“Straight from the Coaches “

Issue # 4, June 2018

U16 Girls – Shane Hamill

The U/16 girls started the season with 13 players and struggled during the grading games to field a full side. We would like to thank all the U/14 girls who played up an age group in the early part of the year to help us field a side. Fast forward to round 9 and the girls now have a list of 22 players and have only dropped 2 games by a total of 6 points! It’s a credit to all the girls who have put in the work to get to this point. The team is now sitting a game clear in the top four. This week the Panthers take on Ashwood away in a 3rd V 4th clash. Last time we played them Ashwood came away with a 3 point victory. The girls would also like to thank all the support staff who have contributed so far this year and are incredibly grateful for your support for the rest of the year.

U8 Green – Simon Melican

The Under 8 Greens were thrown together at the very last minute when the realisation occurred that due to the amazing job the Auskick Coaches are doing, we had 36 kids wanting to play Under 8’s. With the wonderful support of all the parents, we have come together and are producing a great game style. With our motto of “it’s all about having FUN!!!” we have created an environment where every Sunday the boys are rocking up with huge smiles ready to take on every challenge thrown at them.

The boys have been a credit to themselves, with all parents and supporters unbelievably proud of them. Boys who were a little slow to get a grip on the game are now key contributors each week and boys who were dominating early, now continually consider the other boys and bring them into the game constantly (1st Gives!!). It has been an enormous honour to guide these boys through their 1st year (a couple played last year) of football. To see the confidence in each boy grow weekly has been an absolute delight.

Thanks to my team of assistant coaches, runners, trainers, team manager (Jan Close who is a Star) and dads who help me each Thursday night and game day. You all have been a huge support.

U14 Girls Div 3 – Paul Anderson

The U14 Girls Div 3 team has had a very successful season to date. We’ve had some wins and we’ve had some losses - but what’s much more important than our win/loss ratio is how we’ve developed and how much we’ve enjoyed ourselves so far! I’ve seen amazing improvement at ground level; our general skills are building every week and we’re starting to play with a bit of system. Our defensive game has been awesome week in and week out. One thing I’ve learned very quickly in girls’ footy is how much the players love to tackle! We’ve had three girls reach their 50 game milestone and a couple of players were selected in SMJFL Interleague teams. All my girls are amazing young people. They’re all great characters and solid citizens who are learning about life as well as football while playing this year. They’re all growing as footballers and young women.

U9 White – Rick Rigoni

With a list of 14, our numbers are somewhat depleted from the 18 we had in 2017. That hasn't stopped our boys taking to field each week and giving it their best. The benefit of a small group has been the unique bond we've developed. Ask any of our parents and they will tell you the boys are like a close group of brothers, always looking out for each other.

Over the course of the season we have seen our team grow in skill and character. Our efforts at the ball are second to none, with our game intensity and pressure clear standouts. The team have also matured in their second year of footy, understanding both their individual and team strengths, consistently winning the ball and converting on the score board.

I'm sure I speak for the entire coaching and support group when I say how proud we are of their achievements. As coach of U9 White I'm excited to see out the remainder of season 2018 with my boys.

Chogs U14s Div 2- Lou Folino

The first four rounds of the year were grading games as everyone was aware. The boys played well as they won all four games, was good to see that the boys adapt well in the many different positions they played. Once the regrading was done we remained in Div. 2 with 5 other teams.

So, after round 10 the boys have had 4 wins and 2 losses (Overall 8 wins and 2 losses) we are sitting second on the ladder.

In these games the boys have settled well in the many positions that they have played (showing the coaching staff that they are adaptable to play in more than one position).

The highlight for us is the boys are starting to enjoy themselves and showing glimpses of great team footy. With 5 games remaining our aim is to make the finals and then let’s see what happens. Also, it’s great to see that the CHOGS U/14 group has Six representatives playing for the SMJFL interleague teams

Last ‘official’ Family Night for 2018 Sunday 15th July

• Santa and the Panther will be visiting. • Milestone game awards • Prizes, giveaways and more!

Come down to the club for a fun filled end to the school holidays!

U9 Green - Graham Berry and Matt Davies

Our team of 16 players is predominantly the same team as last year. Our off field team is also similar with many parents continuing.

We had a slow start to the season with a few losses and a draw. The boys learnt quickly and started to immediately improve on game days. This team since round 4 have had opportunities to replay some of those earlier teams and have managed to kick more goals than their opposition in each and every match, and most importantly playing in a manner that coaches are proud of - "respectful wins". They are also playing exciting team football to watch, moving the ball quickly from the middle or defence, towards the Panthers goals, with most games seeing them being able to kick lots of goals, sometimes even in the poorer weather matches.

