Club News

Details: Created: 03 March 2015

In December 2013, the Glenorchy District Football Club was fortunate to secure the services of its former player and ex-Brisbane Lions player Aaron Cornelius as it’s playing coach for the next two seasons, after the sudden resignation of Ben Beams in that role. Aaron brought with him a new level of professionalism to the club, and despite the loss of some 31 players from the previous year, and with all the “experts” writing the club off, to the players and coaches credit, we were able to great on field resolve and manage to win 11 games to qualify for the finals, only to lose in the first elimination final. The club also appointed Matthew Smith from New Norfolk as assistant and bench coach, and Shane Piuselli – a former past club great, as coach of the Development League team (and later as a most valuable player); Michael Styles was his assistant; Brian Free was appointed as Under 18’s Team coach with Graeme Bennetts as his assistant.

There is no doubt that these appointments have had a profound effect on the development of the wealth of young talent within the club ranks at present, and has also added enormously to the professionalism of the core group of players. The club was fortunate to engage the playing services of two former AFL players in Jamie Charman and Alan Didak from Brisbane and Collingwood respectively during the season. Unfortunately, Jamie copped a nasty calf injury when dominating the game against Lauderdale which ended his year prematurely, and whilst Alan did struggle on the playing field, his participation was reflected in the increased numbers in attendance at the game. Both players also attended the club’s Black and White Ball at the casino.

The low light of the season was the debilitating injury that Aaron suffered at Blundestone Arena against Clarence in round 15, and this had a profound effect on the club’s playing capabilities for the remainder of the year. The injury sustained was horrific to say the least, and as a club, we wish Aaron the best possible result from his operation in January, and his future rehabilitation in his efforts to get back to full health. The Development and Under 18 teams both qualified for finals footy after a season in which both sides had to struggle through a continual change of playing personnel due to Academy and injury constraints, and to make finals was a great reflection on the coaches of the respective sides to keep the teams focused, as there is no doubt that both coaches had plenty of sleepless nights with team selection. The positives of the season will suffice in time, as the fast tracking of the young group will hold the club in good stead for the future going forward.

The initial year of the club’s participation in the Women’s League was also an important stepping stone in the future direction of the club, and the team was successful in progressing to the preliminary final. We look forward in anticipation to a further progression of the team going forward. We as a club acknowledge the efforts of its coaches Luci-Anne Otterway, Greg Grubb, Lee Tulip and all their associated helpers for their efforts during the year. It is time to once again acknowledge the untiring efforts of all associated with the Football Department throughout the year, be it as team managers, assistant team managers, trainers, physiotherapists, water carriers, property stewards timekeepers, ground managers, statisticians, interchange stewards, umpire escorts, scoreboard attendants, club runners, fitness advisers, contracts, list and development personnel. A special thanks of gratitude to Barry, Pop, and Mick for the team manager roles.

From all players and Football Department, a big thanks to the entire kitchen, bar, canteen, office volunteers and staff - thank you for all your assistance throughout the year. To the Board of Management – we acknowledge your unwavering support on all matters presented.

Ray Court once again has done an amazing job in looking after the area of membership and player sponsorship, and to you “Dennis” - special thanks.

The club would also like to acknowledge the following on their achievements throughout the season:

Cazaly Medallist – Jaye Bowden

Peter Hudson Medallist – Aaron Cornelius

RACT Player of the Year – Jaye Bowden

State Representatives – Jaye Bowden, Aaron Cornelius, Brayden Webb (Men’s) Sandy Eaton, Nietta Lynch, Sarah Davis, Alanah Kelly (Women’s)

Mariners – Mitch Rainbird, Josh Watts, Jordon Arnold, Jordan Hayden, Matt Joseph

Women’s League Best & Fairest – Alanah Kelly

Women’s League Goalkicker – Nietta Lynch

Also congratulations to all club award winners on their respective awards. Thanks to all coaching staff: Aaron, Matty, Shane, Michael, David, Grant, Leigh, Brian, Graeme, Luci-Anne, Greg, Lee for your untiring work during the year, and there is no doubt the seeds for the future of the club have been planted. The club has introduced the following motto for 2015 as its driving force: “Building to Be the Best.”

Finally, to all associated with ensuring that the club redevelopment of its facilities and its long term viability within these – a thank you from the Football Department for achieving the outcomes you have after countless hours of negotiations.

Des Peters
Football Director

Details: Created: 03 March 2015

2014 was my first year back at the club for 4 years or so. I was impressed with the attitude and culture of the playing group and the club in general. It was an enjoyable year for me personally, and I would like to thank all of those who played development League throughout the year.

On the field, the development league team started slowly – We were impacted with injuries throughout the club and had a number of players coming up from under age getting used to playing open age footy and playing in different positions.

As the year progressed we improved our performances, lost a couple of close games in the middle stages, and then won 4 of our last 6 games to make finals. This was a great effort from the boys. Our last 6 games were all pretty much mini-finals, and this experience of a ‘win at all costs’ mentality each week will stand our players in good stead for next year.

