can continually face the challenges that our great game delivers across all levels of competition.
On behalf of the West Coast Eagles and Trevor Nisbett, I would like to thank you for your support of the West Coast Eagles. We are very proud of the relationship and the friendships we hold with the East Coast Eagles and we look forward to going to battle again in 2009 side by side.
______22 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. VALE DOUG SCHOLZ
It was with the deepest of sadness that the Sydney football community learned of the passing of one of its favourite sons Doug Scholz, when he died suddenly from a heart attack on Thursday evening, July 3rd 2008.
Doug was known to everybody in the football world and had literally done it all. Always very active on the football scene, he was a great player for both Pennant Hills and Baulkham Hills. He coached at junior and senior level taking the Falcons U/20 side to the Club’s first ever senior Premiership and in 1991 Doug gave the Club its inaugural First Grade Premiership in the SFL Division One competition in 1991. ‘Dinsdale’ was tireless in his endeavours to develop football talent in Sydney and his legacy will be seen for years to come.
He won the Snow medal in 1990 for the Baulkham Hills Falcons, two Sanders Medals for Pennant Hills in 1997 & 1998 and he was a player, a coach, an administrator, an umpire and also a commentator in the early days of the Sydney AFL television broadcasts.
Away from the footy scene, Doug was a very well respected educator through his work as the coordinator of PDHPE at St Josephs College.
The thoughts and wishes of all at East Coast go out to his wife Jenny and his two children Matt and Kate.
He will be sadly missed ….
______23 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. EAGLES’ EXTRAVAGANZA
The following table shows the Player Groupings, the highest bidder and the price paid. In the case of a syndicate, the bidding individual is named. (The rules and full details for Eagles Extravaganza can be found on the website.)
Minor % tage # PLAYER 1 PLAYER 2 PLAYER 3 BID OWNER Round Return Return Matthew Arbon 1 Peter Bleus Damian Gatte $1,100 Roy Arbon $602.50 54.8% Adam Power 2 Damian Newson Ryan Smyth Brad Whale $600 Maree Gawley $362.50 60.4% 3 Rowan Bilkey Jason Duss Ben Hynes $1,800 Maree Gawley $890 49.4% 4 Chris Wynne Damien Bowles Nathan Laing $2,000 Mick Bowles $525 26.3% 5 Darren Chapman Rod Frost James Ford $1,100 The Oldies $160 14.5% 6 Richard Gioutsos Jason Coulloupas Michael Johnston $2,100 Steve Gawley $870 41.4% 7 Cory Durie Julian Kasby Scott Lear $1,100 Black & Blue $440 44.0% 8 Josh Leys Ryan Fitton Mark Maher $700 Jon Gawley $160 22.9% 9 Lawrence Furlan Ben Physick James Mann $1,700 Peter Mann $160 9.4% 10 Ash Loxton Glenn Garner Carl Doering $1,100 Mannix Klinge $0 0.0% Andrew 11 Shane Ryan Liam Madden $1,800 Trevor Hangan $1,860 103.3% Polkinghorne 12 Chris Moore Michael Sankey Daniel Spiteri $1,000 Rodney Frost $0 0.0% Tim Physick Trent Baker 13 Nathan Gordon $2,000 Chris Bilkey $160 8.0% Tim Kear Dean Eggleton 14 Gus Seebeck Michael Murrell Anthony Stubbs $1,900 Trevor Hangan $280 14.7% Luke Stanford 15 Adam Tovell Steve O’Connor $1,500 Sue O’Connor $1,212.50 80.8% Peter Vlatko 16 Jared Patira Brad Ure Aian McLennan $1,600 Frank Ure $160 10.0% Ben Rogers 17 Scott Logan Alex Wynne $900 The Oldies $507.50 56.4% Jared Madden 18 Jon Vlatko Liam Patira Matt Scholz $2,100 Chris Bilkey $160 7.6% Adam Floyd Any other eligible 19 Mark Peterson $1,600 Steve Gawley $80 5.0% David Griffith U/18
Phill Entwisle Ash Moeller Blake Ure $1,300 20 Adam Byerlee Jarrod Braybon Laima Physick $1,800 138.5% Brendan Foynes Ed Wilson Kristian Pearson
Total $28,900 $10,390
YEAR END RESULTS (not included within above totals) First Grade Best & Fairest Shane Ryan owned by the Trevor Hangan syndicate $2,597.50 Luke Stanford owned by Sue O’Connor $2,597.50 Third Jon Vlatko owned by Chris Bilkey $ 575.00 Best U/21 Damien Bowles owned by Mick Bowles $2,310.00
Reserve Grade Best & Fairest Andrew Polkinghorne owned by the Trevor Hangan syndicate $2,020.00 Runner Up Michael Murrell owned by the Trevor Hangan syndicate $ 575.00 Third James Mann owned by Peter Mann $ 285.00 ______24 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc.
PLAYER LIFE MEMBERS - 2008
Player members of the East Coast Eagles AFL Football Club Inc shall be entitled to Player Life Membership after playing one hundred and fifty (150) First Grade games for East Coast Eagles only, or two hundred (200) games in any of East Coast Eagles First, Reserve or U18 grades only.
There are no qualifying members in the year of 2008.
LIFE MEMBER - 2008
The Board of Directors may elect as a Life Member any Member who has rendered outstanding service, or has displayed exceptional, unusual, or distinguished merit to the Club.
This shall include a person who:
(a) Until and including the year 2010, had past service with the Baulkham Hills AFC, (up to and including the year 2000). This service may be deemed as active service to the Club for the purposes of East Coast Eagles Life Membership eligibility.
(b) From 2011 onwards, Life Membership will only be conferred upon any member who has 10 years active involvement with the East Coast Eagles AFL Football Club Inc.
TREVOR HANGAN
After a long and distinguished senior playing career in Sydney, Trev wandered into Charles McLaughlin Reserve one day in 1991 seeking a role with the Falcons. He hadn’t played senior football with Baulkham Hills before, as the Club in those days were playing in Division 1 of the Sydney AFL.
Almost at the twilight of his career, Trevor was appointed as the joint playing coach of the Reserve Grade side finishing the year with 15 games and 19 goals. Unfortunately they were losing Grand Finalists. In ’92 he was “just a player” and laced on the boots for 13 more games, and a Premiership. In 1993 he was given his own side and became the coach of the U/19’s, with Ross Abercrombie at his side as Team Manager.
Between 1994 and 1999 Trev coached at other Clubs in Sydney, notably Balmain and Southwest Sydney, before returning to the Hills in 2000 and joining East Coast in their first year of operation. He was immediately given the assistant coach’s role with the 18’s and instantly participated in the Eagles’ first Premiership. He had the same position in 2001 before being appointed as the U/18’s coach for the next three years.
In 2005 & 2006 he was appointed to the First Grade coaching staff before, in 2007, assisting Jason Duss in the Ressies to yet another Premiership. In 2008 he was the First Grade Match Day coaching assistant to Glenn Garner and was again of great assistance to Dussy and the Two’s.
Trevor is an extraordinarily popular member of the coaching staff at East Coast where his vast knowledge of football and his genuine interest in the welfare of each and every player is so patently obvious in everything he does. Nothing is too hard, or too difficult. Trev just gets the job done as he simply loves being part of the Club and all it stands for.
Congratulations go to Trevor Hangan for being acknowledged as the (combined) Club’s 33rd Life Member. ______25 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We acknowledge and thank the following persons and organisations for their support during 2008.
• CEO Trevor Nisbett and the Board of the West Coast Eagles. In particular David Elliott for all his guidance and support.
• All Baulkham Hills Councillors and staff. In particular the outgoing Mayor Sonya Phillips and Councillor Martin Tolar who have both provided wonderful support for the East Coast Eagles and their endeavours to obtain their prized and long awaited home ground at Withers Road in Rouse Hill. Special thanks to Council officers Matthew Allen and Natalie Cameron.
• Dale Holmes and the AFL NSW/ACT (Commission). In particular Bob Robinson, Garry Burkinshaw and Alana Shackleton for their Operational input.
• Allan McKinnon and Clare Toia-Bailey at the AFL NSW/ACT (Commission) for their excellent assistance and support to the Club in the task of securing and designing Bruce Purser Reserve.
• The Sydney AFL Umpires Association headed up by Graham Glassford who continues to provide significant input into the growth and development of our competition.
• Craig Abercrombie and Rowan Bilkey at Digital Sports Productions for the countless hours spent on the upkeep of the Eagles’ website and provision of video expertise to the coaching staff and for the production of Club Champion night.
• Peter Physick for his 12th successive compilation and production of this Year Book.
• Mark Spiteri and Michael Vettas Photography for the use of their excellent photos.
• The President Shane Jorgensen and committee at the Baulkham Hills Football Club for allowing us the use of Charles McLaughlin Reserve for home games when it became apparent that Bruce Purser Reserve would not be available for use in 2008.
• Steve Gawley at Base Course Management and Peter Physick at Speakers Australia for their generous sponsorship of the weekly best player awards in First and Reserve Grades.
Ed Wilson at a centre bounce ______26 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS
The Club extends congratulations to the following members, players and teams on their special achievements in 2008.
• Ben Rogers, Jon Vlatko, Shane Ryan, Phill Entwisle and Jason Coulloupas (pictured right) for their selection in the Sydney AFL Representative team, which played the Victorian Amateurs.
• Ben Rogers, Phill Entwisle and Luke Stanford for being selected in the Sydney AFL Development Representative team, which played the Black Diamond.
Phill Entwisle for winning the Sydney AFL Representative player of the year.
Damien Bowles (pictured left) for his selection in the Sydney AFL Team of the Year.
Andrew Polkinghorne and Daniel Spiteri for their NAB Sydney AFL Rising Star Nominations.
Michael Johnston for being selected in the NSW/ACT RAMS squad.
