Scotch College

Footy Club Asks For 5% More in 2004

The Old Scotch Football Club's 2003 A Grade campaign came to an abrupt halt on Preliminary Final day against Old Xavier. The team had a roller-coaster ride of a season, starting slowly and then winning 10 matches in a row to make the finals for the second successive year. A solid win against Old Haileybury in the semi final was the highlight of the year as we fell short in a few key areas against eventual premiers Old Xavier. The reserves finished the year strongly and were very young, which augurs well for the future. The Under 19s also bowed out to Old Xavier in the Preliminary Final. We know that we are not far away and the club is committed to a big pre-season and season in 2004.

Matt Dennis won the Club's Best and Fairest award with 53 votes in his first year at the Club. Captain Steve Hume was second (45 votes) and competition Best and Fairest winner Andrew Crow was third with 44 votes. Cameron Joyce ('96) won the Reserves Best and Fairest and Tim Aurel-Smith ('01) was a runaway winner of the Under 19 Best and Fairest. It should also be pointed out that Lachie Thompson ('01) won the competition Best and Fairest despite only playing twelve games due to senior team commitments. These awards were presented at the Club's recent Presentation Night, again held in the magnificent Stillwell BMW showrooms in South Yarra. The Club extends its thanks to Michael Stillwell ('68) and the Stillwell BMW team, as it does to our other major sponsors - K2 Asset Management (Campbell Neal ('79)), New Balance (Darren Tucker), Maton Guitars (Linda and Neville Kitchen) and Pharmore Pharmacies (Rohan Aujard ('85)).

Off the field there have been some changes. Geoff Speed ('59) has stepped down as Joint President and will look after the membership portfolio on the committee. Everyone at the Club would like to thank Geoff for his role as President and Joint president over the last five years. Fittingly Geoff received his Life Membership at the Club Annual General Meeting in November. Marie Ferris also joins the committee looking after Social and Fundraising and Simon Hosking ('97) will look after the Football Department. Simon Tallent ('72), Rick Western ('80) and Curtis Reid ('91) step down from official duties but will still be helping the club in 2004. Tim Shearer ('85) will be President in 2004 with former president John Montgomery ('67) back on the committee as Vice President.

We also welcome current 1858 Club President Bruce Armstrong onto the Match Committee as coach of the Under 19s. Bruce is committed to the group of boys and is keen to integrate them into the Club. First and foremost he wants them to enjoy their footy, to enjoy being together and to enjoy the Club. David Hughes ('61) will again assist Bruce with Barry Price and Mick Smith. Dale Tapping is again coaching the seniors with Andrew Smith as his Assistant. Serge D'Angelo and Ray Beattie will again be looking after the seconds. The Club will DEFINITELY be fielding a 3rd XVIII in 2004 and Terry Kendell will be holding the reins.

Tim Shearer
President