We would like to thank Panthers U8 players, for helping us out with numbers so that we have a full side every week. Angus Sustek, Austin Ross, Elliot Reiter, James Dalzell, Jensen Hayden, Linus Cheah, Oliver Fedrick, Owen Bernes, Owen Close and Thomas Gillbee who have all helped us out this season, as well as U9 White team players Owen Richardson, Lachlan May, Oliver Rigoni, Matt Fielden, Lloyd Neill and Judd Doyle who have also filled in for us. Additionally, a big thank-you to our Under 10's coaches James O'Hara and Michael Pryor whose teams have made the same offer to about 6 of our players, and I know they have all received great benefit from this opportunity.

Our goals for this team over the last two of years was to improve our players individually, and as a team. Coaches were also committed to try and get each of our players at least 1 goal for the season. Coaches after Round 10 would self assess our performance against these goals to date as follows: all players have improved individually, and our team manner and play has definitely improved this year. We still have 3 players yet to kick a goal in our team, which is an absolute focus of all coaches, parents and players with our few remaining games.

U12 Girls - Simon Lloyd/ Gillian Campbell

What a great season of Footy so far, with a mixture of experienced players and some that are brand new to Footy. We have been competitive throughout the season. The whole team has become more competitive as the Season has progressed.

All 18 players have improved their football skills as the season has gone along with some really positive surprises from our 1st year players.

Overall, we are having Fun with a very enthusiastic Team of Girls.

Under 10 Black-Michael Pryor

14 out of 18 players have returned from last season and we’ve welcomed 3 new boys (and their families) into the Panthers community. Most of the boys now have a platform of 30 games to launch from and several came from the Auskick system before that. This has meant that the skill fundamentals are generally sound, but we’ve been bringing along each player at their own pace. The boys have improved in their skills, personal confidence and footy smarts to the point that they now recognise what their best footy looks like. We’ve had a lot of tight games and we’ve been fortunate enough to win a lot of these contests. Importantly, we’ve played every game with the right spirit of sportsmanship and respect for opponents, umpires and parent helpers. A highlight was the nail-biting Friday night game against East Malvern in front of the big crowd. We also look forward to our first individual milestone on 15th July with Charlie Brookes playing his 50th game. There’s plenty of improvement left in our team and plenty of fun to be had getting there! Thanks to all of the people, including the under 9 top up players and their coaches, and the parents/families that give us tremendous support every week. Go Panthers!

U13 Black – Lou Colella & Dave Kilburn

It’s been a great start to the season for our U13 Panthers. After Round 10 the boys are sitting 3rd.

As the cliché goes “we are taking it one game at a time”, no truer words could be spoken. With 6 games to go and a very competitive competition, finals are not a given.

The boys fully understand that continued hard work will earn them a spot in the top four. This is exactly what they have been doing to this point.

We have had consistent numbers at training and the boys are trying very hard to improve their skills and develop a game style that is competitive and great for the spectators to watch.

Dave and I have been very happy with the team’s performance to date, and we look forward to their continued development and hope they can go one better than last year.

GO PANTHERS!!!

It’s time to book your tickets to the Panthers 2018 Gala Event!

U17 CHOGS Div 1

It’s been a long season so far, with the boys looking forward to a well earned mid season break.

After round 10 the boys are 9 wins and 1 loss and sitting on top of the ladder.

Our numbers have been terrific this year, with new players joining the club and further strengthening the team.

Our hard work and high standards at training has been excellent, and the boys are not only developing into a good football team, but also maturing into fine young men.

The camaraderie has been great this year, they are a very tight group, who are focused and understand that only hard work will see them achieve great success in 2018.

U14 CHOGS Blue – Dean Partridge

Hi everyone, a little over half way through our season so far and I can say we are all very excited. We are a good chance of making finals, after 10 rounds we have won 8 games, lost 1 and another bye. We are sitting second on the ladder behind the top team who we beat two weeks ago. An exciting time both for myself and our whole team as many of us have not seen finals since starting with the club. We have played our home games divided between Cheltenham and Highett including a first under lights night game which the kids absolutely loved.

It’s great to see the kids from both the black and blue teams as one group. A big thanks to everyone who make the team and also match day run so seamlessly and enjoyable, these people include our team manager, runner, assistant coaches, trainers, water carriers and also every other parent that contribute in the given tasks every week. Also, a huge thanks to Aaron who has continued our great winning run in the past two wet and cold rounds while I have enjoyed 35 degree days overseas.

