Scotch College

Footy club gearing up - 2001

As the start to the VAFA season on April 21 draws closer, the Old Scotch Football Club is putting the finishing touches on its pre-season preparation.

'We've been at it since late January and are determined to take a step forward in our quest to build our reputation', coach Brendan Mason remarked after a recent training session. And that goal will be on the line in the opening round when Old Scotch clash with reigning premiers Old Xaverians at Toorak Park after the hosts have unfurled their sixth consecutive premiership flag!

After a positive start to season 2000, the senior team lost momentum late in the season and a last round loss to University Blues sealed its fate for a finals appearance.

The club has recruited well with former Hawthorn and Collingwood on-baller Scott Crowe joining the club to give it midfield bite, so that the forward line led by Luke Hawkins can become even more lethal.

Geoff Speed and Tim Shearer will continue in their roles as joint-presidents, as some exciting initiatives take shape for the new season:

• the club will field a new Under 17 team, the Eastern Cardinals, playing on Sundays at St James Park as well as at Camberwell
• the Under 19 team will play in Section 1 after being runners-up in Section 2 last season. This will be a challenge but necessary for the club to produce A Grade standard players in the future
• a revamped 3rd XVIII which will be essentially an Under 23 side linking to both the Reserves and Under 19s
• new gymnasium equipment at Camberwell will enhance the players' fitness and strength.

And on the social front Zofia Ross (9836 9882 or naijam@netspace.net.au) and her committee have arranged a superb calendar of events including:

• 17 April - Jumper Presentation Night
• 28 April - 'A Black and White Prohibition Night' with music, dancing and plenty of games at Emulation Hall, Rochester Road, Canterbury - $50.00 per head
• 12 May - Pre-Match Luncheon (St Kevins) featuring David Parkin
• 3 June - VAFA Race Day at Caulfield
• 16 June - Ladies Brunch with a Guest Panel and Clairvoyant (MHSOB)
• 30 June - 'Past Players Pre-Match Luncheon' (Old Xaverians) featuring Charles Kovess.

As always the club's sponsors and donors provide the revenue for its on field efforts. The club has a new sponsor, K2 Asset Management, and has been given generous support for raffle prizes from Whale Watch Holiday Resort (North Stradbroke Island) and Aquarius Apartments (Surfers Paradise) and local businesses. A complete guide to the club's activities for 2001can be obtained from bruce.brown@scotch.vic.edu.au.

Despite the summer heat the training sessions were well-attended and productive. Practice match form has been encouraging and Brendan Mason is quietly confident about the outlook. 'I really believe that we can and will improve this season', he remarked.