Gungahlin Junior AFC

2003 Year Summary

End of Year reports and items taken from the Junior Jets 2003 Yearbook
Presidents Report
2003 Committee
Why a new Jumper?
Jet Of The Year
Director of Coaching
Coach Of The Year
VP Football
Development Officer
Auskick
Seniors Report
Yass Summary
Volunteer Appreciation
What isn't in the Yearbook is how the Presentation Day went (with thumbnail pics of the day).
Team Summaries can be reached via the 2003 Main Page where all the team draws and round-by-round links to match reports and photos are available.

Introduction


Season 2003 has finished insofar as the in-season component is concerned. Until the AGM and Christmas party in December has occurred and can be added in below, the following represents the wrap-up of the Junior Jets to-date.

Please take your time to read through this summary and absorb the comments made by the various club officials. Anyone with a mind towards volunteering for roles within the club may find some nuggets here as to what they can expect once they join our great team.

If you are keen to look at how each side has progressed over the season then please start your search via the 2003 Main Page. This contains access to all the team pages and displays the respective draws for 2003. This is the first year we have had a full response of round-by-round match reports for all teams. Team summaries by all the coaches of how their side went is also located via the 2003 Main Page. Coaches have also provided player pen-pics which give thoughts on the progress and abilities of our budding superstars. And, photos of the teams that were provided by the coaches and parents are also available via links from the 2003 Main Page.

For a review of the Presentation Day and a peek at some of the action via the happy-snaps then please have a browse in the Presentation Day Page.

2003 Yearbook

Should you wish to obtain a copy of the 2003 Yearbook, we should have some copies available. Please contact us and make a request.

Enjoy



Presidents View


Welcome & Acknowledgements

Welcome one and all to the Fourth Annual Gungahlin JAFC Incorporated Yearbook.

This year you will notice that the yearbook has been expanded to incorporate a historic record of the club and its achievements. Now that we are moving into our 5th year as a club we feel it is time to start to record this information and to honour those that have helped the club grow.

Well it has been yet another memorable year for the club. This season saw 8 children reach the 50 game milestone, our first Junior Jet ACT representative player was selected, again all coaches were Level 1 qualified or above, the club signed a historic sponsorship deal with Gungahlin Lakes, there were no major injuries to any of the children, our association with the fledging Yass club was a resounding success with both clubs receiving great benefit from the growing relationship, our fund raising yet again proved to be a fun social as well as a profitable exercise, the children's skills over the course of the year have improved markedly, we had teams play at the SCG and Manuka oval at the half time break of AFL matches as well as at our Senior club matches, our Auskick development program was a rousing success and continued to grow, most schools in the area have had clinics held by our Development officer, weekly newsletters, a new guernsey and the weather was excellent for the most part. That gives you a quick look at just some of the season highlights.

To have achieved what we have in this short time is no fluke. It has been because of the hard work and dedication of a whole network of volunteers from the clubs elected officials to the coaches and managers, time keepers, flag wavers, runners, report writers, and if you are not already covered, parents and supporters and of course the children for whom this whole network is designed to support.

There are so many people who I would like to thank and tell you about what they do for the club but to do so would fill up several pages so I will just say thanks to all the people who have assisted in running the club. It has been a pleasure to be involved with people of such high character and integrity.

To the many sponsors of the Football Club your support has been a major factor in the growth and security of the club. We are highly appreciative of your support and look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationships. To all of our members we would ask you to support our sponsors when you can. You will find all sponsors listed within this yearbook. If you enjoy the products and/or services of our sponsors then please let them know that you are a Junior Jets supporter.

To all the players and parents we hope that you have had an enjoyable season with the Jets. As always our aims are to promote both the playing of junior football and the social atmosphere within the club. This season the first part was most definitely achieved but due to a change in our major sponsor we did not have the location to run events like our trivia night so perhaps next season (and when the Lakes Club Function areas are built) we can improve in this area (consider that a hint for a volunteer to take on the role of social functions coordinator in 2004). All in all though with the trips away, the Manuka oval events, under 8's Gala Days, Magnet Mart BBQ's, today's presentations and the coming Christmas party on the 7th of December at the new Amaroo oval (aka Ken Zimmer Oval or the "Z") it has not been a bad year in this regard though.

I encourage you to take the time to read through the yearbook. I think it is personally the best one produced by the club to date and will be the start of a record of club tradition and history.

I strongly encourage your attendance and look forward to seeing you all at the AGM (8th Dec, Ngunnawal Community Centre, 7.30pm). This year more than any other year it is important for our members to attend and volunteer for positions on the committee as we will have a number of known holes to be filled. The club cannot continue to maintain itself without an appropriate number of helpers - like a duck on water, we may look like everything is smooth but out of sight some heavy paddling is going on.

To all players, parent and supporters we look forward to your return to the club next season.

Play for Fun and Play Fair. Until next year: Go the Jets!

Bruce Chalker
President

2003 Committee

Click picture for larger image

Click on me to see a bigger image

Insert: Mark Bateman (Treasurer)
Back Row: Mick Hesketh, Martin Bigmore, A.J. Baker (VP Sponsorship)
Front Row: John Byrne (DOC), Mark Walker (VP Football), Bruce Chalker (President), Paul Priestly (Secretary), Scott Bourke
Absent:
Graham Bonnett.