Nathan Gordon on being selected for an AFL Scholarship with the Sydney Swans and Jack Dimery on being selected for an AFL Scholarship with the Geelong Cats. They now join Anthony Stubbs at West Coast and Trent Stubbs and Michael Johnston at Hawthorn.
Anthony Stubbs, Nathan Gordon and Daniel Spiteri for being selected in the NSW/ACT RAMS team.
• Trent Stubbs for being selected in the NSW/ACT U/16 team that competed at the AFL National U/16 Championships in Brisbane.
• Trent Stubbs for being selected into the 2008 AIS Academy.
• Josh Patira for being selected in the NSW/ACT U/16 squad.
• James Randall for being selected in the U/16 Pigeons Representative program.
• Trent Stubbs, Jack Dimery, Joshua Patira, and Nathan Campbell for being selected in the Under 16 Representative Starz program.
• Alex Foxall and Damon Steer for being selected in the U/16 Nor- West Representative Team.
• Damon Steer being selected in the U/15 Starz Representative program. Anthony Stubbs
• East Coast Eagles Reserve Grade Team on winning the 2008 Sydney AFL Reserve Grade competition for the third year in a row.
• East Coast Eagles for having the Seniors, Reserves and Premier Cup U/18 teams all play in the finals for the first time.
______27 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. FAREWELL ROSS & LAUREL ABERCROMBIE
Back in 1986 a family arrived at Charles McLaughlin Reserve after deciding that Australian Rules footy presented a better alternative to soccer. Mum & Dad introduced their two sons to the Falcons and thus began a family dynasty at the footy club.
Now some 23 years later, Ross and Laurel have decided retirement is beckoning and that Port Macquarie presents an idyllic place to hang the boots up. Oldest son Scott now lives there with his wife Nicole and son Jack, so the immediate family will provide plenty of activity for Nana and Pop. Meanwhile the youngest progeny Craig remains to carry on the Abercrombie tradition of offering themselves for any job that needs to be done at the Club.
But will Craig be able to replicate the cry of “One more Eagles” which has resounded around the grounds of every club in Sydney? We doubt it because that belongs to Rosscoe and presumably it will now become “One more Port, one more”.
Ross and Laurel have been significant contributors to the Club over the years with Laurel being President of the Falcons’ Ladies Auxiliary for three years and Ross being involved in some way for every year of his association. He is an expert goal umpire, (best in the business he says), Team Manager (11 times), sat on the General Committee virtually every year and was awarded Life Membership in 1999.
May your life be rewarding for you both in Port, but don’t forget us down here guys …..
A post match scene that Ross Abercrombie was part of for many years.
______28 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. CHAIRMAN’S AWARD
PREVIOUS WINNERS (Including BHAFC recipients)
1984 Anne & Bill McLeod 1997 Laima Physick & Samantha Edmunds 1985 Pam & Bruce Johnson 1998 John Evernden 1986 Andy McPhee 1999 Craig Abercrombie 1987 Terry Stephenson 2000 Graeme Merkel 1988 Rob Stone 2001 Geoff Cottee 1989 David Grace 2002 Stephen Nash 1991 Doug Scholz 2003 Graeme Merkel 1992 Robyn Maughan 2004 Steve Gawley 1993 Henry Yeates 2005 Steve Gawley 1994 Jake Armstrong 2006 Trevor Hangan 1995 Paul Madden 2007 Peter Mann 1996 Greg Fisher
The Chairman’s Award was created to recognise the significant contribution to the Club’s wellbeing, by any individual who gives more than could ever be asked for. In a Club the size of East Coast, there are any number of candidates who would be worthy winners.
But each year someone always stands out …
And in 2008, that person is Scott Gatte.
Scott is the epitome of the type of person who makes community football clubs great. First and foremost he is a devoted father, who loves nothing more that watching his son run around the paddock each weekend chasing a kick.
But beyond that he has devoted his time and energy to ensuring that on each and every home game our Club has the army of volunteers to complete the various tasks necessary for a successful match day. He is the first to arrive and the last to leave. And he never asks for anything in return – other than a win!
Scott’s attention to detail in his planning was evident throughout the week in the lead up to the weekend and on match day the execution resulted in a faultless day at the footy for the Eagles supporters and those of the visiting team.
Scott also happily volunteered to assist with the time consuming task of compiling statistics for the 2008 Year Book and is always looking at new ways in which he can help the footy club grow and prosper.
Congratulations to Scott Gatte – the 24th recipient of the East Coast Eagles Chairman's Award.
______29 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. CLUB PERSON OF THE YEAR
PREVIOUS WINNERS (Including BHAFC recipients)
1989 John Mitchell 1999 Peter Physick 1990 Warren Quintrell 2000 Craig Abercrombie 1991 Lindsay Mayo 2001 Ryan Madden 1992 Trevor Hangan 2002 Jan Frost & Scott Abercrombie 1993 Greg Crosby 2003 Phil Bester 1994 Mick Brazel 2004 Alan Brotherston 1995 Garry Hutchinson 2005 Matt Stewart 1996 John Meldrum 2006 Peter Mann 1997 Matthew Frost 2007 Alan Moeller 1998 Richard Lee
A club is only as good as its people. Be they players, coaches, administrators, managers or supporters. We have many such people at East Coast who happily provide their assistance in a variety of ways. Some do it financially, others do it with time. Some do it with both.
The continual evolution of elite players progressing through from the junior ranks is the lifeblood of all football clubs. To have quality people in those positions, who can not only recognise such talent but also have the ability to nurture and grow it, is critical to any club’s success.
We are delighted to announce that one such man is the 2008 East Coast Eagles Club Person of the Year.
Peter Steer, in his first full season as the Premier Cup U/18 Coach has put in a phenomenal amount of time and effort into both 18’s sides. There is no doubt that without his efforts, his team would not have achieved anywhere near the success that they did.
Peter spent countless hours on the phone trying to get the players to training when it looked as though their efforts on the paddock were waning. He could see the potential in the team, but he knew without that extra effort, they would not achieve as much as they could.
Peter put time into researching opposition players which not many U/18 coaches would do, leaving no stone unturned in trying to help the team improve.
After putting his efforts into coaching the 18’s, Peter would then back up and help with team statistics for the seniors. He and his son Damon could be seen most weeks working together in doing a task which not many people like to take on.
Peter also helped with the Baulkham Hills Falcons junior club on the odd occasion with training and taking some East Coast U/18 players along to help as well.
His commitment to our Club can never be questioned and he does it with the thought of trying to get the best out of the players under his tutelage.
Well done Peter.
______30 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. GOALKICKING
East Coast Eagles
PREVIOUS WINNERS (Including BHAFC recipients) (Goals kicked in brackets)
1990 Steven Brown (59) 1999 Michael Scicchitano (33) 1991 Peter Sheehan (91) 2000 Jason Crawford (25) 1992 Glen Johnston (117) 2001 Gus Seebeck (47) 1993 Jason Crawford (45) 2002 Travis Hall (32) 1994 Greg Lake (41) 2003 Luke Stanford (30) 1995 Jason Westerbrink (63) 2004 Nick Trask (47) 1996 Ben Physick & Daniel Graham (45) 2005 Mark Peterson & Nick Trask (33) 1997 Ryan Madden (105) 2006 Gus Seebeck (61) 1998 Ryan Madden (27) 2007 Ben Rogers (45)
The leading Goal kicker in the Club was for many years awarded to the player who kicked the most across all our grades of footy, no matter where they played, or how often. In 2001 it was changed to recognise First Grade senior goals only.
In 2008 the Leading Goalkicker is Gus Seebeck with 73 goals for the season.
Reserve Grade Rodney Frost (29) Under 18’s Premier Cup Justin Steer (39) Challenge Cup Alex Foxall (18)
The welcome addition of Ed Wilson to the Club, and particularly into the ruck, enabled the coaching staff to have the luxury of leaving Gus Seebeck at full forward for longer stints than had been the case in previous years. Gus responded well and provided a much needed focal point at the pointy end where his enormous strength in the aerial duels was a feature of most clashes in front of goal.
Opposition clubs decided that the only way to reduce the potency of Seebeck’s impact up forward was to continually drop resting ruckmen and other talls back onto him. At times it was almost farcical to see Gus wrestling with three opposition players as the footy left an Eagle boot headed straight for him.
It was in the finals where Gus simply decided that every incoming ball was to be his and his bag of 17 goals across the semi-finals was a major contributing reason for East Coast’s appearance in the 2008 Grand Final.
A very strong season from the “playing Chairman” …..
______31 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR
This award had always automatically gone to the winner of the Best & Fairest trophy in First Grade. The Club Executive chose to introduce revised assessment criteria from 1999 onwards, thus allowing any East Coast player to win. This trophy will now be awarded to that player who displays exemplary form both on and off the field in relation to overall Club contribution. Up until and including 2006, this award was titled Footballer of the Year.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
1990 Mick Toy 1999 Jarrod Crosby 1991 David Reed 2000 Jarrod Crosby 1992 Doug Scholz 2001 Gus Seebeck 1993 Greg Lake 2002 Daniel Bylsma 1994 Graham Jones 2003 Dan Gaunt 1995 Graham Jones 2004 Ben Macnamara 1996 Shaun Edmunds 2005 Jon Vlatko 1997 Rodney Frost 2006 Kristian Pearson 1998 Jarrod Crosby 2007 Michael Sankey
All footy clubs across Australia have fine people. People who make it their mission in life to ensure that “their club” is the best. East Coast is no different to any other.
Many footy clubs across Australia also have more players than can be fitted into their team(s) on match day. East Coast is no different there either.
It is the response and attitude of those who do miss out on selection which counts deeply. How do they react? Will they be back next week for training in an attempt to regain their possie? Will they turn up on match day and watch, let alone help out?
