Season 2022 was a fantastic year for the Drysdale Football Club. The return to community sport post-Covid was initially slow with concerns about further interruptions, but really gathered pace as the season unfolded, and saw our senior football teams return to finals, as well as having strong growth in our junior program.
Our senior football program engaged new coaches, Ben Carmichael and Tom Ruggles, and from day one new standards were set. Recruiting was good, and development of our young group was excellent.
A strong home and away season was followed by a finals campaign that was interrupted by some untimely injuries, culminating in a preliminary final loss for the Senior group and Grand Final loss for Reserves.
The progress made in 2022 sets us up very well for the next few years.
The Senior women's program had another great season under the coaching of Stuart Craven. With a very young team and a good start to the year the team made finals, and while bowing out it was a season of growth for many.
The junior program had a great year under the direction of Amy Milne, with assistance from Brent Taylor. There were many highlights, with the Under 14 and Under 18 premierships, the growth of the Auskick program, and the engagement of the juniors on senior match days with the Hawks Hero's program, being several of them.
Social events returned to the club, and none were bigger than the MND Big Freeze held in early June. Tremendously well organised by Graeme Reid, it raised over $50,000 for a great cause. Thursday nights were back and busy, and Presentation night at GMHBA stadium was a fantastic night for the club.
I, along with the DFC Committee would like to thank all of the Clubs Sponsors, who without your support, rewarding community engagement through sport would not be possible. The relationships that we form truly highlight the fulfilling, inclusive town we live in.
Finally I would like to thank the extremely hard working committee. It has been a very busy year returning to play post-Covid, and the time and effort put in by the committee members is extraordinary. A special mention to Nicki Dunne who is retiring from 9 years as Club Secretary and 11 years of service. Nicki’s contribution to the club has been incredible, highlighted by her receiving life membership this year, which was richly deserved.
I would like to warmly welcome Craig Duncan to the Club Committee, elected at this weeks AGM.
Season 2023 is just around the corner, and looks like being extremely exciting, so we’re looking forward to getting all aboard the Hawks train for a great ride.
David Walder
President Drysdale Football Club
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