Hello Pirate players and supporters,
Welcome to season 2009, a season where we again ask ourselves the question; will this be the season that brings us that elusive senior premiership? Round 1 is set for 18 April 2009 and the seniors will host Old Westbourne on the Harry Mac (aka Apex Park) and our exciting under 19 combination will host Prahran, also at home, on the Reilly Oval.
After an off season of some controversy I am immensely proud to again serve the club as President for the next 12 months. I thank the 2008 committee for their efforts and in particular I thank departing committee members Andrew Atchison (secretary), Sam Ferguson (minute secretary) and Luke Prendergast (general committee) due to family commitments and overseas travel.These men are all true believers in the blue and tan and the immense future that is ahead of us.
I welcome Nick Bowman, Morgan Cole with Louise and Tony Barbour to the general committee and Sally Zetter as our new club secretary. With the reappointment of our senior coach, Mark Glenn, reserves coach Nick Claringbold and the appointment of our new under 19 coach Barry Besanko along with assistant coaches Peter Freeman, Brett McIllwraith and Andrew “Jezza” Powell we have in place a coaching staff that is the envy of the competition.
Combine this with the fantastic support we have again received from the school through Colin Brennan, Steve Brennan, Jason Hammond, Ray Hille and the Pavilion staff and a pre season directed by Theo Messinis which finds us fitter and more focused than ever before and the signs are there for a successful season.
My message to us all is that success will follow effort that is contributed evenly and maintained throughout a long season. Let’s not watch the finals let’s be part of them.
I look forward to meeting the parents, family and friends of all players throughout the season and I encourage everyone to help out with the activities on match day and join in the social events during the year including our Presidents lunch on 9 May 2009.
Hooray and up the Pirates!!
Phil Coghlan
President
POBFC