It is these individual qualities within players that are essential for a Club to flourish. East Coast’s Reserve Grade now has a track record of success to be envied and there are so many players who could have been part of those on field triumphs, but weren’t.
Chris Moore is one of those players. “Cmoore’s” #43 jumper was hanging high on the wall of the Grand Final dressing rooms, along with 15 others when his beloved Ressies won their third flag. And where was Chris? He was the Team Manager for the day. As usual he put the Club first, above his own disappointments.
A very popular guy amongst his peers, Chris willingly played at the Nor-West Jets when asked, but always maintained his enthusiasm for ultimate victory at the Eagles.
Chris Moore is very much the ultimate example of why footy clubs invented the Best Club- man Award.
______32 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. BEST & FAIREST HISTORY
YEAR UNDER 18’s RESERVES FIRST GRADE (Billy McLeod Medal) (Club Champion) *1988 Matthew Frost N/A N/A *1989 Paul Eastman N/A Scott Jones *1990 Adam Stone Andrew Brice Michael Toy *1991 Gavin Twining Paul Eastman David Reed *1992 Bradley Hogan Darren Edmonds Doug Scholz *1993 Dion Myles Scott Fraser Greg Lake *1994 Wayne Pobje Bradley Hogan Graham Jones *1995 Matthew Spencer Scott Fraser Graham Jones *1996 Ryan Meldrum Mick Brazel Shaun Edmunds *1997 Nathan Hearnes Mick Brazel Rodney Frost *1998 Steve Jackson Todd Batson Jarrod Crosby *1999 Matthew Phillips Rodney Deaves Jarrod Crosby 2000 Ryan Fitton Jason Crawford Steve Cutler 2001 Mark Leahy Tim Physick Clint Austerberry 2002 Daniel Murrell Daniel Bylsma Clint Austerberry 2003 Stephen Davidson Andre Sliwka Clint Austerberry 2004 Brad Ure Liam Madden Ben Macnamara 2005 Brad Whale Luke McLeod Jon Vlatko Rodney Frost 2006 James Mann Irwin Burbage Trent Goodrem 2007 Premier Cup Challenge Cup Josh Ryan Tim Physick Gus Seebeck Shephard McLennan 2008 Premier Cup Challenge Cup Andrew Polkinghorne Shane Ryan Josh Murray Luke Stanford Shephard Bamforth
* refers to the Club playing as the Baulkham Hills Falcons In 1988, 89, 93, 94 & 1995 the competition was U/19’s In 1990, 91 & 1992 the competition was U/20’s 1993 was the first year the Falcons played in the Sydney AFL.
Shane Ryan Luke Stanford
______33 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. CLUB RECORDS
U/18’s Reserve U/18’s League Year First Grade Challenge Grade Premier Cup Medallists Cup *1993 8th 6th 5th ** *1994 9th 7th Runners Up ** Graham Jones *1995 3rd 8th 3rd ** Phelan Medal *1996 5th 7th Runners Up *1997 7th 7th Premiers Jarrod Crosby Phelan Medal *1998 7th 7th 8th Steve Jackson Kealey Medal *1999 6th 8th 7th 2000 7th 3rd Premiers 2001 7th 7th 3rd Daniel Bylsma 2002 9th Premiers 5th Sanders Medal 2003 6th 3rd 3rd 2004 5th 3rd 4th Luke McLeod 2005 5th Runners Up 8th Sanders Medal 2006 Runners Up Premiers 7th Tim Kear 2007 5th Premiers 5th 7th Tim Physick Sanders Medal 2008 Runners Up Premiers Runners Up 7th
* Played as the Baulkham Hills Falcons in the Sydney AFL Premier Division.
** Played as U/19’s in 1993, 1994, 1995.
______34 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. FOOTBALL OPERATIONS
CHRIS FORD Director of Football
The 2008 football season began with Glenn Garner accepting the role as senior coach after an extensive search for suitable applicants for the vacant position. This appointment and some very active recruitment predominantly led by our General Manager, Anthony Dignan and the outgoing Football Operations Manager, Graeme Merkel ensured that the club was in the best possible position for on field success as the East Coast Eagles rewrote their constitution and prepared to implement a new Board structure.
During this period we saw the further bedding down of a strong coaching panel throughout the playing structures with Jason Coulloupas and Michael Sankey accepting important roles to support Glenn as his senior assistants. Jason Duss was again reappointed as the Reserves coach supported by Ryan Madden. Peter Steer and Jon Lee accepted important roles in continuing to guide our U/18’s in the Premier and Challenge Cups.
It was this foresight, during a period of planned management change and disruption, which set the platform for the year that was to unfold and what a year it was.
2008 has been the most successful year on field in the Club’s history with First Grade, Reserves and the Premier Cup 18’s all playing off on Grand Final day for Premiership honours.
The First Grade side, after finishing fourth in the home and away season, comfortably worked their way through a sudden death finals series to fall short on Grand Final day, beaten by a much better side. Credit must be given to Glenn and his team in the manner they have worked during the year with constant improvement. This has often been undertaken in exceptionally difficult training environments which will be remedied next year with the possession of Bruce Purser Reserve. Through Glenn’s leadership and demonstrable coaching expertise, a solid platform for greater success with our First Grade has been built with a talented list through all levels.
Our “magnificent Twos” again won the Premiership for the third year running after finishing second which highlights the fortunate position we are in with the depth we have in the Club. As a group this team does not have the word “lose” in their vocabulary and were again outstanding on Grand Final day. We are looking forward to a number of these players working hard over pre-season and putting upward pressure for permanent senior positions in 2009 and beyond. Congratulations to Jason and his support team for another year of excellent management of player movement between sides and support of the senior side throughout the year.
The biggest improvers throughout the year were no doubt our U/18’s who started to put it all together at the business end of the season and were testament to the diligence and work Peter Steer and his posse of game day helpers put in week after week. Although falling short on Grand Final day to a very strong North Shore side, the U/18 team were very courageous in defeat. The Club is looking towards a number of these players now progressing through the ranks over the next few years which will underpin our success in years to come. One of the pleasing aspects of this year has been the progression of a number of the Challenge Cup players into the U/18 Premier Cup team and the overall improvement in the performance of Challenge Cup throughout 2008. This is a certainly a reflection on Jon and Tim Lee who have guided these young adults and imparted football knowledge which has proven to return results.
One of our goals this year was to have three sides represented in the finals in 2008, which was more than satisfied. Another of the goals was to broaden our volunteer base to spread the load that is required ______35 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. to present four teams on the field each week. This year more than eighty individuals volunteered to assist in duties over the course of the season which is a fantastic result. To all those members and supporters who assisted in umpiring, water running, time keeping, team managing and scoreboard duties, your efforts are very much appreciated and we would not have teams out on the field without your assistance.
Of particular note we should recognise both Scott Gatte and Alan Moeller who took on the roles of volunteer co-ordinator for the seniors and U/18’s respectively. Their efforts in building the rosters and managing this large group has been outstanding and enabled the coaches and managers to focus on the playing group with minimal distraction.
Team managers play a very important part of the action on game day and it is important to recognise the efforts of Jon Gawley as Senior Team Manager and Bryn Whales as U/18 Team Manager who every week completed their associated duties in the most professional manner.
We have been fortunate to have a medical team of calibre which is the envy of the competition. Led by Simon West we thank Sarah Bailey, Sam Ennis, Antonia Albanese, Warren Evans and Rudi Bylsma for their professionalism and their contribution to our club’s success.
In conclusion it would be remiss not to recognise the commitment and unseen work our General Manager Anthony Dignan undertakes for and on behalf of the East Coast Eagles. His efforts are most appreciated and valued by the club.
The 2009 year will bring to us a sense of optimism with the opportunity to build on what has been achieved in the past. We are moving into a new era with a home ground at Bruce Purser Reserve and no longer a nomadic existence. I am sure the players will not miss training with the circus, the lack of goal posts or no shelter on those wet cold nights.
Last year has been an important milestone as we have established ourselves firmly in the North West with solid on and off field success across all grades. We have the basis with our player list, coaching staff combined with our membership and community presence to be the force in the competition for many years to come.
First Grade prior to the 2008 Grand Final ______36 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. UNDER 18’s COORDINATOR
ALAN MOELLER
The 2008 season really saw our Under 18’s build on the base that we had established in 2007, where we fielded two 18’s sides for the first time. With a year’s experience under our belt, our still young squad saw the Premier Cup team make it to the Grand Final and our Challenge Cup team win more games and be in many more match winning positions throughout the season. Given the success we achieved in 2008, and the large proportion of 15, 16 and 17 year olds in the squad, the outlook for 2009 is very positive.
More than 60 players represented the Under 18’s in 2008, made up of ongoing players, a number of new players to the club, new players to AFL, players returning to AFL, as well as many ‘play up’ players from the Bombers, Hawkesbury and Baulkham Hills junior clubs. This mix provided us with the flexibility to fill our teams despite the variability of available players from week to week that is a feature of Under 18’s football.
In addition to these players we also forged a relationship with the Bathurst Football Club in the Central West League, where three players (Seb Matheson, Paul Long and Peter Grundy) played a number of games under permit to enable them to develop their talents in the tougher Sydney U18’s competition. This relationship saw us (along with the Bombers, Hawkesbury and Norwest clubs) participate in a Central West League v Norwest Alliance gala day in Bathurst with games in the U12’s, U14’s, U16’s, U18’s and Veterans categories.
The recruiting highlight was however Under 16 player, Martin Karafilis, whose family lives in Scone, yet made the 3-4 hour trip to Sydney twice a week to train and play. Martin’s commitment was an inspiration to us all and it ensured that he regularly featured in out Premier Cup team’s best players, including the Grand Final.