Why a new Jumper?

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Last season the senior club made a conscious decision to build up the club in an attempt to set itself up for future entry into the ACTAFL competition. This building was to take a number of aspects - new coach, attract new players, a new marketing strategy, and a real tilt at taking out this season's competition.

It was the marketing strategy that was put in place to market the club sponsors better that forced the jumper change. In this regard it was felt that the old jumper contained too much white and as such did not bode well for sponsorship, as the logos just do not stand out on the white background. After much debate of the pro's and con's it was agreed by both the senior club and the juniors (as we wanted to keep our ties with the seniors very recognisable and our new sponsorship arrangements with the Lakes meant we had to get new jumpers regardless) to look at a number of designs. Again after more debate both clubs agreed a base design. This is the jumper we have used all year.

Of course you will notice a few differences between the senior jumper and the juniors but these are purely due to the different sponsors that support us and we promote.

And that is the way it all came about.

You would have also seen the old Jumpers still in use by the Yass Jets with their Yass Earthmovers Sponsorship sown on the back.

Jet Of The Year

Nominees

The Jet of the Year award is the clubs most prestigious award. It has been kindly donated each year to us by the senior club and is for a person that the junior committee deem to represent the club's values. It can be awarded for a number and vast range of services to the club, as you will see by the short words about each nominee below. It is unfortunate that there can be only one winner as all of the nominees are fine candidates and would be a worthy "Jet of the Year".

Rodger Braid - Roger was the original coach of the under 11's before they were forced to fold through lack of numbers. He was then asked and accepted the co-coaching roll with the under 10's. When the club was looking for somebody to take charge of the newsletter Rodger stepped up and everybody in the club has benefited.

Lachlan Highfield - Lachlan is the first Jets player to make a representative squad. When required to assist with fund raising to assist with the costs, Lachlan (and his family) rolled up the sleeves and did a great job that benefited both the Junior and Senior Club. This is also the first time a player has been nominated for " Jet of the Year" - something I hope we see more of in the future.

Paul Priestly - Paul was unable to coach this year due to other commitments but rather than sit out the year he volunteered for the vacant position of club secretary. A job that he has carried out exceptionally well. Paul is also the clubs Web Master; he has single-handed designed, created and kept updated the clubs web site. When able he has assisted with coaching, BBQ's or whatever was required.

Graham Bonnett - Graham is the clubs development officer and committee member. He has been holding clinics in most Gungahlin schools over the course of the year (2 or more a week at some times). The club is lucky to have the services of Graham. We hope he will continue in this role for many years to come.

Mark Bateman - Enthusiastic Coach of the under 12's - this years under 12's were the most successful team the club has had to date in the points competition. Mark volunteered at the AGM to act as fill in Treasurer until a replacement was found - we are looking for a new Treasurer still. Mark has also ensured that the clubs Junior League "Footy Record" sales obligations have been fulfilled at AFL matches at Manuka oval. He has been a great asset and hard worker for the club.

Mark Walker - Club VP Football. Club Property manager. Mark is the man who puts up the pads and takes them down, books the ovals and arranges the club use of school facilities, he manages the vast range of football issues that arise during a season, umpires games regularly (even though he knows his knee will play up) and helps out with whatever is required. Mark has matured with the club over the years and has been of remarkable service to the club.

Scott Bourke - Scott has had a most interesting role this season. He has been the driving force and first President elect of the Yass Junior Football Club which will be back in the League next season as a Club in their own right. Scott has also been a hard working committeeman for both the Jets and the Junior League. He simply amazes with his energy and enthusiasm. Throw in Coach of the under 10's, umpire for the 8's and fund raiser and you get some idea of his commitment to football for kids. We wish our Yass friends good luck with the seasons to come and hope that we continue to build on the great relationships we have developed.

Martin Bigmore - Coach of the under 8's and committeeman. Under 8's is one of the hardest age levels to teach, as you need incredible patients but Martin has this in abundance. This season also saw the introduction of Gala Days for the 8's, which meant Martin was responsible for a large part in the running of these. It should be noted that Martin undertook and obtained his level 1 coaching certificate during the season. He was also able to arrange some good advertising for the club in the Chronicle through some interesting persistence. He also sings the club song with great gusto - a very handy clubman indeed.

John Byrne - Probably our most one eyed, passionate Australian Football man in the club. John is co-coach of the under 10's, the clubs Registrar (he took this position on when it was vacated unexpectantly early in the season) and Director of Coaching. John's love of junior football is evident for all to see. He is a founding member of the club and has worked in his own way with the club's best interest at heart.

Bruce Chalker - President and clubs meeting man: Junior League, Senior Committee, Club Committee and sponsorship meetings give some idea. Bruce has assisted in a number of other areas from Goal umpiring, club BBQ's to newsletter printer and distributor. Through Bruce's representation on the Junior League board the Club had an active voice in the running of Junior Football and has done a good job in promoting the clubs values. Unfortunately the club will not have Bruce's services next season as President but we will no doubt see him around the football.

