SPOC FC | September

The Footy Club finished the season strongly on and off field. In the back half of the season, the A Grade played with conviction to win sufficient games to maintain its position in the top Division for the sixth year in a row.  The highlight being a last round, must-win, away game against finals team Port Districts, which we won in a nailbiter. Kudos to coaches and especially the players for the courageous finale to the season, with the young building momentum and setting the scene for the future.  The B and C grades, while lacking personnel, were also well coached and kept their standards high and put in some creditable games against strong opposition. Numerous schoolboys played during the year when available and we expect to convert them into old scholar footballers next season - a big thanks to Josh Francou for helping make this happen.  As we look to next year, A grade coaches, led by Head Coach Mike O'Leary have all been re-appointed and many top players already re-signed, in a vote of confidence in our existing setup and future direction.

The Club held a hugely successful lunch for 200 current and former players to announce the Team of the 20th Century, curated by former Club Coach and legend, Grant Lyon. The chosen Team covered seven decades and contained numerous players with league, state and national representative honours. It was a joyful occasion, full of goodwill for the Club, teammates, former glories and hopes for great days to come. Much credit and thanks to lead organiser Will Hamilton for many years of work in bringing the Team to life and, along with his organising committee, for putting on such a great event.  The Club also held a reunion event for another 60 former players and friends to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the 1983 A and B Grade Premierships, both defeating Sacred Heart Old Scholars.  The Headmaster, the Chair of the School Foundation and others spoke with admiration and affectation for the Club and all offered their ongoing support for the Club, which provides not only a sporting outlet, but also camaraderie and connectivity for so many in an enjoyable community setting.

Another notable events were the induction of another 26 Life Members, who have a minimum of 10 years playing or worthy non-playing service and this highlighted the commitment by so many to the Club and that in turn the Club provides a meaningful pursuit for so many. The culmination of this year's individual journeys was the achievement by long term player and Club stalwart Richie Milne of a Club record 400 games -  a remarkable story of durability and resilience from a much loved and well respected member of our Club.

Finally our congratulations to Helen Copping, mother of Benet (another long time, popular player and stalwart of the Club), who won a 2023 Hyundai Venue in our 2023 Club Online Auction Fundraiser.  Well done Helen for your winning bid and a huge thanks to Jack and Julia Dowling, of Duttons Automotive Group, for the great vehicle. Duttons have been a long term major sponsor of the Club and all are encouraged to support Duttons in return and consider Duttons for your next vehicle purchase.  For every vehicle purchased, Duttons pay the Club a $500 cash bonus - a win/win all round!

More photos can be viewed on SPOC Connect. You can also join the SPOC FC Group here.

Guy Roberts (WDK 1979)

Chair, SPOC Football Club