GAME DAY wrap up
Another day of all day footy yesterday at Manjimup Rec Ground with patches of rain throughout the morning.
Thank you to Imperials football club for hosting the round and another smooth running of juniors leading into seniors with the trials of the smaller ovals improving every week.
Congratulations to our junior teams who had wins in the 6/7’s & 8/9’s with great player numbers, helpers and supporters. These are the future of our football club and we are fortunate to have great coaches in these grades who are integral in developing these players. Thank you for the time they’re all putting in as volunteers for our club - Tim Ioannou (Auskick), Cameron Harris, Steve Podziuka (yr 4/5) Ben Lagana, Luke Murphy (yr 6/7) Aaron Watson & Kim Edwards (yr 8/9).
The seniors once again had mixed results with the scoreboard in all 3 games not a good indication of the competitiveness of the games for the majority of each game.
The colts showed the depth of their team with all players stepping up & continuing to improve when the opportunity arose. Credit to our Tiger boys who played their best footy also when filling in for Imperials each quarter.
The reserves coach, Tank, was excited Friday night when he named 22 in the side without any colts, but had to be happy with the 17 who turned up to play on Saturday against an experienced reserves Imperials side. Watch out when this group start training together & they all play for each other & the jumper they wear. Keep committing boys & encourage everyone around to dig in & enjoy the comradeship of ressies football & being around the club. We welcome a number of new players to the club & back to club after a few years away.
The League saw us play for the JOHNSON CUP. Sometimes we need reminding of the local businesses & families that have supported local footy for many years - & the Johnson cup is where we continue to thank the Johnson families from Imps & Tigers & ensure the passion is there in the local derby.
Thank you to Grant Johnson who talked to the playing group before the game, explaining to the young guys in the club of today the background of the Johnson cup & what it means to their family to be a part of the special game.
Coach Aaron Watson continues to support the growth & development of our young brigade with another 3 colts players league debuting.
Past players Grant Johnson, Mat Johnston & Paul Edwards all presented playing jumpers to debut players Jed Edwards, Jordan Pinelli & Connor Edwards before the game. These colts boys along with second gamer Conor Cole all stood up for challenge of league football - showing exciting times ahead as these young men develop.
After another slow start to the league game the boys played a ripper second quarter & rallied in the third to be within 5 goals. With lapses of losing focus, allowed Imperials to dominate the last quarter to win by 10 goals.
With challenges of injuries from tough fought out games - the club will continue to support all coaches moving forward on the same train. Jump on board & let’s move forward, develop players & a club that people want to be a part of.
Thoughts are with Paul Starkie who unfortunately had a devastating career ending knee injury in last weeks game. Spud has always the utmost enthusiasm & at nearly 36 was still as pumped as ever to help support the young team.
Thank you to all players & supporters who came back to the club after a big day of football - the club was full even though it was an away game. Awesome!
We look forward to welcoming Deanmill Football Club next Saturday & to the all ladies to join in for Ladies Day on the verandah.