The outstanding improvement in both team’s performances can be largely attributed to the dedicated coaching efforts of Peter Steer, Jon Lee and Tim Lee. Between them they oversaw training and developed coaching plans for the team and for individuals. Congratulations to Peter Steer on guiding the Premier Cup team to the Grand Final and to Jon and Tim Lee for their development of the Challenge Cup team. The on-field success of the Challenge Cup team may not be immediately obvious, but the development of the boys through this team has been a significant driver of the success of the Premier Cup team over the past two seasons. Jon and Tim have decided to hang up their whiteboards and I would personally like to thank them for their wonderful coaching contribution over the past three years for Jon and two years for Tim and wish them many happy sleep-ins on cold Saturday and Sunday mornings in 2009.
Thanks too to the many parents and friends who generously gave of their time at training and on match days. In particular I would like to thank our match day managers Peter Mack and Bryn Whales, our runner/drinks (and everything else person) Lindsay Mayo, our club umpire Tim Jenson and Karen Clinch and Deidre Mack for their assistance with registrations.
I look forward to having the opportunity to help continue the development of the future of our club, our Under 18’s squad, in 2009.
______37 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. UNDER 18’s – PREMIER CUP
Coach – Peter Steer Captain – Jason Moeller Team Manager – Peter Mack
TROPHY WINNERS
Best and Fairest Josh Shephard Runner Up Matthew Power Coach’s Award Martin Karafilis Team Player Award James Collis
Played 20 Wins 13 Losses 7 Final position Runners Up
After the disappointment of missing the finals last year, the team had some real motivation coming into this season. We actively recruited through the new Norwest Football Alliance (Norwest Jets, Baulkham Hills Falcons, Hawkesbury Saints, Kellyville/Rouse Hill Magpies and the Quakers Hill Bombers) and picked up some real talent that not only enabled us to field the two teams again this year, but provided us with some class players. The fact that we played 45 players in the Premier Cup team this year demonstrated this depth and it puts the East Coast Eagles in a strong position for the future.
Last year was a development year and we successfully achieved our goals of establishing the Challenge Cup team and developing players to play senior football for East Coast. In season 2008, we had to take the next step and build on our good foundation and deliver on field results. The year started with a strong pre-season with the highlight being our first camp with the seniors. Several U/18’s attended and gained valuable experience and knowledge. We worked with the seniors to set team goals and develop our core values and these goals and values formed the basis for our game plans, training and behaviours all season. We aimed to win 12 of the 18 home and away games and play in the finals and we definitely achieved those key goals. (Only 16 games Josh Shephard were played due to the mid season withdrawal of Balmain).
We started the season with four wins from the first six games which put us on track to make the finals, but the most pleasing aspect of our start was the fact that we won several of these games by less than a goal. In the same situation last year, we would have probably been two wins from six games. To the credit of the players and their commitment, we had moulded a group of players from all over the north-west into a cohesive unit that shared the same goals and values and delivered for each other on the field.
The next six games saw us strengthen our position in the top 5 and we won four of these six, including a bye. Our team structures were coming together, our skill level had improved significantly and the team spirit was really starting to build. There was now a sense amongst the group that the goals we set some five months ago were achievable and a top 3 finish was within our grasp.
______38 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc.
The last six home and away games presented us with some significant challenges, winning only three, losing two and a bye. A combination of HSC trials, illness and the wear and tear of a long season took its toll and we struggled at training and games, but rallied together to finish in third spot on the ladder and we had secured the double chance in the finals. At this point, not many supporters would have given us much hope of making the Grand Final, but some excellent leadership and belief in the team’s ability saw us march into the finals series full of confidence.
Our Qualifying Final opponent was Pennant Hills and the historians of the club advised me that East Coast had not beaten Penno in the U/18’s since 2003, so our work was cut out for us. The intensity and spirit shown before the game was a season high and we went on to defeat Penno by four points to earn a spot in the Second Semi. Not only was the monkey was off our back, but it was dead and buried. The club song was sung loud and proud and you could sense the Matty Power confidence in the air.
We fronted the Bombers in the Second Semi at Wollongong in atrocious conditions and went down by 14 points, but to the credit of the players, our confidence remained high and we went into the sudden death Preliminary Final against Pennant Hills full of confidence. There was a big build up to the Prelim Final and we turned on our best performance for the season, winning by five goals to give ourselves a shot at the flag.
Unfortunately the Grand Final result was not what we were looking for and we fell short to a better Bombers team who were the competition yard stick all season. Despite the disappointing loss, the players performed very well and played with pride and professionalism and certainly earned the respect of our supporters, senior players and officials.
We ended the season in second position which is an absolutely outstanding effort and is testament to the effort and commitment of the players, coaches and support staff. I know that every parent, official and club member was very proud of what the team achieved this year.
Once again we had a talented squad of players as demonstrated by the list of achievements below. Congratulations to all the players who played representative football:
• Joshua Patira – U/16 Starz, U/16 State Train on squad • James Randall – U/16 Pigeons • Nathan Campbell – U/16 Starz Martin Karafilis • Martin Karafilis – U/16 Heat • Alex Foxall – U/16 North West Rep Team • Damon Steer – U/15 Starz, U/16 North West Rep Team • Jack Dimery – Geelong Scholarship, U/16 Starz, U/16 North West Rep Team • Trent Stubbs – Hawthorn Scholarship, U/16 Starz, U/16 State Team and AIS squad
I must thank the following people for their outstanding contribution, dedication and support of the U/18’s.
To Jon Lee, who I believe had the hardest job in the club and did an absolutely outstanding job in coaching the Challenge team and as Assistant Coach for the Premier Cup Team. Jon leads by example and his passion and dedication are second to none and he will be sorely missed by myself, the players and the Club in general. Thanks for your support, experience and friendship and I know you will continue to be a key part of the East Coast Eagles!
To Tim Lee, thanks for your great contribution and willingness to do whatever needed to be done, from Coach, Assistant Coach, Runner or Water Runner, you were always there and your efforts and input will be sadly missed. Thanks Tim.
We started the season without a regular Team Manager, but Peter Mack took on the role and was a huge support for the Coaches and the players. His special behind the scenes efforts largely go unrewarded, but his efforts and great management skills enabled the coaches to focus on the footy while the administration was dealt with ______39 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. efficiently. I know all the players and officials greatly appreciated your efforts Pete, and your considered input on game day was also very much appreciated.
To Damon Steer, who was there every week supporting the team in numerous roles and provided outstanding support to both Jon and myself. Thanks mate! To the Leadership Group, Jason Moeller, Josh Shephard, Matt Mack, Andrew Burns, Sam Lewis & Ryan McLennan, a big thankyou for your commitment and leadership all season. Strong leaders are essential for a team to be successful and you guys did a great job. Thanks.
To Lindsay Mayo, our reliable Runner for both the Challenge and Premier Cup teams. Every week Lindsay would be there and support both teams and he often went home at the end of the day pretty tired. Even when his son Sean was not playing due to injury, Lindsay was always there and he did a great job. Your efforts Lindsay are very much appreciated.
To Mark Pinchen, our Match Day Assistant, a big thankyou for your assistance and support and in particular your input into game day tactics and your candid feedback. Thanks Mark. To Alan Moeller, who worked tirelessly to ensure we put two teams on the ground each and every week. Your efforts and support have been wonderful along with your recruitment help and this has made the coaches’ job James Collis so much easier. Thanks Al.
To Glen Garner, our Senior Coach, thanks for your support, advice and feedback. Your football knowledge, observations and input made a huge difference and I personally learnt a lot from you this year. Thanks Garns. To Jason Duss, Ryan Madden and Trev Hangan, congratulations on a third successive Premiership. The Reserves once again did the job and I look forward to watching many of the 18’s playing in your side next year. Your support of the U/18’s and the coaches was once again very much appreciated and I look forward to working more closely with you all again next year. Thanks guys.
To Anthony Dignan, thanks for your support and guidance all year. Not many people appreciate the time you put into the club and the U/18’s but the coaches and staff certainly do. Thanks. To the East Coast Eagles Board (Gus Seebeck, Craig Abercrombie, Phil Bester, Chris Ford, Peter Physick and Mark Pinchen), the U/18’s really appreciated the support we received from you all this year and I believe that the 18’s have made a very positive contribution to the Club and we all look forward to our move to Bruce Purser Reserve and a strong and bright future. Thanks guys.
A big thank you to the parents for your contributions each week and the support you have shown your sons and the coaches and a special thankyou to my wife De for living the journey with me. It’s very much appreciated.
I believe we made some huge advances this year in the U/18’s and as a club in general, and I’m very proud of what we collectively achieved this year and it’s an honour to be a coach at East Coast. I look forward to watching the players who are leaving the 18’s continue to develop and play for our great club and I wish you guys all the best. I can’t wait for the coming season, the move to Bruce Purser and the challenges that lie ahead.
