The Club has always placed emphasis on having a strong Under 17s profile. It is the pinnacle for Junior Boys football.
In season 2022 we were fortunate to present two really strong teams, which could overcome the demands on players with school and Dragons commitments.
Returning as head coaches from last years shortened season were Senior section players Tom Spencer and Kieren Dyer.
The Div 3 team had a tremendous season, finishing 3rd on the ladder before bowing out to St Bedes in the Prelim Final, St Bedes going on to win the flag.
On the other hand, the Div 1 team which also finished 3rd on the ladder, faced the powerful St Bedes Div 1 line-up in the Prelim final and played tremendous team footy to win by 25 points. This was a massive win. Our opponents in the GF would be St Peters, an equally difficult proposition who had beaten St Bedes convincingly in the opening round of the finals. This is a team stacked with quality players and goal scoring options. Their midfield is quick and their back half is a tall and formidable group.
From our point of view we knew St Peters would come out of the gates with strong intent, eager to get away to a flying start in the hope it would break us. They threw everything at us in the first quarter, but our defence lead by Tom O’Rourke and Will Snowden held firm and a late goal by our boys ensured the damage was limited to just 9 points. Going with the breeze in the 2nd quarter was a great opportunity to draw back their lead and reverse the pressure. The two Charlies -Bruce (midfield) and Harrop (half-back) lifted the intensity, which bought our forwards into the game. By half time the games’ fortunes had been reversed with BFC now leading by 12 points.
By ¾ time St Peters had clawed back the lead to 7 points. The final quarter was going to be full on pressure. Enter Calsher Dear and Jett Butler. Calsher had hurt his ankle early in the game, so his ruck duties were limited. As a consequence, he was essentially moved to full forward with Jett going to centre half forward. In a quarter of scintillating footy Calsher and Jett dominated, each ending with 4 goals apiece. They were ably supported by Oliver Goodger (2 goals) and Elliot Styles (2 goals).
Special mentions to Alessio Barba who was brilliant in the ruck after Calsher was moved forward, Oscar Newstead (dominated his wing in the 2nd half), and Cooper Dowe (played his role forward of the ball brilliantly).
Overall, it was an amazing TEAM performance, every player performed their role and were lead brilliantly by Will Snowden and Charlie Bruce. The game plan hasn’t changed all season; importantly the boys knew how to execute it. On Sunday they did it to perfection.
Final score: St Peters Bulldogs 8.6-54 – BFC Sharks 12.7-79
Congratulations
to Charlie Bruce, who has had a remarkable season, capped off by winning the SMJFL Umpires ‘Best Player’ award in the grand Final.
Let’s also mention the great job Tom and Kieren have done all season coaching the two teams, while having their own football commitments to deal with as well. They’ve been ably assisted by Will Skinner, Ben Murphy and Justin Wilson and supported by Team Managers Angela Pepper, Rudi Sims and Age Group Co-ordinator Lee Young.
A colossal effort by the whole group.
Tom's speech after the GF where he went out of his way to acknowledge the Div 3 boys and their contribution to the premiership was heartfelt and showed great maturity.
A colossal effort by the whole group.
On this day the Div 1 boys were awe-inspiring. It was truly, a special win.
(Many thanks to Jacqui Garside and Anthony Lewis for the great photos)
Go Sharks!
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