Anthony Baker (AJ) - VP Social and Marketing. AJ has felt that he has not been doing his job half as well as he should be, yet, here we are with a nomination for the clubs most prestigious award. AJ has been of outstanding service to the club in both fund raising with sponsors and more so with ensuring our Magnet Mart BBQ's remain the best in town. In fact just about any time you have seen the BBQ you have seen AJ. AJ through his hard work is one of the main people accredited for the club being in such a great financial position. Well have him at quarter speed if we have too.

 


Jet Of The Year - Winner 2003 - BRUCE CHALKER

There is no doubt that Bruce is a deserved recipient of the Jet Of The Year; on several counts. As President, he has been instrumental in promoting the club and its values by virtue of his leadership, dedication and devotion. Bruce has not performed this role to coordinate others as might be the case in a more mature club but has been hands-on and in the thick of it. He has taken on the responsibility to start and (in a lot of cases) personally follow through activities that might well lie in other administrative areas of running a football club.

Bruce's leadership has been fundamental in why the rest of the Junior Football fraternity view the Gungahlin Juniors in high regard and that alone is worth everything. Balancing the requirements of the internal running of the club while attending to the important matters of the Junior League is not, and has not, been easy. However, Bruce's contribution to League matters has always been thoughtful, of value and with the club's best interest foremost.

Typically, winners of this award go above and beyond the call of duty in assisting the club and Bruce has lived up to that. You will often find him at a game - not content to enjoy the game merely as a parent but ready to perform some duty (invariably as a goal umpire).

Bruce's assistance with Yass Roos and their journey towards independence has also been strenuous and personally time-consuming - yet you won't hear him admit this. Helping out fellow footy people has its own rewards - you might like to ask Bruce what his are.

This year has seen a strengthening in the relationship between the Seniors and the Junior Jets, where certain incidents may well have created some animosity, however, Bruce and Greg Mace (Senior's President) have piloted the Jets away from or around turbulence. The Seniors are now more than ever aware that they have a responsibility for their image in the eyes of Juniors.

Bruce has also piloted the club through what could have become quite a contentious time where the Juniors were offered then accepted sponsorship from the Gungahlin Lakes. However, Bruce's management of this through his working relationship with the Lakes has the club better off financially.

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2003 Jet Of The Year
BRUCE CHALKER

Director Of Coaching


The 2003 season has been a consolidating year in our attempt to put more skilful teams on the paddock on a week to week basis. The very good work done by our coaching staff has made my job as Director of Coaching quite easy as the amount of time oversighting has been greatly diminished. The monitoring and instructing of the Club's Coaches in appropriate Coaching techniques and procedures, emphasising Skills, Game Tactics and the Fun of and Involvement in Football was for the most part greatly reduced by the adaptability of our coaches.

The Aussie Footy teams, in all age groups, concentrated on skill improvement across the board and to that end their skill levels improved two and three fold, which had the desired effect of creating successful football teams in Under 10's, 9's and 8's. The Under 12 team struggled at different times through the year with numbers but the grounding achieved in their first season at the competition level will stand them in good stead for the coming years. Recruiting a few more players, for numerical strength will not only alleviate the numbers problems but will put pressure on the current players so they will not just expect a walk up start each game. The team management including the parent group has done the hard yards this year and next season should see their commitment bear fruit.

All in all the season has provided the club with that next step in our growth where previously we have been the easy beats of any age group to now becoming a club with sides that are considered as consistently giving a hard contest, win, lose or draw.

Yours in football,

John Byrne
Director of Coaching
Gungahlin J.A.F.C.

Coach Of The Year


The Coach of the Year is an award made by John Byrne (the award has been named "The Byrnesy") that recognises the Junior Jets coach who he believes has performed exceedingly well over the course of the season. Anyone that knows John is aware of his knowledge, experience and passion he has for junior footy and the time he has for those with a desire to improve. Recipients of The Byrnesy should be honoured to receive this trophy as a sign of their hard-work and commitment.

2003 Winner: Martin Bigmore

The Coach of the Year for 2003 is Martin Bigmore of the Under 8's.

Martin has shown incredible drive and vitality in his resolve as Coach of the Under 8's since taking on the responsibility as Coach of the 8's at the commencement of the season. To this end he very successfully completed his Level 1 Accreditation as an Australian Rules Football Coach in the second half of the season.

The approach he showed to training and in the game situation with his set up, drill arrangements and his attitude and demeanour towards the playing group of the Under 8's was highly commendable.

To mould the Club's youngest team into a proficient unit, when everyone realises that they are in any club the least attentive and easily distracted age speaks volume for the job so well done by Martin in 2003. Congratulations !!

Coach Of The Year

Coach Of The Year
MARTIN BIGMORE

Vice President Football


This is my forth year with the Jets and my involvement within the club this year consisted of a variety of positions including VP Football, Property Officer, Committee Member and Umpire. Throughout the year I witnessed all grades play at least twice and although I would like to have seen more games, my own children's commitments to their team restricted me to do so. This season all players maintained a high level of commitment and dedication to training, respect for their team members, officials and the opposition. The effort that was put in certainly showed when it came time to running onto the field. The Jets teams are consistently improving with the development of their skills and techniques, thus proving to other clubs that the Jets passion to play football is only overshadowed by their willingness to learn.