We Are Ready ….. Peter Steer - U18 Premier Cup coach
______40 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. UNDER 18’s Match Statistics Premier & Challenge Cup
TOTAL TOTAL SURNAME 2008 2008 First 2008 2008 CLUB GAMES GAMES Grade GOALS GOALS Premier Challenge GAMES** Premier Cup Challenge games Cup Cup Cup Burns Andrew 20 1 124 1 Gordon James 20 4 238 26 4 Pinchen Sam 20 2 124 1 1 Steer Justin 20 3 26 39 4 Clinch David 19 35 12 Mostert Mark 19 1 20 5 Shephard Josh 19 1 36 14 3 Power Matthew 18 2 35 9 Groome Alexander 17 1 28 1 1 Mack Matthew 17 3 187 3 2 Pierce Scott 17 1 149 4 Denton James 16 6 22 1 Carey Ben 16 2 18 7 2 Collis James 16 1 139 Karafilis Martin 16 16 4 Dwyer James 15 25 7 Moeller Jason 14 2 139 11 4 Patira Joshua 13 136 11 Roberts Tom 13 5 33 6 6 Stubbs Trent 13 187 13 Bailey Matthew 11 5 114 2 Foxall Alex 11 11 29 1 18 McLennan Ryan 10 4 31 1 Carr Kavera 9 9 18 1 Mayo Sean 9 6 183 1 Bamforth Murray 6 13 67 3 Long Paul 6 6 1 Dimery Jack 5 3 160 Matheson Sebastian 5 1 6 Randall James 5 8 23 1 3 Jones Blake 4 9 127 1 9 Tumminello Andrew 4 15 37 8 Grundy Peter 3 3 2 Gatte Damian 2 3 231 2 Campbell Nathan 1 1 18 Cocks Phillip 1 14 15 9 Elliott David 1 17 32 2 Gordon Nathan 1 2 224 Gray Ben 1 14 15 4 Heniuk Ben 1 17 80 3 Johnston Michael 1 21 32 3
______41 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc.
Lewis Samuel 1 9 23 7 Steer Damon 1 7 10 Tibben Stuart 17 17 1 Whales Lewis 17 66 6 Moynihan James 14 14 Wright Patrick 14 138 1 Canaway Dale 13 13 1 Butler Louis 11 11 Collins Lewis 11 11 1 Kalmar Alex 11 42 Mullins Jack 10 10 1 Dinan Mitchell 8 74 Bennetts Mathew 7 149 2 Tarrant James 7 151 3 Johnston Ryan 5 5 3 McBride Daniel 4 15 3 Cass Joshua 3 3 Mudge Jack 3 69 Jamieson Andrew 2 2 1 Dyer Alex 1 47 1 Heniuk Tim 1 41
* Refers to total First Grade games played for Baulkham Hills Falcons and / or East Coast Eagles ** Refers to total Club games played for Baulkham Hills Falcons and East Coast Eagles.
Under 18 Premier Cup squad on 2008 Grand Final Day
______42 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. U/18 Premier Cup SEASON RESULTS
ROUND AGAINST RESULT SCORES 1 ST GEORGE WIN 10.13 (73) 11.4 (70) 2 NS BEARS WIN 13.14 (92) 5.6 (36) 3 NS BOMBERS LOSS 5.7 (37) 10.9 (69) 4 CAMPBELLTOWN WIN 7.10 (52) 7.6 (48) 5 PENNANT HILLS LOSS 8.6 (54) 10.11 (71) 6 RIVERVIEW WIN 13.9 (87) 9.8 (62) 7 WOLLONGONG WIN 8.11 (59) 4.8 (32) 8 BYE 9 WESTERN SUBURBS WIN 9.14 (68) 9.12 (66) 10 NS BEARS WIN 11.11 (77) 8.10 (58) 11 RIVERVIEW WIN 16.20 (116) 7.6 (48) 12 NS BOMBERS LOSS 3.7 (25) 15.10 (100) 13 CAMPELLTOWN WIN 14.9 (93) 10.4 (64) 14 ST GEORGE WIN 18.11 (119) 3.5 (23) 15 BYE 16 WOLLONGONG LOSS 8.13 (61) 10.11 (71) 17 PENNANT HILLS LOSS 5.5 (35) 10.11 (71) 18 WESTERN SUBURBS WIN 9.7 (62) 9.2 (56) QUALIFYING PENNANT HILLS WIN 10.10 (70) 10.6 (66) FINAL
2ND SEMI-FINAL NS BOMBERS LOSS 1.6 (12) 2.14 (26) PRELIMINARY PENNANT HILLS WIN 10.13 (73) 5.13 (43) FINAL
GRAND FINAL NS BOMBERS LOSS 8.11 (59) 15.11 (101)
______43 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. UNDER 18’s – CHALLENGE CUP
Coach – Jon Lee Team Manager – Bryn Whales Captains – Shared
TROPHY WINNERS
Best and Fairest Murray Bamforth Runner Up Kavera Carr Coach’s Award Alex Foxall
Played 18 Wins 4 Losses 14 Final position Seventh
2008 saw the second season that the ECE would field a Challenge Cup side, however as pre-season kicked off and we got close to the first game of the season, this wasn’t always looking like the case. Once again, thanks to Allan Moeller’s ability to scramble and round up the troops, we came out of round one having fielded a full team, and kicked off 2008 with a win.
Even though spirits were high after such a great start, the Challenge Cup is there to provide an opportunity to bridge the often large gap between U/16’s and U/18’s Football. It exists to provide an environment for footballers to be able to develop their skills and to gain confidence against bigger and older footballers. All this is in a more professional environment.
That being said, we always love a win, and in 2008 we doubled our winning tally, taking us from two wins in 2007 to four in 2008. The highlight of these being three wins from the three games we played against arch rivals Pennant Hills. On many other occasions throughout the year we showed that we had what it takes to match it against the teams that would later play in the finals. This was proven when we went down by a mere point late in the season to Preliminary Finalists Macquarie University. As we all know, it takes four quarters of footy to win games. Had the team done this, we would have definitely been there at the pointy end of the season.
As was our mission in putting together the Challenge Cup team, players developed, grew more confident in their ability, and began to play to the structures they were being asked too. Many of the team were given the opportunity on the back of solid performances to play Premier Cup. All the players were able to play well enough to put the pressure on the Premier Cup side required for them to continue playing at their best. All of the players from The Challenge Cup side definitely contributed to the Premier Cup side playing in a Grand Final and a huge thank you goes out to all those players who trained and helped out on match days throughout the finals series.
In 2008 we had a huge list of helpers that were involved in getting the team on the field each week. Allan Moeller did a marvellous job again in 2008 with coordinating the U/18’s as a whole. He always managed to pull a rabbit out of a hat enabling us to fill the side. Bryn Whales took on the role of match day manager and along with making sure things ran smoothly each week, was always able to provide positive feedback and a good laugh. Bryn, I hope that new couch is as comfy as it sounds! Tim Jenson took on the formidable task of club umpiring most weeks. Tim trained with the squad on most occasions and it can’t have been an easy job to then umpire his mates. It would have been a lot harder playing without an umpire so Tim, thanks for taking up the tough job.
Thanks also to Lindsay Mayo, who once again took up the charge for the Challenge Cup as the runner, often even when his son wasn’t playing. He also took charge of water bottles and footballs on a weekly basis. I’d also like to thank Damon “ Pistol “ Steer for running, waving the flags and doing just about
______44 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. what ever was asked of him for both U/18 teams. That’s when he wasn’t sticking his hand up to jag a goal out of the forward pocket. Well done Pistol.
A big thanks goes to Timmy Lee for his help and support as assistant coach for the year. It was great to have him on the sideline again helping out and looking after the board, as well as to have a beer with after the game. The big Fella is now in that land of the long white cloud with his fiancée Annabel and reports are he has already looked up the local AFL team in Wellington, only to find that they’re called the All Blacks!
To all the parents that got kids to and from games and training sessions throughout the year and helped out with boundary umpiring, goal umpiring, etc. etc. etc. Without you footy seasons just wouldn’t happen.
Lastly I’d like to thank my coaching mate Peter Steer. His passion for Aussie Rules and coaching and his commitment to getting things Alex Foxall right are second to none. The weeks between games were filled with phone calls of ideas and concepts that could help to better both teams and the work that he put in outside of footy times has just been incredible. His boss is happy that the season is now over, as she can get things done around the house and his employer is amazed at his productivity at work. Congratulations mate on an outstanding season and good luck for 2008.
The last three years with the U/18’s has been a lot of fun. Challenging at times, but definitely a lot of fun. I’d like to thank the Club, players and supporters for their support during my time with the U/18’s and wish you all Good Luck for 2009.
Jon Lee - U18 Challenge Cup Coach Kavera Carr
David Clinch Jack Dimery
______45 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. U/18 Challenge Cup SEASON RESULTS
ROUND AGAINST RESULT SCORES 1 MACQUARIE WIN 13.8 (86) 9.8 (62) UNIVERSITY 2 PENRITH LOSS 9.5 (59) 8.15 (63) 3 MANLY WARRINGAH LOSS 6.8 (44) 10.12 (72) 4 UNSW / EASTERN LOSS 6.8 (44) 19.13 (127) SUBURBS 5 PENNANT HILLS WIN 8.7 (55) 5.4 (34) 6 SOUTHERN SHARKS LOSS 5.10 (40) 13.16 (94) 7 MACQUARIE LOSS 3.4 (22) 8.15 (63) UNIVERSITY 8 PENRITH LOSS 9.10 (64) 14.14 (98) 9 MOOREBANK LOSS 7.5 (47) 8.16 (64) SPORTS 10 MANLY WARRINGAH LOSS 6.6 (42) 14.10 (94) 11 UNSW / EASTERN LOSS 6.8 (44) 15.13 (103) SUBURBS 12 PENNANT HILLS WIN 9.6 (60) 7.6 (48) 13 SOUTHERN SHARKS LOSS 5.7 (37) 14.13 (97) 14 MOOREBANK LOSS 5.6 (36) 16.8 (104) SPORTS 15 PENRITH LOSS 8.5 (53) 8.13 (61) 16 MACQUARIE LOSS 7.11 (53) 8.6 (54) UNIVERSITY 17 MANLY WARRINGAH LOSS - - 18 PENNANT HILLS WIN 10.12 (72) 8.11 (59)
______46 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. RESERVE GRADE
Coach – Jason Duss Captain - Peter Bleus The Premiers
TROPHY WINNERS
Best and Fairest Andrew Polkinghorne Runner Up Michael Murrell Coach’s Award David Griffith Players’ Player Andrew Polkinghorne
Played 20 Wins 18 Losses 2 Final Position Premiers
Discipline, respect, professionalism, perseverance, commitment, passion, accountability and pride. These were the words which built the foundation to season 2008. A list of core values that we employed to set the standards for what was to be a very successful season. It was certainly a fairly gruelling and punishing pre-season. But if you want to be successful, you need to pay the price in advance.