Look forward to the next few rounds and then our run to the end.

‘Go CHOGS!!’

U12 Girls - Simon Lloyd/ Gillian Campbell

All 18 players have improved their Football skills as the Season has gone along with some really positive surprises from our 1st year players.

Overall, we are having Fun with a very enthusiastic Team of Girls.

U8 Black -Jason Louey

Under 8’s footy tends to be very congested with every contest being played under extreme pressure. Luckily for the Cheltenham Panthers we have a team full of fierce competitors and it is pleasing to watch their constant development and improvement.

We started the year with consistent team leading performances from the same few players being Jensen, Thomas, Elliot, Josh & Ash. More recently we have experienced some break out games from Lachie, Oscar, Sammy, Will, Freddie & Adin, with some extremely tough tackling pressure from Eric, Tate, Aidan, Charles, Arthur and Tommy.

We have had some welcome late additions in Luca, Matt, Tom & Lenny who have had minimal playing experience, however they have slotted into the team nicely and it won’t be long until they are also making an impact for the team!

I’m sure that I am speaking on behalf of the broader group when I say that it has been a very rewarding year for all involved, it is truly a full team contribution on and off the field!

On a personal note I feel very fortunate to be part of shaping the future of our Junior Panthers. Huge thanks to Nicole for Managing the Team and to all of our parents who are also heavily involved.

U11 Black -Darren Moser

The Mighty U11's biggest challenge this year was how to manage 28 players throughout the season. At this stage of the season everything seems to be running smoothly with all players still playing a lot of footy. We have just won two games in a row which is the first time our group of stars have achieved this in four years and is proof we are starting to play consistent, good quality footy.

Another highlight is 15 players play their 50th game this year, a huge milestone and a great individual achievement. With the introduction of a second training night, thanks to some dedicated volunteers, our basic skills are rapidly improving and as a coach I couldn't be prouder of the way the boys have embraced the extra sessions and the overall growth as a playing group.

After 10 rounds we have won four games and had an exciting draw, placing us 6th on the ladder. If results fall our way and we continue to improve as a team, finals football is within our grasp.

Dare to dream little Panthers, dare to dream!

U14 Girls Div 1- Kelly Roberts & Matt Bunnett

Matt and I returned to coach the U14 Girls in 2018 as we enjoyed every minute of the 2017 season. The team numbers were still strong with many returning for their 2nd, 3rd and 4th year and we scored a few new players as well.

We knew that the girls had learnt so much about the game last year and we were determine to move them onto the next phase of the game. After winning the first four rounds, the girls were moved up into Div 1. For many of them it sounded scary, but they were definitely ready for the challenge and have really improved each week.

A big thank you to the experience and knowledge Paul Anderson (U14 Girls Div 3 Coach) brings to our training session each week and to Shane Hamill (U16 Girls Coach) for the times he pops into training to give the girls some new tips for their game.

U10 Green – James O’Hara

The team is progressing well, coming up against strong opponents. The boys and girls are working well as a team with the girls making a great contribution each week when they are available to fill in.

We look forward to the final few weeks and a strong showing at the lightening carnival. Over the last few weeks the boys have been playing positions that they are showing strength in to prepare for the next phase of their football journey.

Go Panthers!

U9 Black – Dean Brostek & Mark Gostlow

This season has seen on-going improvement in all our kids. With most kids returning from last year, and a couple of new additions, the team has gelled well.

The season has been both challenging and rewarding, with all games highly competitive. We’ve had our share of great team performances, a couple of down weeks, and some funky weather!

We’re again thoroughly enjoying the season, with a great bunch of kids and parents that all contribute to and support the smooth running of the team. We’re looking forward to a positive end to the season, the chance to sing the song a couple more times, the opportunity to play under lights, and above all else to continue to have fun and get better together.

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No matter what direction you choose these school holidays, remember to get outdoors, grab a footy and have a kick, keep up your footy skills and most importantly get back safely for Round 11 followed by a fun family night!

Upcoming Dates to remember

Last ‘official’ Family Night for 2018 Sunday 15th July - Christmas in July

Milestone Medals Santa & Our Panther Prizes and Giveaways _____ Annual Gala Dinner Dance Friday 10th August

Over 18 Social Event of the year _____ Whole Club Presentation Day Sunday 9th September 2018 Best and Fairest Awards

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