Much work has been done on and off the field since the end of last season with one goal in mind . . . to return the club back to Division 1 – and then consolidate that position. To this end the committee has appointed Rod Smitheram who shares this philosophy and he has put in place a three year plan which will see the club once again compete successfully at the highest level. Rod will be assisted by Matt Ashley and Mark Clayton – which makes for a formidable coaching team. Already we have noticed Rod has a very structured and disciplined approach which the players are responding too.

With the new 15 point rule system in place the club has set about recruiting during the off season in a balanced manner and has managed to attract a number of key position players as well as a good mix of both mature and younger players. Training commenced in November of last year and from the outset was well attended.

Off the field you may have noticed a few changes around the club. The old trainers room is in the process of being converted to a gym, with state of the art gym equipment and will be ready before the season commencement. We have refurbished the former trainers room (Jimmy Scanlon Hall of Fame) back to its original condition which provides much better access to the main change room. We have replaced the ceiling tiles and installed down lights in the main clubroom area which has given the whole place a lift. Outside we have converted an old shipping container for storage purposes which will free up some much needed room in the clubrooms proper. All in all there has been a great deal of work happening at the club – done mainly by volunteer club members who are willing to pitch in and help to create a the surroundings for success. We sincerely thank them for their efforts.

We are also in the throes of refurbishing the old website which will be a lot more interactive and include much more content than in the past.  Hopefully this will become the main point of reference for players and supporters alike and will also assist in providing greater exposure to our sponsors.

All in all we are striving off the field to create an environment that is conducive for success on the field. My challenge to the senior players is show the same level of commitment and discipline on the field to return the club back to Div 1. With this common level of commitment on and off the field we should be looking forward to a rewarding year ahead.

Best wishes and good luck for Season 2011.

Steve Moffat