We had numerous new faces arrive at the Football Club from close and afar. This was pleasing from a coaching point of view, enabling the Club to build solid depth. The extensive player list consisted of a good mix of old and new faces. This enabled us to develop the up and coming youth of the club for future years. The likes of Michael Johnston, Daniel Spiteri, Anthony Stubbs and numerous under 18’s players showed that they are in contention for spots in the near future.
Coaching does, however, come with its hard tasks. The long player list was all good from a club perspective, but proved to be a nightmare come selection nights. We did our homework in qualifying about 95% of the playing list for finals, however, it proved to be insignificant on Grand Final day with all three grades playing. These few minor tough jobs are unanimously outweighed by the many pleasures of coaching your mates. None of the Reserve Grade players play for money or financial endorsements. They play for one another and I strongly believe that is the foundation of where the success comes from. It has been a privilege to coach the 2008 Reserve Grade to its third consecutive Premiership.
______47 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. I must acknowledge a number of individuals for their efforts during the season. Without them, it would have made coaching a football side very difficult. However, with their assistance, it became an absolute pleasure and more importantly, once again, a success.
Firstly, to Ryan Madden and Trevor Hangan. You both have inspired me again in the way you go about your football. You are a credit to yourselves and the East Coast Eagles Football Club. Your understanding, input, support but most importantly your honesty, have been invaluable. There wouldn’t be anyone else I would have by my side in this job. You have both made tremendous sacrifices this season which go unseen by many people, but I appreciate every way you have both assisted me. Thanks.
To the club administration staff. You do a tremendous job in ensuring that everything goes according to plan off the field. I have no doubts that your support this year was a big contributing factor to our on field success, including having all three teams in their respective Grand Finals. A football club simply doesn’t function without you guys as its foundation. Many thanks.
Every football club has its vision of winning a first grade Premiership. Season 2008 was definitely a step in the right direction. A huge acknowledgement must go to Glenn Garner, Michael Sankey and Jason Coulloupas for their hard work and dedication in ensuring that we had both senior sides on the park on Grand Final day. Your input during training sessions and selection nights has been tremendous. Thanks again.
To Peter Steer, Jon Lee and your troops. You have set a very good standard for young footballers in preparation for senior ranks. Your success this year has been a result of your dedication and support for both of the U/18’s teams. Congratulations on what you achieved in season 2008 and thank you for assisting with player development.
To the wives, girlfriends and families of the players. A football season comes with big commitments. Thank you for helping our players throughout the season. Knowing they have the love and support off the field as they do on the field, makes it an absolute inspiration to play football. You are to be congratulated for your continual and extensive support of the players. Be proud of what they have achieved, but also be proud that you were a very big part of our success this year. One more!
To the sponsors, members and supporters. The nest is growing larger every year and that is thanks to you people. Be proud to be part of the best football club in Sydney. You make this club happen. Your generous contributions, both financial and in attendance, are very much appreciated. Enjoy the rewards with the players because you are a very important part of this Football Club. Thanks again.
A big tick must go to our generous medical staff. You have willingly done everything in your power to ensure our playing list was at its best and strongest. Thank you for your honest input and advice on players throughout the season. There is a lot of work which goes unseen by many eyes that you guys do. Cheers.
To Peter Bleus and the leadership group. You guys have set a great example and set a promising standard for our future generations. Thank you.
To the playing group. There were many tough decisions made during the season, but to your credit you stuck by Trevor, Ryan and myself and trusted our judgements. You ought to be congratulated for you individual and collective efforts. Thank you for your honesty and commitment throughout the season. It has definitely been a group effort, especially when you consider it has been a contribution from more than 40 players. Many friendships have bonded, creating a player group even daylight would struggle to penetrate through.
The closeness is something which will never be parted. You all deserve every recognition which is sent your way. Remember not just what you achieved, but what we achieved together. Put your mates first. Then your football club, because they will look after you. If you believe in something strong enough, it ______48 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. will become a reality. A reality can be lived and achieved. Thank you for believing that we were the best football side this season.
“Greatness, no matter how brief, stays with a man. Every athlete dreams of a chance. These men lived it.” Gene Hackman
I wish all players, families, supporters and sponsors the best of luck in the future. We hope to see you all back on board next season. It has been an enormous contribution from each and every one of you. Collectively, we are a driving force which can not be matched. We are the best club in the Sydney Premier competition and we are only two wins away from the perfect season. If we all contribute again next season and add just a little more, then I can’t wait for season 2009. Bring it on!
Jason Duss
Brad Whale Daniel Spiteri
James Mann Cory Durie
______49 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. RESERVES Match Statistics TOTAL TOTAL SURNAME 2008 FIRST GRADE * CLUB 2008 GOALS GAMES GAMES GAMES** Bleus Peter 20 5 265 Griffith David 20 159 1 Duss Jason 19 104 366 6 Gatte Damian 19 3 231 11 Lear Scott 18 172 7 Gioutsos Richard 17 17 1 Madden Liam 17 302 4 Patira Jared 17 2 131 21 Ford James 16 13 86 13 Loxton Ashley 16 153 Mann James 16 5 175 10 Tovell Adam 16 35 12 Whale Brad 16 10 162 4 Frost Rodney 15 154 322 29 Laing Nathan 14 1 46 6 Murrell Michael 14 241 4 Kear Tim 13 20 240 21 Moeller Ashley 12 6 129 22 O'Connor Stephen 11 21 47 3 Polkinghorne Andrew 10 10 136 19 Durie Cory 9 8 17 9 Fitton Ryan 8 99 138 1 Kasby Julian 7 7 2 Madden Jared 7 271 2 Physick Tim 7 38 318 3 Eggleton Dean 6 6 63 1 Moore Chris 6 165 1 Peterson Mark 6 14 40 14 Power Adam 6 6 16 Chapman Darren 5 91 96 2 Doering Carl 5 46 Braybon Jarrod 4 4 Foynes Brendan 4 4 9 Hynes Ben 4 115 Scholz Matthew 4 104 2 Wynne Chris 4 150 1 Arbon Matthew 3 132 135 5 Doyle Brendan 3 128 Johnston Michael 3 21 32 Leys Joshua 3 3 Newson Damian 3 10 1 Pearson Kristian 3 76 79 5 Spiteri Daniel 3 9 26 1 Wynne Alexander 3 224 Byerlee Aaron 2 14 16 1 Vlatko Peter 2 2 6 Bilkey Rowan 1 63 202 1 Physick Ben 1 137 250 Ure Blake 1 58 148 Ure Brad 1 35 219
* Refers to total First Grade games played for Baulkham Hills Falcons and / or East Coast Eagles ** Refers to total Club games played for Baulkham Hills Falcons and East Coast Eagles. ______50 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. RESERVES SEASON RESULTS
ROUND AGAINST RESULT SCORES 1 ST GEORGE WIN 8.10 (58) 6.5 (41) 2 SYDNEY UNIVERSITY WIN 11.7 (73) 7.8 (50) 3 NORTH SHORE WIN 16.12 (108) 6.5 (41) 4 CAMPBELLTOWN WIN 24.24 (168) 2.1 (13) 5 PENNANT HILLS LOSS 11.6 (72) 14.10 (94) 6 UNSW / EASTERN LOSS 8.8 (56) 12.10 (82) SUBURBS 7 WOLLONGONG WIN 13.14 (92) 1.11 (17) 8 BALMAIN WIN 18.24 (132) 4.5 (29) 9 WESTERN SUBURBS WIN 10.15 (75) 6.7 (43) 10 SYDNEY UNIVERSITY WIN 13.13 (91) 9.5 (59) 11 UNSW / EASTERN WIN 14.14 (98) 7.7 (49) SUBURBS 12 NORTH SHORE WIN 13.12 (90) 6.7 (43) 13 CAMPBELLTOWN WIN 34.14 (218) 0.0 (0) 14 ST GEORGE WIN 14.13 (97) 3.1 (19) 15 BALMAIN WIN 19.12 (126) 2.4 (16) 16 WOLLONGONG WIN 18.8 (116) 8.12 (60) 17 PENNANT HILLS WIN 10.11 (71) 8.6 (54) 18 WESTERN SUBURBS WIN 14.20 (104) 5.3 (33) 2nd SEMI FINAL PENNANT HILLS WIN 5.12 (42) 3.3 (21) GRAND FINAL SYDNEY UNIVERSITY WIN 12.15 (87) 2.5 (17)
______51 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. FIRST GRADE
Coach – Glenn Garner Team Manager – Jon Gawley Captain – Jon Vlatko
Played 22 Wins 16 Losses 6 Final Position Runners Up
TROPHY WINNERS Club Champion (jointly) Shane Ryan Luke Stanford Rising Star Michael Johnston Players’ Player Luke Stanford Preparation, Professionalism Rowan Bilkey and Performance Damien Bowles Jon Vlatko
After much reflection I look back over the season and I can honestly say that I am extremely proud of what we have achieved so far. We have made some big improvements and consequently taken some giant steps forward. Although we just fell short of our ultimate goal of winning a Premiership, it certainly was not due to lack of preparation or application from our player group and I have no doubt that if we had played to our potential on Grand final day, the result would have been vastly different.
It was always going to be a big task to win three sudden death finals and then a Grand Final. The positive is that not only did we win those three finals, we were almost a 10 goal better side on each occasion against the two Grand Finalists from 07 and the minor premiers. It was certainly the most dominant performances put together against the other top four teams for the season and with a list that will continue to improve, season 2009 should hold no fears.
It is important to remember that while it is disappointing that we did not put it together on the day, more often than not it is a necessary step you need to take and very rarely do you go from not making finals to winning a premiership. To put things in perspective we have gone from 5th to 2nd this season and if we continue to apply the same desire and commitment to the task, taking the final step is well within sight. Especially when you consider that we currently have a list that has won the last three Reserves Premierships and were the only club in 2008 to be represented on the last day in September in all three grades.
