The following reports and items have been taken from the Junior Jets 2004 Yearbook so please excuse any items that reference it which may seem out of context with a website. About the only major difference with the Yearbook is we try to provide an update of how the Presentation went.

From the menu above you can see the sort of things the Yearbook contains which is primarily a wrap up of the year with summaries from all grades and reports from various club officials.

For players, it is also a way to find out what the coach has thought of the team's performance over the year as well as player pen-pics. While this site exists and our ISP is generous with the storage capacity, then it is useful for players to be able to come back from time-to-time and reminisce on their performances.

Happy Memories to all.

Good-byes

The Junior jets would like to thank a few of our members who we know are moving on in 2005 to other areas. All these people go with our heartfelt thanks for their contributions and best wishes in their new locations. We anticipate their enthusiasm will be maintained and that some local footy club will be benefitting enormously. These people are all going to be greatly missed:

• Mark Walker. Mark has been a foundation member of this club, a tireless worker, a regular committeeperson and generally one of the most noticeable and respected members of the Canberran junior football scene. No club likes to lose such a great asset. Mark also provided us with an honest and sincere representation of someone who is motivated by love for seeing the kids get something he knows they would rate. His personality around the club was infectuous.
• Kevin Yates. Kevin was kind enough to take on the position of Director of Coaching when we were desparately looking for someone to give us a foundation to work from. His efforts towards establishing an approach is that legacy. Kevin was approachable to all coaches and always insistent on developing the positives of our coaches. His insights through his reports are valuable for picking up on the aspects of the game that are often neglected or overlooked. Thanks Yak.
• The Crawford's. Here the club says good-bye to another important link with our foundation. Dad Steve as an ex Jet-of-the-Year and David and Lucy as players have moved on. Lucy played in our U11's in 2004 and more than held her own in the company of a very talented team. We didn't want to embarrass the family at the presentation day but nor could we let them leave without acknowledging their wonderful contribution to the beginnings of our club.
• Dave Smith. After a season, Dave through his work committments has had to step down from coaching in 2005. We hope the experience he has obtained will continue to wet his appetite though for a future stint because we know that Dave has enormous ability in communicating with the kids. Dave was able to take a team that was already acknolwedged as being talented yet was able to maintain the momentum and inject his ideas and traits. Dave can be well satisfied with his efforts and we look forward to welcoming him back anytime.
• Tony Dowling. Tony was a co-coach of the U8's and is also looking at a work location change so it is unlikely he will be around in 2005. Tony took on one of the more challenging roles in the club as anyone dealing with 8 year olds will attest. To his credit (along with Murray the co-coach) it was a very successful effort. Tony has a great personality for dealing with the kids and it was sad to hear he couldn't be here next year.
• Mark Bateman. While Mark has not left the area we couldn't pass up the opportunity to acknowledge his contribution to the club as a Committeeperson (Treasurer) and Coach since 2000. In 2004, Mark was unable to contribute on the committee due to work and unfortunately for us he also had to make the difficult decision not to continue to coach the U13's. Anyone who knows Mark will understand that these decisions are not done lightly and it would have been a terrible strain on Mark to do this if it meant putting the club under any pressure. However, we have been able to manage and thanks to Mark's efforts the club is able to manage.
  

1. we up-stumps and moved to Amaroo,
2. we were able to get 5 teams regularly on the paddock,
3. we were able to get very good coaches and managers for the teams,
4. we were able to maintain the reputation we have created amongst our footballing peers as a hard, tough but fair club to play against,
5. we maintained our sponsor base,
6. we continued to see great parents enjoy the exploits of their team and demonstrate the conduct expected; and
7. the committee were once again up to the task to meet the challenges each year throws up.

As you go through the Year 2004 in summary, no doubt more of these highlights will become evident. I wont mention too much about the great effort made by the Coaches and Managers as I think you should be able to appreciate them by their reports and team notes via each of their summary pages.

This year though, we made the offer to all officials that instead of the committee coming up with the ideas and following through with the work effort that if any official had an idea and was able to 'cost' it as well as be prepared to undertake the coordination then the committee would support the endeavour. Hopefully this model will occur into the future and already the effort by Rosemary in the u13's to organise their trip to Sydney is an example of the support we will provide.

