On reflecting on his team’s efforts throughout the year, Young Saints AFL Club’s Geoff Harmer described 2016 as a “solid season” for First Grade.
The First Grade Saints finished seventh on the Central West AFL ladder after being defeated by the Parkes Panthers 56-21 on Saturday.
Harmer said Parkes dominated on the day, and if not for Young’s defensive pressure the scoreline could have “blown out”.
“Defensively we were pretty sound, we just couldn’t compete with some of the height they had over the ground,” Harmer said.
“It was hard to combat it but I couldn’t fault anyone, the effort was there for the whole four quarters.”
Throughout 2016 the Saints have recorded two wins and 15 losses, results Harmer was satisfied with given the situation.
“To look at what happened early on in the year when we had quite a few players retire or not come back, it was hard to deal with,” he said. “But the 18s stuck with us.
“If we had a few more senior players and guys who’d stay committed we would have easily pushed for fourth spot in the finals.
“We hope to get some more guys back and get running a bit earlier in the season to hopefully grab a finals spot next year.”
Fortunately for Young the Saints will be present come finals time in the Under 18s and women’s division.
