According to the powers that be the Singleton Roosters are ticking all the right boxes when it comes to running their club. And, they also have a few handy players in both the senior and junior ranks.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This is the only conclusion that can be drawn after the club walked from the annual Black Diamond AFL awards night with a number of accolades.
From the club administration award to coach of the year, it was a triumphant evening for the players, committee and volunteers.
For club stalwart, Mark ‘Rosie’ Rohan, receiving the volunteer of the year award left him feeling rather chuffed. Described as “the heart and soul of the club” in his nomination, Rosie has been doing everything for about 13 years now. Senior vice-president, Joel Deacon, says he never misses a game.
“From having the jerseys ready and marking the field to taking on the role of ground manager or team manager, he is always there,” Deacon says.
The transformative coaching efforts of Andrew Macpherson were also applauded. Mcpherson with the help of co-coach Deacon, managed to turn the fortunes of the Women’s team around this season. In 2016 the side did not kick a solitary goal yet in 2017 they managed to win six games.
Most of these came in the back half the season with the ladies notching up five wins from the last eight games.
He says they just missed out on a semi-final birth and are looking to build on these strong foundations next season.
“We will be starting pre-season training in November and new players are welcome,” Macpherson says.
One of his charges, Tori Cowburn, was also named as half-back in the team of the year. This was her first season and says she enjoyed the “freedom of AFL” compared to other sports.
The umpires couldn’t split two of the club’s junior players when it came to awarding a runner up for the region’s best&fairest player in the Under 13 age group.
Two Singleton junior players, Kalarni Bates and Oliver Paynter were named joint winners of the award.
Not bad considering Paynter made his AFL debut this season and Bates is only in her second. While U16’s youth girls player Tahlia Thompson, also picked up runner-up in the best&fairest category.
Junior vice-president and U15’s coach, Andrew Thornberry was shocked to pick up a well-deserved volunteer of the year award. Deacon says it was a unanimous decision to nominate Thornberry for the honour.
“From his role as vice-president to the U15’s coach, he just about does it all for the juniors.”
The Singleton Roosters are looking forward to more success in 2018 and are holding their AGM on Thursday October 12.