Our season was a tough one in First Grade and narrowly missed finals by one game. The 18s though managed to get to a preliminary final but with limited numbers, as in First Grade, bowed out of the race.

The club underwent a change to the board at the season’s start with Anthony Webb becoming our president and in the coaching ranks Rob Harrington took on the senior job as captain-coach and did an admiral job, as well as sadly suffering a season-ending knee injury.

The 18s saw a new face at the helm in the form of Ray Martin who came to the club with a wealth of junior coaching experience.

Thank you both Rob and Ray.

There was an impressive improvement in club support both at the ground and back at the watering hole on game days, and by local businesses in sponsorship and donations. So a huge thank you to all on behalf of the Saints AFL Club.

Special mention has to go to Cafe de Jour, Stewart’s Jewellers and Brian Maroney, and to the “Apron Brigade”, which is made up of a splendid group of wives, girlfriends and mothers who manned our canteen and put on hot meals at the Young after our home games.

Thank you Sharon Smithers, Sharon Webb, Karen Ower, Maree Cummins, Ambre Jennings, Wendy Silk and Codie Harrop.

The major sponsorship of both grades was so greatly appreciated this season, especially by some who have not been associated with AFL before. So thank you to the Young Hotel Social Club, Young Hotel, BFC, Young Motors, South West Slopes Credit Union, Harden Fuel Supplies, Tyrepower, IGA, Judges Pharmacy and P & S Smithers Transport. We hope those jumpers are hanging proud at home or in your business.

This season the awards were spread out among both grades and this is testament to the way all involved put in on and off the field.

I was extremely proud of all the recipients and also, on a personal level I was quite humbled to be made a life member of the club that has been a significant chapter in my life and will be for many years to come.

The Auskickers were also rewarded for the year they put in and the feedback from the kids and parents alike concerning clinics and carnivals this year has been promising.

Lastly if I’ve forgotten anyone I express my apologies, but if you were involved in our club in any way or form, thank you.

Hungry.

Young Saints AFL Club award recipients

Best and Fairest 

Under 18s – Jarrod Pope.

First Grade – Sam Herzich.

Best and Fairest runner-up

Under 18s – Brayden Harmer-Clark

First – Grade Drew Morris

Coach Award

Under 18s – Zac Callaghan

First Grade – Brent Blythe

Most Improved 

Under 18s – Jarrod Filmer

First Grade – Jarrod Pope

Players’ Player 

Under 18s – Blake StClair

First Grade – Ethan Cummins

First Year Player

First Grade – Chris Thompson

Players of the Finals

Under 18s – Zac Callaghan

Club awards

Saint of the year – Anthony Webb

BS Award – Jason Loader

Player of the Year – Geoff Harmer

Club Man of the Year – Brent Blythe

PJs Fast Food Volunteer of the Year – Gary Anderson

Life Membership – Geoff Harmer.