Scotch College

Challenging season ends on a high for Old Scotch Football Club

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: TIM SHEARER, PRESIDENT, OLD SCOTCH FOOTBALL CLUB

The Old Scotch Football Club had a season of highs and lows in 2007, with the club ending the season on a high note, defeating St Bernard’s in a do-or-die match on St Bernard’s home turf to avoid relegation to B section.

The team ultimately finished seventh on the ladder, winning seven games and losing 11. To the credit of the players and the coaches, the team remained committed and positive throughout the season, and continued to work hard for each other and the coach.

It was very pleasing to see the development and capabilities of many of the young players during the season. This augurs well for the future of the club and ensures that there is good depth in the playing list and competition for senior selection.

The big post-season news has been the appointment of former Casey Scorpions coach Peter Banfield as the new Senior Coach. Peter takes over the coaching role at Old Scotch from Barry Price, who after two excellent and productive years as Senior Coach, decided not to continue after the conclusion of the 2007 season.

Peter Banfield has a wealth of elite playing and coaching experience, including playing AFL senior football with the Brisbane Bears and Essendon. As well as coaching the Casey Scorpions in the VFL, Peter has had Assistant Coaching roles with Melbourne and St Kilda Football clubs. With a new coach in place, the club’s football department is now busily gathering momentum for the exciting challenge that lies ahead in 2008 and beyond.

Will Lewis won the Seniors’ best and fairest award in a tight race from the fast-finishing Pat Butler. Will played all games and was an outstanding contributor on and off the field. He was also a key member of Club Captain Adam Nettleton’s leadership group.

Adam proved to be an excellent leader both on and off the field, despite missing several games with injuries. His personality and spirit were an inspiration.

The club was shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Len Thompson in September. Len was the father of 2007 Old Scotch players, Lach and Sam, and of former Old Scotch player, Nic. Our ruckmen benefited greatly from the advice of Brownlow Medallist Len, and his contribution and presence will be greatly missed. Our sympathy goes out to the Thompson family.

The biggest and most positive off-field development for the club was the Camberwell Sportsground pavilion refurbishment, the biggest infrastructure project in the club’s history. With the project now completed, Old Scotch Football Club has arguably the best changeroom, social and administrative facilities of any VAFA club.

The club is also most grateful to everyone who contributed to the pavilion redevelopment fund through the Australian Sports Foundation. We exceeded our target of $125,000, to ensure that the ground development went ahead.

As well, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Community Bank of Surrey Hills and Canterbury (Bendigo Bank), a magnificent electronic scoreboard, adaptable for cricket and football, will be completed by March, in time for the 2008 season.