This year saw 7 more players reach the 50 game milestone. Well done to John, Daniel, Joshua, Anthony, Logan, James and Blake. I expect there'll be far too many next year to mention here but this is a great milestone for us as a club as well because it shows we are well on our way to cementing our place in the Gungahlin community.

We had 3 players in our u13's who enjoyed the experience of being ACT representative players. It is these players who we look to for leadership in the coming years as role models to their peers and the players coming through the ranks. Well done to Lachie, Sam and Alex.

Clubstart was again in place for the Northside and this year it was extended to include the under 9's. It proved to be another successful venture in ensuring that the younger age players could be accommodated against other sporting interests, that the 'gala-day' concept was continued and that each club on the northside had an opportunity to have a good revenue earner. The Clubstart model adopted by the northside is envied by those on the south so it appears to be doing the trick.

To those that served on the committee this year, I would like to acknowledge the effort that was made by you all. I know that you do this without the need for accolades or much recognition other than the satisfaction you get in seeing the club continue to improve. Nonetheless it is important that members understand that some activities that are done is above and beyond the norm that I'd like to see a committee person perform given we all have other things to contend with. It has also been impressive to think that, while sometimes our emotions might come to the boil and things get heated that ultimately we move on and can continue in a sensible manner. I hope the meetings this year were enjoyable to attend although we got a bit carried away at times (with the chat) and I am happy to wear the blame for these.

The Auskick numbers this year were outstanding and the club heartily thanks and appreciates the great work that John Bink has put in to run the Auskick each Sunday morning.

It goes without saying (but I'll mention it anyway) about the role Graham Bonnett performs for the club as our Junior Development Officer. Apart from helping out Binky now and again, Graham is constantly out and about the Gungahlin schools undertaking Aussie Footy development in the lower grades and receiving great support from AFL Canberra. There would not be too many Gungahlin kids who have not participated in Graham's sessions. We see the results of Graham's efforts now as the basis of our 8, 9, 10 and 11's.

As president, I am pleased that the Junior and Senior clubs have built on their relationship. With Ken Zimmer and his committee giving great support it was pleasing to see the Jets senior players get more involved with the Juniors. I'd like to personally thank Ken as well. Ken provided a lot of support and time for us this year either in his role as the Seniors President or running the canteen each game at Amaroo. Anytime there were issues between the clubs or there was potential for issues to be misconstrued Ken was quick to work at resolving them.

I saw this as extremely lucky for us in particular that even though there were incidences that while unfortunate that they occurred and may have been uncomfortable for some people, that we are able to have this common-sense relationship with the Seniors to learn and move on.

I know I've mentioned it before but I look forward to the time when the senior players see it as a privilege to be able to help out the juniors and give something back - because it really is quite enjoyable.

While discussing the Seniors, I mustn't forget to mention that this year also saw the Seniors embark on probably their most significant phase in their existence. A phase that also shapes our future as well. A Jets Future Committee was formed with the intent to mark out the long road ahead for the Seniors in fulfilling their vision of one-day playing in their own right as a team in division one of the AFL Canberra competition. More about this will be forthcoming but as I write this there are drafts being developed of an initial discussion paper.

While some may view the vision of the Seniors as a pipe dream or something unachievable then all I can say is never assume defeat.

To all our sponsors, on behalf of the club I sincerely thank you for your support and making contributions. It is very much appreciated and well understood that without your patronage we just would not exist the way we are now. I also appreciate your long term commitment to us and hope that this view of the long term you have will soon, if not already, prove fruitful.

To that end, I strongly encourage all our supporters to utilise our sponsors and even more so can you make sure you let sponsors know that you are from the Junior Jets.

You should all know that The Lakes is our main sponsor and after a slumbering start last year, we have utilised club facilities a lot more effectively this year and we hope to expand next year with more utilisation. I'd like to thank Brian and Adam and their staff at the Lakes for assisting us with support and for bearing with us as we tried out new things.

To all the wonderful parents, guardians, grand-mums & dads who come along to barrack, support, sympathise, assist, laugh, cry, shiver, anguish, get frustrated and/or experience any of the many kinds of emotions that watching your kids can elicit, I am sure it was all worth it.

Yes there have been issues to contend with but I am heartened by the fact that you all appreciate we are trying to do the best we can and are prepared to look at the positives we have provided so on that note thankyou.

Ok, I've got this far and haven't mentioned anything about the kids.