The Under 8's started off the season with two teams, but with numbers a little short, it was inevitable that we combined them both. Martin Bigmore took on the role as Coach and was very positive and committed to his position thus earning him the utmost respect from his players. The unity between this team, along with their commitment to training and willingness to learning, has allowed all involved to create enjoyment and bonding friendships. This age group is where the grass roots of football begin to grow, and if we continue to build the club's foundation this way our development will go from strength to strength.

The Under 9's were led by Peter Hanson and Mick Hesketh who shared the role and what a challenge it proved to be. Here we have an age group in which most players have already had a season or two in the Jets Guernsey and just can't wait to break free from the 8's rules and lay on a few good bumps. And this they did as best they could, within the rules of the game, causing the ball to spill free for our players to take possession. Sometimes bumps slipped up a little high to give away a free kick, but still the effort was there, and hey! some decisions have to go against you!

Under 10's, where to start? Well firstly, John Byrne was the Coach then Roger Braid became Co-Coach after dwindling numbers in the Under 11's forced us (the Committee) to disband the team. Most of the U10's team has been with the club since it began and with a total list of around 22 players they proved themselves to be an imposing side. Their skill level proved the difference between the other clubs and will pave the way for this team to certainly be a future premiership contender.

The Under 12's with Mark Bateman as Coach and Brian Davis his assistant, stood tall throughout the season and notched up some points on the ladder with some excellent wins against some tough opposition. Mark incorporated some advanced drills and skills development into the 12's training sessions, and with help from the Senior Jets these exercises were conducted with professional execution. Taking these techniques into a game, showed the Jets how competitive they are, and some games were lost by only a kick. To the players credit these games were character-building losses proving that they could now run with the best teams in the competition.

Yass came to us as our Sister Club in search of a future for Junior AFL in their region. During the year their representation was faultless, always conducting themselves in a professional manner, with nothing more than the development of the children in their minds. Both sides showed great enthusiasm and dedication, their commitment to skill development was a noting factor especially on game day. Congratulations to Scott and the Yass Junior AF Club, on a fantastic first year, hope that you continue to develop AFL in the YASS region and good luck for the future.

Thankyou to all the Junior Jets Committee for their efforts with the club's development, parents and volunteers for their help on game days and at BBQ's, and also to the Senior Jets, Sponsors and to Ngunnawal Primary School.

Finally, my parting words (in a poem) for the year are:

Four years on and still going strong, registrations keep rolling in,
With plenty of kids joining the club, tis where history begins,
Fun and enjoyment our main motto, friendships will be built to last,
Dedication and passion within out hearts, history will tell our past,
Develop those skills both sides left and right, achieve your personal best,
Your coach, the Club, and your mates in the team, will help you do the rest,
But most of all put in one hundred percent, and give it all you've got,
At the end of the day the thing that counts, is you gave it your best shot,
Footy is a game you learn to love, this choice sometimes not yours,
It can take a hold of your heart, and sink in its teeth and claws,
Spellbound we are or for winter at least, till the end of the season draws near,
We enjoy the highs and ride the lows, and some even shed a tear,
But it is all for the love of the Great Australian Game, that the Jets are here to stay,
They will stamp their place in the record books, and make history one day.

Mark Walker.
VP Football GJJAFC

Junior Development Officer

My work as the Jets JDO in 2003 can be summarised in five broad areas:

  • advertising and promoting the Jets Club in Gungahlin Schools;
  • conducting training/development clinics in Gungahlin schools;
  • SEPEP (Sport Education in Physical Education Program);
  • Auskick ; and
  • Assisting/encouraging Gungahlin schools' participation in AFL competitions.

Advertising and Promoting the Jets Club in Gungahlin Schools

Through personal contact with school sports teachers and office staff, I prepared and delivered information for distribution in school newsletters at appropriate times throughout the year. These included advertising the Jets registration days early in the school year and Club Auskick activities throughout the year. Feedback indicates the Club has benefited from these forms of promotion. All Gungahlin schools have supported the Club in this way and their assistance has been very much appreciated.

Conducting Training/Development Clinics in Gungahlin Schools

This is the major focus of my activities. In general, clinics are organised in three 45 minute sessions for each class (one each week for three weeks). This enables teaching basic AFL skills in the first session, practicing/developing these skills in the second session through drills and games, and, for older age groups, playing an AFL game under modified rules in the third session. Emphasis is placed on the fun, heath and fitness aspects of sport in general and AFL in particular. The clinics have been very well received by the school staff and by the students.

So far in 2003 clinics have been conducted for students in the following schools:

  • Gold Creek Senior School (All six year 6 classes and two year 7 classes.);
  • Gold Creek Junior School (All classes);
  • The Good Shepherd School (Amaroo) - (All Classes); and
  • Ngunnawal Primary School (25 students in a specific sport program over four weeks).

On Tuesdays and Thursdays over the period September to the end of the school year all classes at Palmerston Primary School will be covered in a series of clinics.

In addition to the above:

  • in February I assisted in an AFL Clinic involving 5 (North Melbourne) Kangaroos players and 100 students at Holy Spirit School;
  • I assisted with training two teams from Ngunnawal Primary School for four weeks leading up to the James Hird Cup Competition; and
  • I was heavily involved in the running of the SEPEP program at Holy Spirit School for 9 weeks in term 1 (see below for more on this).

Promotional material about the Jets Club was handed out to students participating in clinics and other activities during the first half of the year.

