WHILE 2016 is predicted to be a big year for the Young Saints AFL Club, it has become evident some grades are slower off the mark than others.
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Despite still being early days, the response to preseason training has left some committee members feeling uneasy.
While a number of First Grade men players have verbally expressed their intention to play, the turnout at Tuesday night’s training session wasn’t as convincing.
If First Grade don’t pick up their game it could jeopardise the season for the rest of the grades.
- Patrick Watkon President
President Patrick Watkin is now calling on those who have indicated their interest to commit to the league by next week.
“If First Grade don’t pick up their game it could jeopardise the season for the rest of the grades,” he said.
Committee member Geoff Harmer said while it’s only February, now is essential in getting skills up and running.
“We’re still on the lookout for senior players, but I’m pretty sure with the interest that I've heard of we can probably put a senior side on the paddock of at least 22 to 23 guys,” Harmer said.
“But now preseason has started you really want to put teams on the paddock and get them up and running.
“There’s no reason why if we keep a majority of them together from last year they can’t aim for a top four spot in the new one-tier competition.”
On the women’s side of things the newly-formed Saintees continue to show dedication after two months of training.
“The girls are killing it - they have a dozen or more there every night,” Harmer said.
The Under 18s are also lacking numbers and are relying on interest from the annual high school match to fill the squad.
Harmer - who will coach the 18s - believes they have a good chance of finishing on top if a few more players show commitment.
“We have a good chance of rolling Bathurst and Orange and push for a top two spot this year,” he said.
“We've got the chance to become a major powerhouse this year - the guys already training are keen, they’re pumped.”
As for the two new junior sides - Under 14s and Under 12s - they will commence training on Wednesday, February 10 at Burrangong Oval from 5.30pm.
Harmer will take on the role of Under 14s coach, while the Under 12s coaching position remains unfilled.
Those interested in joining the club either as a player, First Grade men or Under 12s coach are encouraged to attend training sessions on Tuesday nights from 6pm.
“The more numbers we have the better, and with CWAFL in its new phase, to get some juniors up and running would be fantastic because that’s the future of our club and the sport in this area,” Harmer said.
Valentine's Day Ball
Tickets are still available for the club’s Valentine’s Day Ball to be held tomorrow night, Saturday, February 6 at the Young Golf Club.
Dress code is formal, and tickets cost $50 which includes three course meal and music by the Phat Boyz. Due to catering purposes tickets are only available until 12pm today by contacting Julie Perceval on 0413 477 660.