Well, everyone knows that President's messages are boring for 8 to 13 year olds. They'll be heading straight for the team reports anyway. If by any chance that there is a stray junior who even gets this far then you can tell all your friends that I reckon you're all champions. Make sure you let your family know how proud they should be of you.

There has been a number of people through the season who have helped the club both internally and externally and I admit that remembering to acknowledge individually everyone is beyond me. May I just pass on my thanks to all on behalf of the club and ask you give yourselves a well deserved pat on the back.

As amateurs and volunteers we can only do so much, some more, some less but it all goes to make the club exist.

Before I close off, may I remind everyone that the year is not quite at an end because we will still be having 2 more important events. Our combined Christmas party with the seniors is scheduled for December as well as the most important event which is the next Annual General meeting. I encourage you to consider nominating for a position with the committee and if unsure as to what to expect then please feel free to contact any of the current committee to find out what work there is.

It is not a great deal, however that is easy to say. It is difficult for us to provide for you a more comprehensive administrative and management function of this club other than probably a bare bones approach. To do the things we need to put in place to sustain us into the future can only occur when more volunteers assist.

I therefore hope we can increase our committee numbers so we can improve even further.

On that note, I thank you all for being given the honour of performing the President's role in 2004 and I sincerely look forward to being a part of the Junior Jets next season.

Keep the passion for the game going everyone.

Go the Jets!

Paul Priestly
2004 President Gungahlin Lakes JAFC

Most of the 2003 committee were involved apart from Julie, Rodger and Kevin. We hope to hae a team pic of the committee at some point.

President - Paul Priestly
Vice President Football Operations - Mark Walker
Vice President Media/Sponsorshop - Julie Hope
Secretary - Glenn Van der Kolk
Treasurer/Registrar - John Byrne
Committee - AJ Baker
Committee - Rodger Braid
Development Office - Graham Bonnett
Director of Coaching - Kevin Yates
Auskick - John Bink

Committee - Martin Bigmore (resigned during season)

Nominees

Introduction

The nominations for the Gungahlin Junior AFC Jet of the Year 2004 are to recognise the qualities that we all hold in high regard; Attitude, Effort, Team and Club Esprit de Corp, Assistance to others etc and the nominees are reflective of the diversity the club is now evolving towards.

It was pleasing to see youngsters and ladies amongst the candidates, which is exactly as it should be.

All the candidates have shown some outstanding qualities as mentioned above which we can all be proud in recognising.

While there is only the one Jet of the Year winner, all the candidates can consider themselves winners and should be satisfied with themselves for a great effort.

Graham Bonnett

Was nominated for his contribution towards developing kids at the grass roots level. Graham has made himself known pretty much to all schools in the Gungahlin region and is undeniably our best asset in bringing Aussie Footy to the attention of the younger children. Graham has been the Junior Development Officer since the position was established and performs this role for us with unconditional dedication. He has established a program that is sought after by several schools. Graham has also been a regular in assisting John Bink with the Auskick program.

John Byrne

Byrnesy was nominated for his efforts this season with performing the role of both Treasurer and Registrar as well as being his typical self with assisting our coaches. Once again, Byrnesy puts his hand up to help out where needed around the club and there wouldn't be too many things around the club that he does not have some input into. Byrnesy is, like Graham, also well known amongst the juniors for his support in making young footballers better young footballers.

Jacob Chalker

Jacob was nominated for his display of club loyalty and team sportsmanship for regularly turning up, while off injured, to cheer on and support his team - the u11's. Jacob's injury effectively ended his 2004 season but instead of staying home or doing something else he chose to stay involved. Anyone that can remember back to being an 11 year old would appreciate how difficult this can be (and how frustrating!) to come along and not be able to get out on the paddock. Well done Jacob - this is the sort of club attitude you can take great pride in. For everyone else, how you conduct yourself off the field determines your ability to conduct yourself on the field and Jacob has shown that quality.

Paul Priestly

Paul was nominated for his role as the club President in 2004 and also for his work in keeping the website running (albeit belatedly recently). Like Graham and Byrnesy, Paul also has no ties to the club with children playing, but as a long time player and someone happy to put back a bit into the game, then the Junior Jets offers a great opportunity.

