THE SWOOP - Round 5 v Carngham-Linton

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PRESIDENT'S REPORT

It was a tough day at the office for the club last weekend against a very strong Learmonth outfit across both football and netball. While the results didn’t go our way in a lot of grades, the effort and attitude from players right across the club couldn’t be questioned. Some days simply don’t go your way, but there’s still plenty to take out of the round as our teams continue to build throughout the season.

A big congratulations to our Under 13A and Under 13B netball sides who picked up wins on the day, along with our Under 15 footballers who continued their impressive start to the season with another big victory.

This week we head into a huge day against Carngham-Linton, where both clubs will compete for the inaugural Nick McIntosh Shield. Nick was someone who made a lasting impact across both of our clubs and the wider community, and this shield is a fitting tribute to someone remembered so fondly by so many people. The shield will be awarded to the club that records the most wins across football and netball throughout the day, adding a little extra meaning to every match.

We’re incredibly honoured to have Nick’s family and friends joining us for the day as we celebrate his contribution to our club and remember him.

We encourage everyone around the club to make them feel welcome and help make the day a special one both on and off the field.

With Mother’s Day on Sunday, we’re also excited to welcome special 500 Club halftime guest speaker Judith Fawcett OAM to the clubrooms. Make sure you see Kylie and Jen in the stadium to purchase your 500 club membership and access it’s benefits!

Our junior netballers will also be running a Mother’s Day raffle throughout the day, so bring along some cash and grab a couple of tickets to support the girls and their fundraising efforts. It might be your chance to snap up a last-minute gift for the special lady in your life!

Off the field, Saturday night’s Op Shop Swap social event is shaping up to be a beauty. There’ll be finger food, a beer pong tournament and a DJ, so make sure you come along for what should be a great night!!

And finally, a reminder to grab your tickets for the club ball on May 30 - it’s just around the corner and set to be one of the big nights of the year!!

GO MAGGIES!

NETBALL REPORT

Last Saturday proved to be a very tough day on the courts for our netballers against a strong and well-polished Learmonth side. With several injuries and a number of players unavailable across the grades, many teams were challenged both physically and structurally throughout the day. While the scoreboard didn’t fall our way in most matches, the effort and determination shown by all players to keep fighting until the final whistle was something the club can still be proud of.

A big congratulations goes to our Under 13A and Under 13B teams, who were the only sides to come away with wins on the day. Both teams continue to show fantastic growth, teamwork and resilience each week, and their hard work is beginning to pay off on court.

As always, one difficult round does not define a season.

These tougher games often provide valuable lessons and opportunities for teams to regroup, reset and continue improving together.

This week we take on Carngham-Linton in what is always a fiercely contested day across both football and netball. The club will also be playing for the inaugural Nick McIntosh Shield, which will be awarded to the club that records the most wins across all football and netball matches throughout the day. It is a fitting tribute to a much-loved figure of local football and netball, and one both clubs will be proud to compete for.

We expect some great match ups on the courts this weekend, with our girls eager to bounce back and put together strong performances across the grades. We look forward to seeing plenty of competitive netball and great club spirit right throughout the day.

FOOTBALL REPORT

Last week wasn’t our day at Learmonth as our teams encountered strong opposition in all grades. The Seniors were competitive and threw a big challenge out early in the last quarter but were unable to get over the opposition in a game where we probably didn’t deserve to lose by five goals. The

Reserves met the top of the ladder Lakies and fought hard with little luck.

The U/15 lads were the standout performers of the day as they recorded a strong win while the U/18s put in their best showing of the season. The littlest Maggies continue to develop and improve rapidly in the U/12

grade.

Carngham Linton travel to the Bull Milgate Oval this week and we look forward to an entertaining day of football. Last year our Reserves won by one point and our Seniors lost by one point. Let’s hope we get the win in all games and whatever the margins we’ll all be happy.

Congratulations to Tim Collins who makes his senior debut this week after joining the club last season. Tim was making good progress last year until suffering a season ending finger injury. This pre-season Tim worked hard on his fitness and his game sense and after three solid games in the Reserves he has earnt the right to play in our Seniors.

Lach Fitzgerald returns to the Seniors after

recently running the Ballarat Marathon so we can expect to see him cover plenty of ground. Devon Davies also comes into the senior lineup for the first time this year and we look for him to continue on from his solid performances of late last year.

Saturday is the Inaugural Nick McIntosh Memorial Shield day as we remember a past player who won premierships and best and fairest trophies at both Clunes and Carngham Linton.

Nick passed away suddenly in the week before our clash last year and it didn’t take officials long to decide he should be honoured with a memorial shield. Nick was widely recognised for the energy, enthusiasm and passion

he brought to both clubs and his desire to assist however he could was well known. Fittingly, the shield will be contested between two of his clubs and decided by the combined win/loss record across every football and netball game. We welcome any members of the McIntosh family attending today

and all of Nick’s past teammates.

Senior Player I’m looking forward to watching this week: Tim Collins. The debutant. Why wouldn’t we all want to watch the latest player to join the ranks of senior players to have represented Clunes?

Reserves player I’m looking forward to watching this week: Phil Vogrin. The weather has turned and so might the game turn towards ‘Sweet Chilli’ who can expect more of the footy at ground level where he does his best work.

Junior player I’m looking forward to watching this week: Benji Featherston works hard every

week as he tries to lift his U/18 teammates with his leadership. This week Benji will get the chance to lead his team in a game expected to be closely fought. Will we see Benji kick a bag?

Go Maggies!