Burgmann Anglican College and Hall Primary School have not yet taken up the offer of AFL clinics this year but will be contacted again with a view to some involvement late in 2003 or in 2004.

As a result of the activities outlined above, more than 2000 students in Gungahlin schools will have been exposed to AFL football and the Gungahlin Lakes Junior Jets Club during the 2003 school year.

SEPEP

SEPEP stands for "Sport Education in Physical Education Program". The AFL has developed a module specifically relating to AFL football and the Canberra AFL Junior Development Team promotes this to primary schools in the ACT. The module allows schools to achieve specific objectives within their general physical education program. The AFL module involves each class running their own football competition involving a number of (9-a-side) football teams. In addition to playing skills, students learn about umpiring, administration, promotion and media aspects of the sport.

The AFL module has been adopted by The Holy Spirit School in 2002 and 2003 and, this year, I was heavily involved (along with Priscilla Bateman) in running the program for all year 3 to 6 students at the school. This occurred over nine weeks of term 1 and was received enthusiastically by the students and teachers.

Auskick

This national AFL skills development program is conducted in the Gungahlin area in two forms.

In 2003, the Jets Club conducted Auskick sessions on Sunday mornings over school terms 1 and 2. These were very ably organised by John Bink. I was able to provide some assistance but regret that other commitments in 2003 meant I was not able to participate as much as in the previous year.

It was pleasing for me this year to see a number of "graduates" from the school clinics enter the Auskick program and progress to the Jets Junior teams.

The AFL Canberra Development Team organises and runs after school Auskick Programs in conjunction with primary schools. There are plans for these to be conducted at Palmerston and/or Nicholls schools in term 4 and I will assist the development team in these activities.

Assisting/Encouraging Gungahlin Schools' Participation in AFL Competitions

The main focus of these activities is the James Hird Cup competition which is conducted on a zone basis early in the school year with zone winners going on to participate in the ACT finals at Manuka Oval. The competition is for year 5/6 students playing under 12-a-side modified rules. Clinics in the early part of the year concentrated on the older age groups with a view to encouraging participation in this competition (as well as attempting to bolster the Club's registrations in these age groups).

The Gungahlin Zone competition was conducted in March. Only four teams entered in 2003; two each from Ngunnawal and Nicholls (Gold Creek/Holy Spirit). A Nicholls team won the day and competed with moderate success in the ACT finals at Manuka. While the small number of teams was quite disappointing, it was pleasing to have Ngunnawal participating for the first time. Contact with schools over the rest of 2003 has enabled me to promote the competition for 2004 and I am confident of greater participation next year.

Conclusion

The three years I have been the Jets Junior Development Officer have been very enjoyable and rewarding for me. Of course, I have not carried out these functions alone.

In 2003, I have again enjoyed the support of the whole Jets Junior Committee and, in particular, Bruce Chalker who has assisted in the drafting and printing of the Jets promotional material distributed to students participating in clinics.

The AFL Canberra Junior Development Team also provides significant support in the provision of the necessary equipment as well as paid support staff. Special thanks again go to Priscilla Bateman, the AFL Canberra junior development officer for Gungahlin/Belconnen, who has been a tireless supporter of the Jets' activities through her organisational assistance and participation in the program of clinics conducted in the Gungahlin schools. Because of other employment opportunities, Priscilla is unavailable for the last few months of 2003 and she will certainly be missed.

After three years in this role, I am encouraged by the recognition and reception I receive in Gungahlin schools and by the positive attitude of the school community to the Junior Jets Club generally. This provides a sound base for the ongoing promotion and development of the Junior Club and, I hope, for an increase in player numbers in the near future.

Graham Bonnett
Junior Development Officer
August 2003

(Graham, displaying artful coaching of the Jets "The Legends of Old" and employing effective motivational speeches, has finally broke through for a win after a drought of many years in the recent The Legends of Old v The Not So Old Legends.)

Auskick


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The Sydney Trip Auskickers

Auskick started on the 23rd of February which was a good move because of the warmer conditions. The warmer weather meant that the handball, kicking and marking was fun to do without the sting of the winter cold. I felt sorry last year for the first timers who had a later start to the season and were trying to punch a cold ball with cold hands and got discouraged very easily when things didn't work for them.

The skill level did improve a lot for everyone as the Auskick program went along. From those who couldn't kick or hand ball to the ones who improved with their accuracy and distance and everyone's confidence was a lot higher and we had fun along the way.

On the Sundays all the Auskickers were keen to play the grid game but I always made them practice their kicking and handballing first which wasn't always a popular thing to do but the kids did do it with enthusiasm.

I got a lot of satisfaction to see the kids who hadn't kicked or handballed before develop their skills to the stage of kicking on the run and handballing in the grid game we played every week. I would like to congratulate all of the Auskickers on their participation and behaviour this year and would like to see you all carry on and have fun playing Aussie rules.

The parents also need a special mention for their participation in running the Auskick. You all did a bit. From just bringing the kids along to having a kick in the backyard at home and being a supporter on the sideline. THANKS TO YOU ALL.

Graham Bonnet did a great job with his efforts in the schools during the week and on the oval on Sundays. All the kids knew him when he ran the footy clinics in the schools and I think they got a lot from what he had to say and show them. I would like to thank him for the time he put into helping me this season. THANKS GRAHAM.