Mark Walker

Mark was nominated in recognition for the huge effort he has made this season in performing the VP Footy role, which in itself is fairly demanding, but also for his efforts in performing pretty much any other job where a resource was needed. If a requirement to do some task was raised then it was likely that Mark's hand would be the first to go up to make it happen. As Mark also has two boys playing in different teams it was not uncommon to see him providing some support to either teams as a umpire of official. In fact, Mark has put in a prodigious year in supporting the Junior Jets and this nomination is a deserved recognition.

Nyssa Braid

The nomination of Nyssa Braid was a pleasant addition to the candidates list. While not a player as such she has rarely missed turning up to watch the Juniors play since her brother, Daniel, first started playing in 2001 (Nyssa was then 3). Nyssa is a familiar sight to all Daniel's teammates. Every game day, no matter the weather, Dad drags Nyssa along (whether she wants to or not?) Despite this Nyssa never complained. Instead Nyssa was found to be playing happily on the sidelines or actively cheering on her brother and his teammates. Hopefully next year Nyssa will become involved in Auskick so, in a welcome reversal of roles, her brother will have to come along to watch her.

Mick Hesketh

Mick was nominated for his efforts in assisting the under 10's as a coach helper of the team, his commitment to helping out Pete Hansen (the coach) manage the players and for performing the umpiring. While Mick was restricted in helping out even more with the club because of work commitments, each weekend he was present he was out doing what he could for the team.

Rosemary Hatherley

Rosemary was nominated in recognition of her contribution to the managing and running of the under 13's. Managing any sporting team with limited direction is difficult and doing the 13's is no exception. However, for organisational skill and the ability to have tasks/jobs etc for players, parents and supporters sorted out each week then Rosemary's efforts are a bit of a role model. Rosemary was also able to promote, organise and make happen the under 13's trip to Sydney which by all accounts was regarded as a huge success.

Julie Hope

Julie received her nomination for her efforts this season as a dedicated committee member and contributor to the Junior Jets. Julie initially joined the committee, ostensibly to see how it worked and get to know what being on a committee was all about. However, Julie soon realised what a liability Martin was and assumed his position as VP Social. Examples of the benefit Julie has made to the Junior Jets has been in orchestrating the team photos, establishing complimentary sponsor frames and liaising with students from the Uni of Canberra who used us to undertake the development of a marketing plan.

Jet Of The Year - Winner

Graham Bonnett

Graham has been honoured with the Jet of the Year for his dedication and enthusiasm to the growth of our club in the Gungahlin area over the last 5 years. His tireless efforts have seen the 'Jets' profile expand enormously throughout the area.

Graham has spent many hours contacting, coordinating and participating in clinics in every school within the Gungahlin region. Graham has been instrumental in the development of the Auskick programme and most Sundays during the season Graham will be there making himself available to help Binky with the coaching.

Graham's easy going nature and rapport with the kids has endeared him to all. Through Graham's effort, many children will not only have an interest in the sport of Australian Rules, but will more than likely progress to playing with the Junior Jets in the future.

Graham is a 'true' Jet. He has already played a significant role in the Senior Jets by being a foundation member, committeeman, team manager and assistant coach. Graham is a life member of the Seniors and has previously enjoyed receiving the Senior club's Jet of the Year award.

Graham has undoubtedly shown his committment to, and love of, the Jets. By spending his 'retirement' time in assisting the Juniors is priceless testament to this.

Graham will, no doubt, impact on this club for many years to come.

Congratulations Graham.

I started this year with a bit of hesitation towards the role of Director of Coaching due to time pressures from work. The pressure on my time did not change at all and in fact, through the year it got worse. But would I have changed what I did? Not at all. The enthusiasm for the game can only increase when you watch the kids enjoying what is a great game.

On behalf of the committee, I would like to say thank you to the coaches and managers of all age groups for their efforts through the year. Your determination, drive and enthusiasm for the game has rubbed off on the kids as the training sessions in the last couple of weeks were the best for the year. By going to a different training session and games each week, one notices the skill level improvements in teams and individuals more dramatically than by being there every time and wow, have there been some improvements. I'm sure that we as coaches learnt as much off the kids this year as they learnt off us.

To the parents, encourage your child in whatever they do. Every child is a star and they just need to find their niche to make it shine brightly for all to see. The one thing that a club gains from excited youngsters who enjoy playing and always leave with a smile on their face, is parents. These parents also end with a smile due to their childs reactions and enjoyment. Some of these parents become involved in the club in all areas from coaching to administration and like the kids, just need some encouragement to take the next step. It is in this area that a club can grow well and results and success for the teams on and off the field will surely follow. So parents, if you have enjoyed the year with the Jets and would like to become involved, just ask.