We have an experienced core group of senior players which includes a number of dual and triple Reserves Premiership players as well as a number of exceptional young players who have now played a number of senior games. This will ensure that we continue to improve and with a number of U/18 players ready to make the next step, it is certainly a very exciting time for our Football Club.
I would like to thank all players for their time and efforts. Those players who attended the pre-season camp would have returned knowing quite clearly of the commitment expected and the effort required.
______52 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. Our match preparation and training requirements, especially over the last third of the season, were well above and beyond what any other coach or club asked from their players. You have all done an extraordinary job to get on with the task without excuses in less than ideal circumstances due to the delay with getting on the new ground. I am very proud of the way each and every player made an individual sacrifice for the benefit of the team and know that you now realise the extra effort and preparation required to take our Club and respective teams to another level.
Although we certainly have a lot of hard work to do, I am genuinely excited about the opportunity we now have to put the last piece of the puzzle in place. We must take full advantage of the environment and culture we now have the opportunity to develop. Let’s set the bar high right from the beginning and make Bruce Purser and beyond, a place where all but Eagles dare to tread.
I would like to thank all of our sponsors, players, Board, medical staff, supporters and volunteers for their continued support, time and effort this season, as well as a special thanks to those people who generously give up their time to fill match day roles for me. It is your individual and collective efforts, sacrifice and commitment to the Club which continues to provide our players with a professional and winning environment.
Let’s make Season 2009 the Year of the Eagles.
YOU OWN IT, BRING THE MAGIC GENTS.
Glenn Garner
Damien Bowles, Luke Stanford and Ryan Smyth sharing the magic
______53 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. FIRST GRADE Match Statistics
TOTAL TOTAL SURNAME 2008 FIRST GRADE * CLUB ** 2008 GAMES GAMES GAMES GOALS Floyd Adam 22 39 39 34 Rogers Ben 22 61 152 55 Stanford Luke 22 72 79 17 Maher Mark 21 21 21 5 Seebeck Gus 21 110 110 73 Smyth Ryan 21 49 49 34 Coulloupas Jason 20 49 50 5 Physick Ben 20 137 250 1 Ryan Shane 20 26 26 16 Vlatko Jon 20 64 64 8 Entwisle Phill 19 46 59 1 Sankey Michael 19 32 35 14 Arbon Matthew 18 132 135 10 Bowles Damien 18 18 18 1 McLennan Aian 18 36 36 3 Bilkey Rowan 17 63 202 2 Johnston Michael 16 21 32 2 Byerlee Aaron 14 14 16 34 Garner Glenn 14 22 22 15 Wilson Edward 14 14 14 2 Chapman Darren 13 91 96 4 Ure Blake 13 58 148 Furlan Lawrence 11 11 11 13 Pearson Kristian 10 76 79 1 Stubbs Anthony 10 25 131 3 Durie Cory 8 8 17 Polkinghorne Andrew 8 10 136 4 Spiteri Daniel 8 9 26 3 O'Connor Stephen 6 21 47 1 Ure Brad 6 35 219 Fitton Ryan 4 99 138 Mann James 3 5 175 Frost Rodney 2 154 322 Peterson Mark 2 14 40 1 Gordon Nathan 1 1 224 1 Kear Tim 1 20 240 Laing Nathan 1 1 46 Moeller Ashley 1 6 129
* Refers to total First Grade games played for Baulkham Hills Falcons and / or East Coast Eagles ** Refers to total Club games played for Baulkham Hills Falcons and East Coast Eagles.
______54 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. FIRST GRADE Season Results
ROUND AGAINST RESULT SCORES 1 UNSW / EASTERN LOSS 10.12 (72) 15.4 (94) SUBURBS 2 ST GEORGE WIN 14.17 (101) 10.8 (68) 3 SYDNEY UNIVERSITY LOSS 19.8 (122) 18.20 (128) 4 NORTH SHORE WIN 17.14 (116) 13.9 (87) 5 CAMPBELLTOWN WIN 20.9 (129) 4.2 (26) 6 PENNANT HILLS LOSS 11.11 (77) 16.14 (110) 7 WOLLONGONG WIN 13.13 (91) 10.10 (70) 8 BALMAIN WIN 21.12 (138) 7.5 (47) 9 WESTERN SUBURBS WIN 14.12 (96) 5.5 (35) 10 SYDNEY UNIVERSITY WIN 21.12 (138) 14.9 (93) 11 UNSW / EASTERN WIN 16.12 (108) 8.13 (61) SUBURBS 12 NORTH SHORE WIN 29.11 (185) 8.9 (57) 13 CAMPBELLTOWN WIN 17.17 (119) 9.7 (61) 14 ST GEORGE LOSS 16.6 (102) 16.10 (106) 15 BALMAIN WIN 23.14 (152) 10.7 (67) 16 WOLLONGONG WIN 23.13 (151) 8.10 (58) 17 PENNANT HILLS LOSS 8.7 (57) 16.17 (113) 18 WESTERN SUBURBS WIN 20.17 (137) 5.17 (47) ELIMINATION FINAL NORTH SHORE WIN 22.10 (142) 14.8 (92) 1ST SEMI FINAL ST GEORGE WIN 18.12 (120) 8.7 (55) PRELIMINARY UNSW / EASTERN WIN 18.14 (122) 11.11 (77) FINAL SUBURBS
GRAND FINAL PENNANT HILLS LOSS 3.10 (28) 20.12 (132)
______55 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. CLUB SENIOR MATCH STATISTICS
TOTAL TOTAL SURNAME FIRST GRADE * CLUB GAMES ** GAMES Frost Rodney 154 322 Physick Ben 137 250 Arbon Matthew 132 135 Seebeck Gus 110 110 Duss Jason 104 366 Fitton Ryan 99 138 Chapman Darren 91 96 Pearson Kristian 76 79 Stanford Luke 72 79 Vlatko Jon 64 64 Bilkey Rowan 63 202 Rogers Ben 61 152 Ure Blake 58 148 Coulloupas Jason 49 50 Smyth Ryan 49 49 Entwisle Phill 46 59 Floyd Adam 39 39 Physick Tim 38 318 McLennan Aian 36 36 Ure Brad 35 219 Sankey Michael 32 35 Ryan Shane 26 26 Stubbs Anthony 25 131 Garner Glenn 22 22 Johnston Michael 21 32 Maher Mark 21 21 O'Connor Stephen 21 47 Kear Tim 20 240 Bowles Damien 18 18 Byerlee Aaron 14 16 Peterson Mark 14 40 Wilson Edward 14 14 Ford James 13 86 Furlan Lawrence 11 11 Polkinghorne Andrew 10 136 Whale Brad 10 162 Spiteri Daniel 9 26 Durie Cory 8 17 Eggleton Dean 6 63 Moeller Ash 6 129 Bleus Peter 5 265 Mann James 5 175 Gatte Damian 3 231 Patira Jared 2 131 Gordon Nathan 1 224 Laing Nathan 1 46
* Refers to total First Grade games played for Baulkham Hills Falcons and / or East Coast Eagles ** Refers to total Club games played for Baulkham Hills Falcons and East Coast Eagles.