Mick Hesketh is another football guru who has had fun passing his knowledge on about our great game and his time was also valuable to me as it gave me time to give everyone some extra pointers on the rules and how to improve their game. THANKS MICK.

I would also like to thank the Jets Junior Committee for helping me on the Registration Days, Presentation Day and the bus trip to Sydney, especially our president Bruce Chalker. THANKS TO YOU ALL.

We also had two half-time games this year. One was at Manuka Oval for the Kangaroos vs Swans game and the other was a bus trip to the SCG for the Swans vs Dockers game.

The game at Manuka Oval was on a sunny day with a near record crowd for Manuka Oval. 11,310 people to watch the mighty Jets Auskickers play. The team we lined up against was a tough team but the Jets Auskickers were a good match for them. The game went according to plan and we all had fun. At the end of the game the players got to line up at the Kangaroos race and clap the Kanga's onto the ground and then ran off to get changed and have a sausage sandwich and a cordial.

The SCG trip was even bigger. We all started at 6.30am for the bus trip. One video and a stop at Maccas later we were at the ground and ready to have a game of footy. We settled all of the mums, dads, brothers, sisters, grandparents and other supporters into their seats and then went off to get changed at the back of the member's stand. We came out at half-time ready for footy to be greeted with the cheers of a 31,000 plus crowd. Our opposition was too much of a match for us because they were a lot older. The game was a one sided affair with some of the players showing their disapproval at the end of the game. When we ran over to the Swans race to clap them onto the field, I noticed one of the Jets players must have been overcome by the defeat and broke down in the middle of the oval. As I gathered him up we got a cheer from the crowd then we ran over to cheer on the mighty Swans. When the day was done we headed home with another video and a stop at McDonalds on the way back. Thanks to the Club for buying Maccas for all the kids on the way home.

I've had fun this year and I look forward to seeing all of you again next year.

Having fun in footy,

John Bink

For other Auskick photos then click <here>.

A Message from the Senior Club


2003 is shaping up to be a big year for the Senior Jets. Already this year we have had completed a lot of big initiatives off the field and had a lot of success on the field. We moved base to Ken Zimmer (Amaroo) Oval, changed our Guernsey, ran a major raffle, recruited new coaches and a swag of new players, increased our sponsorships, and won the Kelvin Ryan Memorial Shield (CDL pre-season competition). Hopefully the achievements do not stop there.

From the start of the season senior coach, Jason Burgess, has been saying "Don't mention the F-word". No he wasn't talking about swearing, he was talking about Finals football. Sorry Jason, but it is inevitable, the Jets are on their way to the finals in both divisions. The First Division team have secured the Minor Premiership and the Second Division have tied up second place. This means we get the double chance in both divisions. If the Jets are successful in their finals campaign and make it to the Grand Final it will be the first time since 1996.

Finals arrangements for the Canberra District league are as follows:

  • First Semi Final Saturday, September 6
  • Second Semi Final Sunday, September 7
  • Preliminary Final Saturday, September 13
  • Grand Final Saturday, September 20

All games are at Football Park. Division 1 games will start at 2:15pm, and Division 2 games will start at 12:00pm.

If the Jets make a Grand Final in either division it would be great to see the Junior Jets there in support (well... guess what has happened - both grades are in the big one!).

Having juniors running out with the seniors and joining in the pre-game preparations has been great this season. There is no other club in the Canberra District League that has this level of junior involvement. Having the kids join in the match preparation, running out in the same Guernsey is great and can only help promote the relationship between our clubs.

On this note, it is great to once again see the Juniors and the Seniors continue to grow and become bigger and better. Bruce and his committee have done an excellent job and have really helped direct the Juniors to a strong future.

I would also like to congratulate Paul Priestly on his efforts with the Juniors website. The site looks sensational and is a great advertisement for the Junior Jets.

Go the Jets!

Greg Mace
President 2003
Gungahlin AFC Inc.

Yass Summary


Season Overview

It has certainly been a historic couple of years for Australian Rules football in Yass. Season 2002 saw the return of a club to the town after a hiatus of (so I'm told) some 15 years. This was in the form of our senior club - the Yass Roos. At the same time our very successful and popular Yass Auskick centre had been running for two years, and had been successfully educating Yass children in the merits of our game. So successful that the kids were spoiling to put their skills to the test, and to take to the paddock for a game……….The big question was: What to do for season 2003?

As 2003 loomed it was apparent to our small group of Yass parents that to enable our kids to play, we needed assistance. We were (at the time) too small a group - and truth be told probably too inexperienced! - to venture into the world of junior footy as an independent club. Our seniors were occupied (and rightly so) with senior football….What we needed was the opportunity to put our kids on the paddock whilst learning the ins and outs of a junior club. Enter the Gungahlin Jets with the offer to sponsor Yass teams in season 2003. The rest as they say, is history…

With the generosity of the Jets, Yass was able to field two teams as part of the club. In the spirit of fostering the code the Jets gave our kids the opportunity to play their first year of club football, and experience all that is good and beneficial from our sport. Without exception, every one of our Yass players has improved and flourished as a junior footballer, and our teams went from strength to strength as the year progressed.