I would like to say to all kids and parents who were here this year to enjoy your pursuits in the off season, but if you get board or are wondering what to do, practice some of the skills learnt during the year. This will provide the base for even more improvement next year when hopefully, you will return to the Jets.

Kevin Yates

2004 Winner:
MARTIN BIGMORE

Firstly, the club owes Martin a big apology as this item is missing from the 2004 Yearbook, so we sincerely hope this website or its contents are never lost.

If we could be lighthearted, we would say that by reading Martin's 2003 Coach of the Year Award you' be able to appreciate why he has won it again. However, Martin has certainly relished his coaching so much that he has actually gone up a notch or two to blitz this award. This is not to suggest he had no competition as the Juniors have a very good pool of coaches.

Our Director of Coaching has been so impressed with Martin and his overall approach to coaching that it was difficult not to award Martin this coveted prize.

Martin's planning and application demonstrates a person who is extremely dedicated and committed to developing himself first so the kids can benefit. Martin certainly takes the coaching principles, as mentioned in our site, to heart, especially the principle for continous learning and improvement.

To witness Martin's training and game day management is satisfying in its simplicity and effectiveness. None of the kids are ignored, none are over indulged and none are left in no doubt as to their improvement status.

Martin has become a bit of a role model for the Junior Jets coaches and his parents are understandably jealous of losing his talents.

Watch out for some exciting things from Martin 2005.

Well done Martin.

The fifth season for the Jets. I have to say, having been involved with the club since its inception, it has been very rewarding to be part of the Jets journey, watching the players and the club develop over the last five years.

Upfront, I would like to say a big thank you to the club's President who has contributed countless hours hours, and probably a few grey hairs, to the Jets this season. Also, Graham Bonnett, our Development Officer wh has tirelessly continued to promote the game of AFL in the schools and surrounding areas, with development programs such as Auskick. I am sure we will continue to see the benefits through the clubs registration numbers. Thank you also to all the parents who voluntered their time during this season, as members of the committee, coaches, assistant coaches, team managers, goal umpires, runners, BBQer's and so. Without your contributions, the club would not be what it is today.

Again this year, I was extremely proud of the players committment and dedication to training and in particular their respect for their coaches and other team members. As a Junior Australian Football Club, participation and positive reinforcement are the key aspects for player development. Positive encouragement from parents is also extremely important at this stage, not only for your own child but also for their whole team - particularly when it is freezing cold and blowing a gale - not unusual for Amaroo!

The Clubstart concept of Under 8's and Under 9's is I believe, a positive step in the growth of Junior AFL. It enables families to enjoy their footy in a carnival like atsmophere, with the gradual integration of rules. Under 8's and 9's is where the grass roots of football begins, developing the necessary basic skills of AFL. Both teams showed a high committment to training and their development of these skills was enhanced by their willingness to learn.

Under 10's and Under 11's football is where the game's physical and tactical side of play is introduced. Throughout the year, both teams strengthened their abilities with a focus on team and positional play. Advanced training drills and skills development exercises were introduced and with preparation and planning by the coaches these exercises were conducted with professional execution. The benefits were great and showed the players that with a team contribution on the field any desired results are possible.

The Under 13's are the team that all juniors aspire to, and over the years have held a strong bond and gained respect from their opposing teams. To the players credit they have stuck together, and shown strength, through a tough season providing them with a good start to next year.

Mark Walker
VP Football Operations

Hello Jetters! This is my second full season with the club as a parent of two budding Aussie Rules footballers, but my first year on the committee.

I decided to join the committee as I thought it was slightly stacked (no women at all) in favour of the male gender and perhaps a woman's perspective could be useful……especially that female knack for spending money! More of that later.

Initially I joined as a general committee person, but soon found myself as the VP Social. Despite his best intentions, my other half (Under 9 Coach Martin Bigmore) overcommitted himself, so he had to relinquish the position and concentrate on coaching. This is when I stepped in, and with the help of fellow committee person Mark Walker, I have maintained contact with our sponsors, and developed a couple of projects I was keen on.