We played a total of 55 players in the development league this year, ranging from 15 to 34 years old. We had 30 players play their first club game, whilst 11 players who played development league through the year, also played their first senior game for the club.

We had 17 players who played Under 18’s during the year come up and fill in for the Development league team, some stayed and played the year out – This is a great sign for the club going forward. Thank you to those boys, and we hope to see you all have a big preseason and push for Senior footy next year.

The return to an open age format for the Development league was a success in my opinion. I think it very important to have a place for our older players in the club. Either as depth players, or they may be returning from injury, or finding form, or staying involved in some way at the club – Having them play alongside our emerging junior players, teaching them the GDFC cultures and making them feel more comfortable on the field is a big benefit to the club in general.

I would like to acknowledge a number of people who contributed their time through the year. A big thank you to all of those listed below:

Michael Styles our assistant coach, it was great to have Patchy back involved with the senior group this year.

Our game day staff - Grant Alford, Mark McConnen and Jason Burgess.
Our Match Manager Pop Rogers, who did a great job through the year, thanks Pop.
Dennis Bird and all the Trainers, and Elliot Maher our Fitness Coach.
Des Peters and Barry Hasset and the entire footy department.

Brian Free the under 18 Coach. Brian always pushed for his players to play at the highest level and put the clubs goals ahead of his own teams results, particularly when we had a number of injuries and had to ‘poach’ Brian’s players through the middle part of the season, so thank you Brian.

Finally to AC – I really enjoyed working with you this year mate. It was also great to see that after being away for 5 years, you fitted straight back into the club as if you had never left. Good luck with the rehab.

Shane Piuselli
Development League Coach 2014

Details: Created: 03 March 2015

Introduction
On reflection, 2014 was somewhat disappointing having not conducted an Annual Reunion. The prime reason, as provided to GDFC members and our own Association members by way of email during the season, was that the association was unable to plan a date for such an event due to the uncertainty of social facilities being available with the advent of club premises to be demolished. In addition, the tradition of celebrating previous senior premierships that fall in multiple decades of a current year eluded us as no premierships occurred in “the 4’s.”

On a brighter note, it’s given us an opportunity and sufficient time to adequately plan for what is to be the biggest celebration in the history of our Association i.e. the culmination of five senior premierships that span an era of eighty long years, it includes the inaugural Green & Gold, Roy Cazaly led pre-second world war premiership of 1935 plus the 1955, 1965, 1975 and 1985 flag winners.

Club Premises
In relation to the new social premises, it finally appears that an end is in sight with December 2014 being the likely demolition period. This means that club social facilities will not be available in 2015, therefore our Association will need to seek out an appropriate alternative to host our proposed 2015 calendar. Once this is finalised we will immediately inform members of the circumstance with all relative data in preparation for the 2015 reunion.

Catering
This publication affords us the opportunity to publicly express our sincere appreciation to Carol De Jersey and her catering team for the wonderful help they have provided to our reunions over the years, and for that we are eternally grateful.

R. H. ‘Banjo’ Patterson Perpetual Trophy
The executive committee and members congratulate the 2015 senior ‘Banjo’ Patterson perpetual ‘Fairest & Best’ player, Jaye Bowden who incidentally equals the achievements of eleven others players who have won three such awards from when the trophy was first introduced in 1928. Our Association provides the Roy Cazaly medal to the winner accompanied by a cheque for $500. For an outstanding season in 2015 we also congratulate the Development Squad ‘Fairest & Best’ player, Shaun Stewart and we look forward with anticipation to his future development.

Hall of Fame
The initial criteria to qualify for induction was inaugurated in 2002, and it is currently being reviewed by an independent committee that will recommend (if any) changes to the executive committee for consideration by the end of November 2014.

Memorabilia
Our Association continues to collect items to add to its ongoing range of photo’s and historical data. We aim to have the most comprehensive collection of any club in Tasmania. To achieve this goal, club historian Graham Kelly, is again requesting the assistance of any player or official who may have in particular, senior and or reserves photo’s, so they can be copied for prosperity sake and the originals will be returned; if you can help please contact Graham on 0400 212 805.

Obituary
The name Linton is synonymous with the Glenorchy Football Club with the recent passing of Vic Linton, loving husband of Faye (a grand club supporter and former club volunteer) father of club champion Gary, and father of former club board director Peter, the Past Players & Officials Association extends its deepest regret to the Linton family.

The Association Executive expresses its sincere condolences to Mrs. Shirley Scott on the passing of her husband Doug, who was the club’s oldest Player Life Member. Doug was one of the on field pioneers of the club in the immediate post war period and a great character of his time.

Former 1950’s player, Ray Heffernan passed away in late November 2014.

Ray joined the New Town Football Club in 1955 and was a Reserve’s premiership player in the Centenary year 1958 with the Glenorchy Football Club. He concluded his football career in 1959, attaining 61 club games, and our Association forwards its fond memories and respect for a gentleman lost.