The support and friendship extended to our Yass players was also complemented by the opportunity for us to learn 'the club business' with a Yass member as an elected member on the Jets committee. At the same time Jets President Bruce Chalker provided the benefit of his expertise and experience as a member of the Yass steering committee - invaluable assistance and greatly appreciated indeed.

The strong spirit of friendship and sportsmanship that exists between Gungahlin and Yass has been demonstrated on many occasions during the year, but two instances perhaps demonstrate and underline the depth of these ties. The first was when the Yass Tens team was joined by Tyson Pitt following the unfortunate demise of the Under Elevens. Tyson was warmly welcomed by the Yass Tens, and became a vital part of the team with his new friends. The second instance was when a number of players from both Jets Under Tens combined to take the field during the Kangaroos v. Geelong game at Manuka. The Canberra Times published a photograph of the kids taken just prior to them playing at half time. The photo was captioned 'Teamwork' and shows excited and smiling children from Yass and Gungahlin ready to take the field in friendship -surely what junior football is all about.

Yass will go into season 2004 as an independent club - the Yass Junior Roos. There is little doubt that without the assistance, generosity and just plain friendship of the Jets that season 2003 would not have occurred, and that Australian Rules football at the junior level would not exist.

On behalf of all the Yass players and parents that were part of the Jets this season our heartfelt thanks to you all for supporting junior Australian Rules football in Yass. We are all proud to have been Jets, and we hope that in some small way we have assisted and benefited the efforts of this great club.

The strong spirit of friendship that exists between Gungahlin and Yass will continue into the future, and is symbolised by the Friendship Plate that will be presented during presentation day proceedings.

We at the Yass Junior Roos are proud to have been Jets, and proud to be able to call the Gungahlin Jets our sister club. We look forward to seeing you all in season 2004.

With the greatest of appreciation and thanks from all at Yass;

Scott Bourke
President - Steering Committee
Yass Junior Roos AFC

In 2003, Yass Juniors are proudly supported by YASS EARTHMOVERS

This is the unveiling of the new Yass logo for season 2004. Watch out for:



Inaugural "Roo of The Year" 2003

The Gungahlin Jets are proud to sponsor the inaugural "Roo of the Year " award.

In the spirit of friendship and camaraderie we thought that the Gungahlin JAFC would like to help Yass start some tradition of its own. To this end the Jets have donated a Perpetual and individual trophy for the inaugural winner of this award.

This award like the "Jet of the Year" award is voted on by the Yass Committee and is one of the most prestigious awards the club can bestow. The winner of this award is the person who the committee (by secret ballot) feel has been an outstanding Yass Roos contributor. It can be for any number of things or as is often the case, a collection of things that they do for the betterment of Junior Football and the Yass Roos JAFC in particular. The candidates nominated have all made significant contribution to this set up year with Yass and as such are all worthy nominees.

Nominations for the Yass Roo Of The Year are:

  • Wade Chalmers,
  • Lisa Bourke,
  • Scott Bourke,
  • Corrine Chalmers, and
  • Colleen Bush.

As you can imagine, all nominees are indeed worthy.

Roo Of The Year - Winner

This year's inaugural winner is in fact dual winners. With the committee voting locked at 4 all, the "Roo of the Year" recipients are: Corrine Chalmers and Scott Bourke.

It was very pleasing to see both of these individuals receive the recognition that is well deserved for a season that has seen them both work very hard on and off the field to put Yass back on the AFL map.

Congratulations to both Corrine and Scott.

Corrine - Roo Of The Year

Roo Of The Year
CORRINE CHALMERS


Scott - Roo Of The Year

Roo Of The Year
SCOTT BOURKE

Volunteer Appreciation

We have a very extensive list of volunteers to proudly display.
To all of you -
THANKS

Grade

Name

Reason

Under 12

Mark Bateman

Coach

Under 12

Brian Davis

Assistant Coach, Team Photographer

Under 12

Debbie Wilson

Manager

Under 12

Adam Stone

Trainer/Runner

Under 12

Andrew Highfield

Trainer

Under 12

Tim Cantlon

Game day warm-up, Boundary, Goal Umpire

Under 12

Steve Robson

Trainer

Under 12

Marcia Malone

Assistant Manager

Under 12

Rosemary Grozinger

Assistant Manager

 

 

 

Under 10

John Byrne

Co Coach

Under 10

Rodger Braid

Co Coach

Under 10

Gerard Hoyne

Assistant Coach

Under 10

Richard Allen

Manager

Under 10

Mark Walker

Field Umpire

Under 10

Steve Crawford

Field Umpire

Under 10

Bruce Chalker

Goal Umpire

Under 10

A.J. Baker

Match Statistics

Under 10

Kerily Efford

Time-keeper, Game day fruit

Under 10

Max Raddatz

Match Statistics, Barbecues

Under 10

Julie Hope

Match Statistics, Barbecues, Club Photographer

Under 10

Rowan Wilson

Match Statistics, Barbecues

Under 10

Tandy Westmore

Barbecue

 

 

 

Under 10 Yass

Scott Bourke

Coach

Under 10 Yass

Greg Pryor

Manager

Under 10 Yass

Brett Downes

Assistant Coach, Goal Umpire

 

 

 