Once again sponsorship has allowed the committee to invest in the most important part of our club - the kids. Thanks largely to The Lakes and to a lessor, but no less important degree, the support of the Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing Centre, Magnet Mart, Denman Cellars and Calvary Hospital, our club has been able to do a number of things.

We have purchased new Sherrin footballs for all teams, extra coaching equipment, safety gear and for the first time in club history, cover all the costs associated with an 'end-of-season-trip' for our Under 13 side.

This 'end-of-season-trip' will be become an annual event for future Under 12 Jets teams. This means the junior teams in the 'clubstart' comp can look forward to the same bonus when they reach the Under 12 level.

I understand this year's inaugural trip to Sydney was a huge success and was a great team-bonding exercise. Well done boys and congratulations to team manager Rosemary Hatherley for her initiative!

Sponsors' money also goes a long way to covering the administrative costs that come with running a successful junior footy club. Affiliation fees, insurance costs, ground and light charges all add up and without our generous sponsors, our registration fees would not be as low as they are.

If you compare the Jets fees with many other sports, I'm sure you will agree that you get great value for money.

In another first for the club in 2004, the committee also subsidised professionally taken team photos and individual portraits.

As a parent I have always looked forward to receiving my boys' sports team photos, so this was a particular project I enjoyed organising.

And as a marketing and public relations specialist, I was able to convince the committee on the merits of investing in our 'public image'. The result is a professional retractable banner that will be used at club days, Magnet Mart BBQs, registration days, coaching clinics and school visits. It won't be too hard to spot - it contains the lovely smiling faces and great footy skills of some our players promoting our club.

Lastly, I would like to thank the committee for their support this year, and hopefully we can continue to build on the foundations laid in 'promotions' during 2005 - oh, I almost forgot………and perhaps we can get some more women on board to shake up those committee men and show them how to really spend money - all in name of football and the great game that is Aussie Rules!

See you next year.

Julie Hope
VP Social Gungahlin JAFC

My work as the Jets JDO in 2004 can be summarised in four broad areas:

• advertising and promoting the Jets Club in Gungahlin Schools;
• conducting training/development clinics in Gungahlin schools;
• 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. I also arranged early in the school year to address school assemblies and some year 6 and 7 classes to encourage junior registrations, particularly in the older age groups. It appears that the Club Auskick centre benefited from these activities but there was no beneficial impact on the number of junior registrations. All Gungahlin schools supported the Club in this way and their assistance was 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 2004, clinics have been conducted for students in the following schools:

• Gold Creek Senior School (3 year 6 classes)
• Holy Spirit School (All year 2 and year 6 classes)
• Gold Creek Junior School (All classes)
• The Good Shepherd School (Amaroo) - (All Classes)
• Ngunnawal Primary School (25 students in a specific sport program over four weeks)
• Palmerston District Primary School (all classes)
• Burgmann Anglican School (all K and year 3 classes)

Over the remainder of the year I am booked to conduct clinics for all classes at the new Amaroo Primary School and for the remaining primary classes at Burgmann.

In addition to the above:

• In February I assisted with 2 AFL Clinics involving (North Melbourne) Kangaroos players at Nicholls and Amaroo. A total of more than 500 students from 4 Gungahlin schools participated in these clinics.
• I assisted with training teams from Ngunnawal, Palmerston, and Good Shepherd schools in the weeks leading up to the James Hird Cup Competition.

Promotional material about the Jets Club was handed out to students participating in the school and Kangaroos clinics. As a result of the activities outlined above, approximately 2000 students in Gungahlin schools will have been exposed to AFL football and the Gungahlin Junior Australian Football Club during the 2004 school year.

Auskick

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

• In 2004, the Jets Club conducted Auskick sessions on Sunday mornings over school terms 1 and 2. These were very ably organised and run by John Bink and I was pleased I was able to provide some assistance with this important program.
• The AFL Canberra Development Team organises and runs after school Auskick Programs in conjunction with primary schools. There are plans for two of these to be conducted in term 4 (one each at Amaroo and Nicholls) and I will be heavily involved with 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.

The Gungahlin Zone competition was conducted at Amaroo Oval in March. Eight teams participated. There were two teams from each of Nicholls (Gold Creek/Holy Spirit) and Ngunnawal, one from Palmerston and one from The Good Shepherd School (which included three players from Amaroo Primary). In additon, St Monica's (Evatt) and Macgregor Primary, which are in the Primary Schools Gungahlin Zone, each fielded one team.

