NOR-WEST president Glenn Whitney has declared the 2011 season a success, with the club making significant strides off the field and in the development of young talent throughout the year.
Whitney said while many outside the club would think otherwise after the senior team slipped from a preliminary final in the AFL Sydney Division Two competition last year to sixth spot this season, the Jets had made a significant step forward with the club’s future, headed by 17-year-old Josh Cass’ Shipley Medal win, and considering the injuries and unavailabilities that plagued the senior team.
“It was a successful, solid year,” he said.
“I think the year probably surprised us in as much as we performed well on the field considering the issues we had with game cancellations, lack of continuance and anywhere up to eight to 10 team changes from one week to the next – there were some credible results and great wins against serious opposition.
“Our best win was against Moorebank, but the best game was against Balmain (under lights at Blacktown 2), we lost by a point but it was probably the most enjoyable game I’ve watched the Jets play, it was a remarkable performance in lousy conditions.
“We probably fell short by no more than a whisker a few times on the field, but because we didn’t play finals it doesn’t mean we didn’t have a successful year.
“We started with $1700 in the bank and outstanding bills and ended with a healthy balance in the five figures, and we can’t lose sight of the raceday fundraiser, to bank just shy of $29,000 for the club was fantastic.
“The senior division of the club really prospered, and even if you take out what we made catering for the finals, it was still a successful year.”
Whitney said the huge task of catering for the six days of AFL Sydney finals had showed just how tightknit the club was and how passionate it is to make the Nor-West name respected across Sydney, while the presentation night was another clear indication.
“Specifically related to the finals catering, a lot of people stood up and went simply beyond what anyone would have expected – I think we found that maybe we had underestimated people,” he said.
“I know one person changed his whole work roster and annual leave arrangements, just so he was available to do the job.”
Outgoing secretary Jim Allan was also full of praise at the club’s steps forward this season, with the presentation night being a true indicator.
“The attendance was fantastic and there was a great spirit, the way everyone dressed up is often a reflection of how people feel about the year and how things are going,” he said.
“It was the best presentation night I’ve been to for the seniors, the venue was very good, the club’s attitude took another step up and the involvement was second to none.
“It exemplified 2011 as far as involvement and commitment was concerned.
“That’s not denigrating previous years, but it just stepped up to another level and we have to step up again if we are to emulate what we did this year – we have to do it a little bit bigger and a little bit better.
“And next year will be better when you look at who has stepped up onto the committee for jobs – its will allow Bully as coach to concentrate on coaching as a focus.
“After being involved and observing for next year, I forecast a very good year for the Jets next year, I’m certain the club is ready to take the next step.
“What I was happy with was the commitment of numbers to training towards the end of the year, when we knew the season was done, the standard of training stayed high, it wasn’t just kicking the ball around the paddock, it was structured.
“Having Donny coming on board, there were a lot of positives coming out of that, it was a very positive year and one which we can all be proud of.”
Last Modified on 24/02/2012 15:03
