Well what a great time it has been to be a Sturt person, after a great finals series and a second Premiership some would think it’s time to sit back and enjoy.
The lads went off to Cairns for their end of season trip where they all enjoyed a well-deserved break returning for the Best & Fairest night which was a great celebration of another super year where Zane Kirkwood was again named the P.T. Morton Medallist.
Some would think that it’s time to sign off but with the retirement of both Kory Beard and Scott McMahon who both had a significant influence in the past two Premiership years they were great leaders and people and as such difficult to replace.
The football department’s work started with David Oatey retaining and signing our squad. He has done an amazing job signing all current players and the jewel was the confirmation that after some AFL interest in our
Senior Coach Marty has confirmed his commitment to the club for 2018.
The question asked by most is who have we recruited?
Three years ago we restructured the whole football department with the sole focus on developing our own. After winning the U18’s and Reserves Premiership and playing finals in the Under 16’s our footy club is in great shape to promote from within.
We had many of our home-grown players play league football in 2017 such as Joel Thiele, Mitch Crowden, Jake Veale and Henry Voigt. Byron Sumner, Josh Dodd and Sam Colquhoun (runner up B&F), Jake Sutcliffe & Tom Read also made their league debut and are now etched in the Club’s history as premiership players.
Let’s not forget John Greenslade who will return from a knee injury for 2018.
We now look forward to the draft and wish all the very best for Callum Coleman-Jones, Mitch Crowden, Jordan Houlahan & Charlie Ballard.
In my opinion Sturt Football Club is in the fantastic shape heading into the next couple of years.
On a personal note I would like to thank David Oatey for his contribution in 2017 as General Manager Football. He has chosen to step aside from this role but more importantly will remain at the Club in the football department for 2018. David’s contribution has been outstanding and on behalf of the Club I say a huge thank you.
We now get ready for Pre Season and then get to enjoy Christmas and take a last deep breath before it all starts again.
Thanks for your support in 2017 and look forward to it continuing in 2018.
Chris Thredgold, Football Director – Post Season Wrap