Rostrevor Magazine 2020-2021

Page 72 / Rostrevor Magazine 2020 - 2021 Pre-season training for 2020 commenced with a four-week block leading into Christmas. All the coaches from the 2019 season agreed to continue in 2020 - Will O’Malley (’07) (A Grade), Damien Polkinghorne (’97) (B Grade), Mark Twiggs (C Grade) and Steve Edwards (D Grade). John Turner was again in charge of the fitness program. A er a short break, the players returned to the training track in early January. Training sessions were well attended, with more than 90 players joining in the pre-season up to the end of February. Once again, Rostrevor College provided excellent grounds and facilities. ROCFC was able to retain most of its senior list. Tim Baccanello (’10) and Patrick Dawson (’16) were invited to train with the Adelaide State League (SANFL) squad. The “ins” for 2020 included Harry Brasher (’18) (Rostrevor College/Mt. Lo y), Daniel Carbone (’19) (Rostrevor College/Norwood), Adrian Coles (Perth), Jonah Duperouzel (Blackwood/Sturt), Sam Hearn (’19) (Rostrevor College/PNU),Stefan Lanzoni (’19) (Rostrevor College/Norwood), Matthew Mezzini (’16) (Rostrevor College/Athelstone), Josh Moyle (’12) (UTS Bats), Nick Murphy (’07) (former South Adelaide Captain), Shane Newbound (Mitcham), Dylan Reinbrecht (’09) (Norwood/Glenelg/ Echunga), Hayden Swanbury (’18) (Rostrevor College/PNU), Riley Willson (Rostrevor College/ Paskeville) and Blake Wood (’18) (Rostrevor College/Norwood). Tom Hurley (’05) returned from long term injury. James Jordan (’09) was again named Club Captain, with Daniel McCallum (’10) his Deputy Brendan Littler (’05) took over as the A Grade bench coach, and he was joined by Charlie O’Malley (’09), Andrew Michelmore and Rino Cialini (’72). Wahib Joubeir (’94) (Physio) and Vicki Lines (Head Trainer/ COVID-19 Safety Officer) continued to lead the medical team, with assistance from trainers Jess Gray, Lauren Harrington, Paige Mudge, Lucy O’Malley and Angus Szajer (’15). All seemed to be going to plan. However, it all changed abruptly in early March, when it became apparent that one of the effects of COVID-19 would involve the disruption of sporting fixtures. Trials were cancelled, team training was banned and the start of the football season was postponed indefinitely. A er a lengthy break, training resumed at the Campbelltown Memorial Oval on May 19 and the 2020 season finally got underway on July 4. The Club again fielded four sides. In the shortened season, 117 players appeared for the ROCFC - 13 for the first time - bringing the overall number of players to have represented the club to 1420. Several player game milestones were reached during the season - the more significant being Simon Emanuele (’92) 350, Craig Holm (’07) 150 and Matthew McPeake (’06) 100. In a year when it looked unlikely that the competition would make it to the end, we were fortunate to have a group of strong leaders who set a great example. The players/coaches/support staff are all to be congratulated for getting through the season with a minimum of fuss. The A and D Grades made the finals - the As falling at the final hurdle. A total of 34 played seniors in 2020 and it was the A’s 5th Grand Final in eight years. Many thanks to the retiring coaches, “Polky” and “Twiggsy,” in particular “Polky” who has been B Grade Coach since 2014. Match Day operations continue to run smoothly, thanks largely to the efforts of Match Day Officials, Dean Lord and Bob Sutherland. Thanks go to the A Grade Assistant Coaches and to all the Team Managers in the different grades: Andrew Michelmore, David Moyle, John Lewis, Tony Franzon (’79) and Keith Norris. Website Co-ordinator Matthew Haddad (’89) was again faultless. Action photos of games and training nights provided by Claude Beltrame (’78) were again greatly appreciated. Congratulations to all the trophy winners. Special mention to Sam Jonas (’13) on winning his second Club Best and Fairest and for being named in the Adelaide Footy League Team of the Year along with Tim Baccanello (’10). Tyler Gava (’12) headed the C7 goal kicking. At the end of the season, Michael Coad, Paul Fantasia (’08) and Tom Hurley (’05) announced their retirements. All ROCS premiership players, we congratulate them on their wonderful careers with the Red and Black. Will O’Malley (’07) and Nick Murphy (’07) will be co-coaches of the A Grade in 2021. Club President Bob Holland and the committee have been outstanding in what has been a very testing year off the field. The ROCFC is again indebted to Rostrevor College for the use of the training grounds during pre- season, and for the help provided by the school’s Business Manager, Jan Hurley. Most importantly, thanks to all the supporters who have come out to watch the Red and Blacks during the year. The ROCFC now looks forward to the challenges that 2021 will bring. Rino Cialini (’72), Football Director Football Rostrevor Old Collegians’ Football Club