______57 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. CLUB CHAMPION BEST & FAIREST VOTING FIRST GRADE
POSITION NAME CLUB PHELAN PLAYERS’ VOTES MEDAL PLAYER 1 Shane Ryan 81 3 31 1 Luke Stanford 81 12 40 3 Jon Vlatko 54 3 13 4 Rowan Bilkey 52 1 11 5 Damien Bowles 50 11 20 6 Michael Johnston 40 29 7 Gus Seebeck 36 12 8 Ben Rogers 35 9 10 8 Ed Wilson 35 9 30 10 Michael Sankey 33 4 11 Phill Entwisle 32 25 12 Jason Coulloupas 31 10 13 12 Anthony Stubbs 31 11 14 Matt Arbon 28 4 11 14 Ryan Smyth 28 1 13 16 Mark Maher 25 10 17 Aaron Byerlee 19 2 9 17 Daniel Spiteri 19 1 7 19 Ben Physick 16 2 20 Lawrence Furlan 14 3 8 20 Andrew Polkinghorne 14 11 22 Blake Ure 12 3 23 Aian McLennan 9 11 24 Nathan Gordon 8 10 25 Steve O’Connor 7 1 26 Brad Ure 6 3 27 Adam Floyd 5 2 5 28 Darren Chapman 4 2 29 Cory Durie 2 29 James Mann 2 7 31 Glenn Garner 1 2 Ryan Fitton 1 5
______58 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. BILLY McLEOD MEDAL BEST & FAIREST VOTING RESERVE GRADE
POSITION NAME CLUB SANDERS PLAYERS’ VOTES MEDAL PLAYER
1 Andrew Polkinghorne 75 8 37 2 Michael Murrell 54 7 28 3 James Mann 53 8 11 4 Scott Lear 46 5 27 5 Cory Durie 39 8 17 5 Steve O’Connor 39 4 18 7 David Griffith 38 27 8 Tim Kear 35 6 14 9 Ryan Fitton 34 3 16 9 Michael Johnston 34 2 15 11 Damian Gatte 33 3 11 12 Brad Whale 30 28 13 Rodney Frost 26 4 21 13 Adam Tovell 26 13 15 Richard Gioutsos 23 5 15 Liam Madden 23 2 8 17 Aaron Byerlee 21 6 18 Ash Moeller 19 5 16 19 James Ford 17 10 20 Darren Chapman 15 2 6 21 Brendan Foynes 14 1 12 21 Adam Power 14 2 23 Peter Vlatko 13 2 24 Ash Loxton 12 10 25 Daniel Spiteri 11 3 5 26 Peter Bleus 9 3 27 Mark Peterson 8 1 28 Jason Duss 7 8 2 29 Rowan Bilkey 6 3 2 29 Ben Physick 6 3 31 Nathan Laing 5 3 4 32 Chris Moore 4 7 32 Tim Physick 4 2 3 34 Matt Arbon 3 1 1 34 Dean Eggleton 3 1 34 Ben Hynes 3 1 34 Jared Madden 3 1 34 Jared Patira 3 39 Damian Newson 2 Blake Ure 1 Matt Scholz 2 Julian Kasby 2 Alex Wynne 1
______59 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. BEST & FAIREST VOTING UNDER 18 PREMIER CUP
POSITION NAME CLUB KEALEY MEDAL VOTES 1 Josh Shephard 123 13 2 Matthew Power 80 9 3 Alex Groome 69 4 David Clinch 61 6 5 Trent Stubbs 60 12 6 Justin Steer 51 2 7 Sam Pinchen 41 2 8 James Collis 35 9 James Dwyer 31 1 10 Martin Karafilis 25 11 James Gordon 16 2 12 Michael Johnston 15 3 13 Peter Grundy 13 14 Kavera Carr 12 15 Mark Mostyn 11 16 Andrew Burns 10 16 Tom Roberts 10 18 Paul Long 9 19 Jack Gillingham 8 19 Jason Moeller 8 3 21 Murray Bamforth 6 21 Josh Patira 6 2 21 Scott Pierce 6 24 Ben Carey 5 25 Matthew Bailey 4 25 Matthew Mack 4 27 Alex Foxall 1
______60 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. BEST & FAIREST VOTING UNDER 18 CHALLENGE CUP
POSITION NAME CLUB HART MEDAL VOTES 1 Murray Bamforth 97 3 2 Kavera Carr 84 5 3 David Elliott 63 4 Phil Cocks 49 5 Matthew Bailey 45 6 Jack Dimery 32 4 7 Alex Foxall 26 2 8 Ben Gray 23 8 James Tarrant 23 4 10 James Gordon 22 2 11 Ryan McLennan 21 7 12 Stuart Tibbens 20 13 Sam Lewis 19 14 James Denton 18 15 Matthew Mack 17 2 16 James Randall 16 16 Andrew Tumminello 16 18 Josh Shepherd 15 3 19 Blake Jones 14 19 Tom Roberts 14 2 21 Ben Heniuk 13 1 21 Martin Karafilis 13 21 Sam Pinchen 13 2 24 Patrick Wright 11 25 James Collis 10 25 Matthew Power 10 1 27 Dale Canaway 9 28 Andrew Jamieson 8 29 Jason Moeller 7 3 30 Ben Carey 6 2 30 Damon Steer 6 32 Joshua Cass 5 32 Sean Mayo 5 32 James Moynihan 5 35 Ryan Johnston 4 36 Mark Mostert 3 37 Mitchell Dinan 2 38 Lewis Whales 1
______61 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. PLAYER MILESTONES REACHED DURING 2008
The Match Statistics sections for each grade are included within the overall team reports elsewhere in the Year Book. Those statistics are now ranked according to total number of Sydney AFL First Grade games played for ECE and any Sydney AFL First Grade games played for Baulkham Hills Falcons prior to and including 1999.
However it is important to also maintain a register of the number of games played for the “Club”. The definition of the “Club” for this purpose is all matches played with East Coast Eagles and Baulkham Hills in any grade, or age group. These individual statistics are shown against each player’s name in the respective Match Statistics for each grade. We also recognise those players who, in 2008 have reached 10 years combined playing service with ECE & BHAFC.
Congratulations to the following players who reached personal milestones during season 2008.
First Grade games
NAME GAMES Gus Seebeck 100 Rowan Bilkey 50 Ben Rogers 50 Blake Ure 50 Jon Vlatko 50
Club games
NAME GAMES Jason Duss 350 Liam Madden 300 Peter Bleus 250 Ben Physick 250 Rowan Bilkey 200 David Griffith 150 Ash Loxton 150 Ben Rogers 150 James Tarrant 150 Brad Whale 150 Chris Wynne 150 Matthew Bailey 100 Gus Seebeck 100 Murray Bamforth 50 Jason Coulloupas 50 Phill Entwisle 50 Jon Vlatko 50 Lewis Whales 50
Playing service
NAME YEARS Ben Hynes 10 Scott Lear 10 Matthew Mack 10 Sean Mayo 10 James Tarrant 10 Brad Whale 10
______62 2008 YEAR BOOK
EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc.
SYDNEY AFL LADDERS AT COMPLETION OF THE MINOR ROUND
First Grade ladder after Round 18 – PREMIERS PENNANT HILLS
POS TEAM P W L D For Ag PC Pts 1 UNSW/EASTERN SUBS 18 15 3 0 2040 1483 137.56 60
2 PENNANT HILLS 18 14 4 0 2211 1278 173.00 56
3 ST GEORGE 18 14 4 0 1760 1398 125.89 56
4 EAST COAST EAGLES 18 13 5 0 2089 1328 157.30 52
5 NORTH SHORE 18 10 8 0 1632 1721 94.83 40
6 SYDNEY UNIVERSITY 18 8 10 0 1775 1766 100.51 32
7 WESTERN SUBURBS 18 6 12 0 1475 1780 82.87 24
8 BALMAIN DOCKERS 18 4 14 0 1414 2152 65.71 16
9 CAMPBELLTOWN 18 4 14 0 1256 2120 59.25 16
10 WOLLONGONG 18 2 16 0 1439 2065 69.69 8
Reserve Grade ladder after Round 18 – PREMIERS EAST COAST EAGLES
POS TEAM P W D L B FF For Ag PC Pts 1 EAST COAST EAGLES 18 16 0 2 0 0 1845 743 248.32 64
2 PENNANT HILLS 18 15 1 2 0 0 2039 675 302.07 62
3 UNSW/EASTERN SUBS 18 15 1 2 0 0 1946 801 242.95 62
4 SYDNEY UNIVERSITY 18 12 0 6 0 0 1794 909 197.36 48
5 ST GEORGE 18 10 0 8 0 0 1506 1176 128.06 40
6 NORTH SHORE 18 9 0 9 0 0 1416 1260 112.38 36
7 WOLLONGONG 18 6 0 12 0 0 1208 1507 80.16 24
8 WESTERN SUBURBS 18 4 0 14 0 0 1103 1543 71.48 16
9 BALMAIN DOCKERS 18 2 0 16 0 0 614 2332 26.33 8
10 CAMPBELLTOWN 18 0 0 18 0 1 259 2784 9.30 0
U/18 Premier Cup ladder after Round 18 – PREMIERS NORTH SHORE
POS TEAM P W L D B For Ag PC PCWon 1 NS BOMBERS 16 15 1 0 2 1540 649 237.29 93.75
2 PENNANT HILLS 16 12 4 0 2 1414 837 168.94 75.00
3 EAST COAST EAGLES 16 11 5 0 2 1110 945 117.46 68.75
4 CAMPBELLTOWN 16 10 6 0 2 1040 890 116.85 62.50
5 WOLLONGONG 16 9 6 1 2 1073 983 109.16 59.38
6 NS BEARS 16 8 8 0 2 1101 1167 94.34 50.00
7 ST GEORGE 16 4 11 1 2 794 1211 65.57 28.13
8 ST IGNATIUS COLLEGE, RIVERVIEW 16 2 14 0 2 565 1649 34.26 12.50
9 WESTERN SUBURBS 16 0 16 0 2 976 1282 76.13 0.00
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EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc.
U/18 Challenge Cup ladder after Round 18 – PREMIERS UNSW-EASTERN SUBURBS
POS TEAM P W D L B FF For Ag PC Pts 1 UNSW/EASTERN SUBURBS 18 18 0 0 0 0 1953 613 318.60 72
2 MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY 18 14 0 4 0 0 1346 833 161.58 56
3 SOUTHERN SHARKS 18 10 0 8 0 0 1230 1137 108.18 40
4 MANLY-WARRINGAH 18 10 0 8 0 0 1106 1028 107.59 40
5 MOOREBANK SPORTS 18 8 0 10 0 0 1113 1111 100.18 32
6 PENRITH 18 6 0 12 0 0 846 1383 61.17 24
7 EAST COAST EAGLES 18 4 0 14 0 1 858 1368 62.72 16
8 PENNANT HILLS 18 2 0 16 0 2 616 1595 38.62 8
Matty Arbon
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EAST COAST EAGLES AFL FOOTBALL CLUB Inc. BASE COURSE MANAGEMENT MEDALS
In particular we thank Steve Gawley at Base Course Management Pty Ltd who has generously sponsored the initiative of providing Medals to winners of the Best & Fairest Awards across all four Grades.
Special East Coast medals have been struck which are awarded on Club Champion night to the respective winners.
We thank Base Course Management for their continued generosity in sponsoring these highly valued awards.
PERPETUAL TROPHY DONORS
The Board has replaced all Perpetual Trophies which were originally established in the days of the Baulkham Hills Falcons.
The Perpetuals are in East Coast Eagles colours and design and have been backdated with all winners of the various awards since the inception of East Coast in the year 2000.
We thank the following people and / or businesses who have assisted us.
CHAIRMAN’S AWARD Speakers Australia Pty Ltd
CLUB CHAMPION Phil Bester
BILL McLEOD MEDAL Billy McLeod
UNDER 18’s B&F Taxi Clothing / Mike & Sheryl Pilkington
LEADING GOALKICKER Banjo Books
CLUBPERSON of the Year The Abercrombie Family
CLUBMAN of the Year Signwave Blacktown
RISING STAR West Coast Eagles
Rising Star criteria • In his first full year of Senior Football. • Demonstrates excellence in many areas of his football. • Is influential in the success of the senior team. • Lives up to the Team Values. • Demonstrates outstanding qualities that set him apart from others.
Michael Johnston …. Our 2008 Rising Star winner.
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