St Monica's defeated Nicholls in the final and these two teams represented the Zone in the ACT finals held at Manuka in April.

On 14 September an ACT Auskick Carnival for 9 a side year 3/4 teams will be conducted at Deakin. I have delivered material about the carnival to Gungahlin Schools and have been encouraging them to participate.

Conclusion

The four years I have been the Jets Junior Development Officer have been very enjoyable for me.

In 2004, I have again enjoyed the support of the Jets Junior Committee.

The AFL Canberra Junior Development Team also provided significant support in the provision of the necessary equipment as well as paid support staff.

After four 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 AFL football and the Gungahlin Junior Australian Football Club.

However, it is a major disappointment to me that this has not been translated into an increase in the number of junior players registering with our Club and I see this as the major challenge for the years ahead.

Graham Bonnett
Junior Development Officer

Auskick ran from the 22nd February to the 6th of June.

The reasons for starting early was firstly for the warmer weather so the smaller Auskickers could enjoy footy and learn some skills without getting to cold watching on while they were shown and told what to do before they got stuck into it playing footy. The second reason was so the Auskickers that wanted to go on and play junior footy had enough time to carry on and have a few footy games before the end of the season.

The Auskickers this year performed and behaved to the best of their abilities which was very pleasing to see. It was very interesting and encouraging to see so many enthusiastic kids wanting to practice Auskick and play the grid game.

Congratulations to all for improving in all the areas we covered in our Auskick sessions. From kicking and handballing to being more confident and coordinated.

I would like to thank Graham Bonnett for all of his help in running the sessions this year and all of the work he does at the schools. I think the registrations for Auskick mostly came from the schools where Graham had been. He got the kids eager for more and then told them to go to Auskick at the Amaroo Oval. Thanks Graham.

The parents this year were great. No-one took a backwards step when I asked them to help which made running the exercises and the grid games a lot easier. I should name you all but I would probably leave someone out - so I would like to thank all of you for helping.

This year we had a lot of fun playing half-time games. Our first game was at Manuka Oval on 18\4\04. This saw us, play when the Kangaroos and Swans played.It was the biggest game of Australian Rules in Canberra this year with a crowd attendance of 14000 people to cheer on the Jets Auskickers. The weather was great and so were the players who put on a great display of football for the big crowd. The game was bit one-sided with a couple of 9 year old kids playing for the opposition, but we still had a good time and a lot of fun.

The second game we played was in Sydney at Telstra Stadium (Stadium Australia) on 24\4\04. The Sydney Swans v Melbourne Demons on the Anzac Day long weekend. This was a night game and we had a bus trip to get there with a stop at McDonalds on the way. The Jets Juniors were so proud to see the Jets Auskick going to play in Sydney that they bought all the kids on the bus a burger meal. When we got to the ground we were all very impressed with its size. We got to sit right next to the Swans supporters who were making a lot of noise. The crowd attendance was 33000. When it was time to get ready to play we all headed off down under the stadium to the change rooms. When we ran onto the ground from the darkness under the stadium to the lights of the oval and the roar of the crowd it made everyone feel like real football players. We played a strong game with the ball flowing bothways. There were some good kicks, marks and teamwork on display. Everyone played well seeing we had to field both teams. By fielding both team made it a very cheap day for everyone. We got into the ground with the tickets given to us by the A.F.L. for playing at half- time and to top it off the Jets Juniors also helped by subsidising some of the cost of the bus. When it was time to go it was getting late. The trip was very quiet on the way home with all of the players having a snooze. We got home about 1.30am. We all had a great time even though it was a late night.

Have fun playing footy and keep on practicing. I hope to see you out playing Junior footy soon.

Havin fun in footy.

John Bink
(Auskick coordinator).

1. to have success on the field;
2. to develop Australian Rules football in the Gungahlin area; and
3. to produce a product that will see Gungahlin residents and families want to play with their local club.

An important factor in achieving these goals is a strong junior base eventually leading in the near future to an under 18's side. The relationship that exists between the senior and junior clubs at the moment can only help us reach these goals.

Let's look forward to a great 2005 and congratulations to all involved with the Gungahlin Junior Jets on a fruitful 2004 year.

Ken Zimmer
President Gungahlin Jets Australian Rules Football Club