Under 9

Peter Hansen

Coach, Barbecues

Under 9

Julie Tomkins

Manager, Match reports, Barbecues

Under 9

Thea Davis

Manager

Under 9

John Austin

Field Umpire, Training, Barbecues

Under 9

Robyn Austin

Time-keeping, Match reports

Under 9

Paula Cole

Match reports

Under 9

Vern Carmody

On-field assistance

Under 9

Andrew Goldsworthy

Goal Umpire, Barbecues

Under 9

Leesa Hansen

Time-keeping, Match reports

Under 9

Peter Tomkins

Goal Umpire

Under 9

Glen Van der Kolk

Match reports, Barbecues

Under 9

Steven Noble

Assistance at training

Under 9

Greg Weichard

Goal Umpire

Under 9

Mick Hesketh

Assistant Coach, Field Umpire, Barbecues

Under 9

Tracy Hesketh

Barbecues

Under 9

Ruthie Lyttle

Time-keeping, Match reports

Under 9

Johnathan Davis

Administration assistance

 

 

 

Under 8

Martin Bigmore

Coach

Under 8

Damien Jolley

Manager

Under 8

John Peterson

Training Assistant

Under 8

Brian Davis

Training Assistant

Under 8

Melissa Parker

Training Assistant

Under 8

Paul Thorpe

Training Assistant

Under 8

Domenic Johnson

Training Assistant

Under 8

Mark Walker

Assistant Coach

Under 8

Greg McDougall

Assistant Manager

 

 

 

Under 8 Yass

Colleen Bush

Coach

Under 8 Yass

Corrine Chalmers

Manager, Assistant Coach

Under 8 Yass

Wade Chalmers

Field Umpire, Goal Umpire, Ground Setup

Under 8 Yass

Marcus Hooper

Goal Umpire

Under 8 Yass

Clare Pritchard

Canteen

Under 8 Yass

Paul & Bec Quinn

Goal Umpire

Under 8 Yass

Warren & Doreen Wilson

Goal Umpire, Canteen

 

 

 

Auskick

John Bink

Primary Coordinator

Auskick

Mick Hesketh

Skills training

Auskick

Graham Bonnett

Recruiting kids, Skills training, Umpiring

Auskick

Bruce Chalker

Registrations, Organising/running barbecues

 

 

 

Auskick Yass

Lisa Bourke

Primary Coordinator

Auskick Yass

Wade Chalmers

Skills training, Umpiring

Auskick Yass

Colleen Bush

Skills training

Auskick Yass

Craig Starr

Primary Coach

Auskick Yass

Greg Pryor

Coordinator

 

 

 

Jets Committee

Bruce Chalker

President & generally everywhere

Jets Committee

Mark Walker

Vice President Football Operations

Jets Committee

A.J. Baker

Vice President Sponsorships

Jets Committee

Paul Priestly

Secretary, Website

Jets Committee

Mark Bateman

Treasurer

Jets Committee

Scott Bourke

Yass club development

Jets Committee

Graham Bonnett

Committee, Development Officer

Jets Committee

Martin Bigmore

Commitee

Jets Committee

Mick Hesketh

Committee, Telstra grant organisation

Jets Committee

John Byrne

Committee, Director of Coaching

 

 

 

Yass Committee

Scott Bourke

President

Yass Committee

Corrine Chalmers

Vice President, Fundraising coordinator

Yass Committee

Lyndell McGrath

Treasurer, Fundraising, Canteen coordinator

Yass Committee

Wade Chalmers

Commitee

Yass Committee

Colleen Bush

Commitee

Yass Committee

Craig Starr

Commitee

Yass Committee

Greg Pryor

Commitee

Yass Committee

Lisa Bourke

Development Officer, Public Relations

 

 

 

Yass Special Volunteers

Sean Bourke

Goal Umpire, Fundraising

Yass Special Volunteers

Anthony Bush

Goal Umpire, Fundraising

Yass Special Volunteers

Brandon Bush

Goal Umpire, Canteen

Yass Special Volunteers

Jeremy Bush

Canteen

Yass Special Volunteers

Rob Downes

Goal Umpire

Yass Special Volunteers

Brandon Downes

Goal Umpire

Yass Special Volunteers

Jon Miller

Goal Umpire

Yass Special Volunteers

Shane Miller

Goal Umpire

Yass Special Volunteers

Brendan Madden

Goal Umpire

 

 

 

Yass General Volunteers

Lisa Bourke

Field Umpire

Yass General Volunteers

Bev Downes

Barbecues, Canteen, Fundraising

Yass General Volunteers

Catherine Allen

Canteen, Time-keeper, Fundraising

Yass General Volunteers

Stewart Allen

Goal Umpire, Time-keeper, Ground setup

Yass General Volunteers

Gerard Miller

Goal Umpire, Ground setup, Training assistance

Yass General Volunteers

Katrina Miller

Canteen, Fundraising

Yass General Volunteers

Dara Madden

Goal Umpire, Ground setup

Yass General Volunteers

Kate Madden

Canteen, Time-keeper, Fundraising

Yass General Volunteers

James Mason

Barbecues, Canteen, Fundraising

Yass General Volunteers

Kim Mason

Barbecues, Canteen, Fundraising

Yass General Volunteers

Claire Pritchard

Barbecues, Canteen, Fundraising

Yass General Volunteers

Shiree Garland

Barbecues, Canteen, Fundraising