Kevin Foot, well known and much respected junior football coach at GDJFC, passed away in August after a battle with Cancer that he fought with his customary good humour and passion for life. Kevin coached at Glenorchy Junior Club for about 20 years. He started when Nick joined the under 8's. He has coached under 8’s to under 16’s, having been persuaded to go through the mill twice at least. He has set a great example of dedication to the club and was awarded GDJFL LIFE MEMBERSHIP.

Kevin has seen some of his players go on to play Senior Football with Glenorchy. He was also keen to assist with anything to promote the club and some signs around the place still bear his name. Kevin also had a strong involvement over many years as an umpire with the Umpires Association. The Junior and Senior Club were strongly represented at the “Footy Show” farewell on Thursday at C3 in South Hobart. Both the Junior and Senior Clubs extend their sympathies to Kevin’s family and acknowledge his great Club and community contribution.

2015 On Field
The Past Players wish Senior Coach, Aaron Cornelius, and Development Squad Coach, Shane Piuselli the very best of success for the coming season. Under Aaron’s leadership it appears that the club is heading in a positive direction and is obviously well supported by a strong foundation being nurtured by Shane.

In Closing

Our association reinforce the pathway of club management it its bid to secure the best outcome in relation to the development of new club social and administration premises. Although facilities at KGV will be somewhat sparse in 2015, we applaud members to be patient with the development phase, and equally as patient with management as they strive to deliver the best possible result.

Graham Kelly
Acting President
New Town & Glenorchy PPOA

Details: Created: 03 March 2015

Coming from an amazing game the week before the girls went into Sunday’s game with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Playing Clarence at North Hobart oval, the winner of this game would go onto play Burnie in the Grand final.

Clarence started out strong kicking 2.5 in the first quarter to Glenorchy’s 0.2. The Glenorchy girls fought back in the second quarter and although they had a lot of the play they struggled to convert and went into half time 19 points down. It didn’t get better in the third quarter with Clarence scoring 5 unanswered goals. The girls would not give up though and in the last quarter continued on to score 3 goals to Clarence’s 1. The final score saw Clarence win by 38 points.

Goal Kickers: N. Lynch 2, K. Rattenbury, K. Dransfield

Best Players: B. Keep, L. Pettit, R. Grace, A. Kelly, A. Smith, J. Meyer

Congratulations to all the girls for not giving up and finishing in the Tasmanian Women’s League, 3rd in the state. It was a great start for the Women’s first season at Glenorchy Football Club. The whole team and its supporters want to thank Luci-Anne Ottaway who, as effective of the end of this season has resigned as the women’s coach. Luci-Anne, or LA as she is known to the girls will be sorely missed. We thank LA for all her dedication, support and skill, and hope to see her around the club in the future.

Additionally, there are many people behind the scenes that have helped the team grow. Lena Dadson, the team manager who puts so much time, money and effort into the girls, feeding them soup and managing the paperwork, the team couldn't play without her hard work. Greg Grubb who although didn't finish the season with the girls, assisted LA and supported the team with his football knowledge and dedication. Dale Dadson, who was never far away and although it was not always obvious he provided great support to Lena and the greater team.

The ‘Grubb boys’, Sam who was our runner in pink, always supporting the girls and delivering the coaches messages and Aaron, a senior Glenorchy player who helped where he could. The interchange coach, Lee Tulip, sidelined by injury, Lee played part of Glenorchy v Lauderdale but found her own on the sidelines making sure our interchange worked smoothly. A deep thanks to Dennis, Peta and all of the club trainers for patching us up and helping with our recovery, your knowledge and professionalism has been greatly appreciated. Our water runners, Sammy, Gabby, Lisa and all those that donned the fluro orange, each task is important and we are thankful that you were there to keep us hydrated. Thank you to ‘the regulars’, the partners, the player sponsors and those that see and support the growing potential and popularity that women’s football has. A vital thank you to The Glenorchy Women’s team sponsors, Warren Ross Tax Accountant and the Talbot Hotel. Without supporters like these the Women’s team would not be able to be the team it is.

Lastly, a big thank you to the girls, the passion of the captain, Sandy Eaton, the dedication of the vice captains, Gemma Allan and Sarah Davis, the wise words from the leadership group and the fun and friendship of each and every player.

Good luck Glenorchy Women’s Team in 2015, it will be an adventure!

Luci-Anne Ottaway
GDFC Women’s Coach

Details: Created: 03 March 2015

Well another year done and dusted and unfortunately we couldn’t quite make it to the main event. The Under 18’s boys had an up and down year but we managed to play some great football at times throughout the season.It would have been great to progress into the Grand Final, but as we know success is not always measured by winning; having said that I cannot question the boy’s attitude during the finals series as they all had a crack and gave there all.

We had all 4 teams represented in the finals series (seniors, Development, U18’s and women’s) a credit to the club on this achievement.We have some good numbers on the track all year, with registrations totalling 31 players.Most games we went in with the maximum allowed of 24 players, credit must go to the player’s dedication, and training staff getting the boys up week after week.