The PAOC Football Club started the 2010 season back in Division 3 following premiership success the previous year. The A Grade were expected to have a tough season however solid recruitment during the off season had many optimistic that we would be able to match it with the best sides in our new division.
A key part of our recruiting strategy was targeting players recently out of school. We were extremely pleased that over 15 players elected to come to PAOC from the class of 2009. This included names such as Jack Kelly, Sam Gunning, Josh Hall, Jack Ramsey, Ben Orken, Lucas Lovell and Ben Pearce, all of whom played A or B Grade through the season.
The season was a huge success following on from the triple premierships in 2009. We fielded a fourth side for the first time since 1995, and all teams made the Grand Final, with the C Grade also winning their third consecutive premiership.
We surprised everyone at A Grade level when we went through the minor round 17-1 (only losing the last minor round game). The side also made the Grand Final before losing to Old Ignatians in a tight battle at Alberton Oval. As a result of making the Grand Final, the team is now promoted to Division 2 where we will face off against sides such as SPOC, Rostrevor OC and Adelaide University.
Congratulations must go to Phil Cleggett and Jack Kelly who tied for the best and fairest. In addition, Jack won the league best and fairest – the first time this has been accomplished since 2003. It was a remarkable effort from Jack winning this medal in a league with many past AFL and SANFL greats.
Our B Grade went one better than the A Grade through the minor round going 18-0. Unfortunately, they suffered the same result as the A Grade losing their Grand Final against Seaton Ramblers by 5 points. This was a heart breaking result for the team as it was the only game they lost all season.
Josh Hall was rewarded for his outstanding season in the backlines winning the best and fairest with Jase Schell finishing second. Justin Green was awarded Best Team Man and Ben Heritage won the Coaches Trophy for his consistent season at centre half back. Alex Greenslade was impressive in the forward lines all year winning both the league and Club’s goal kicking trophies.
The C Grade were the big winners out of the season only losing one game for the year and then winning their Grand Final against Para Hills by 18 goals. Justin Trim was the star of the side taking out the league best and fairest medal, the C Grade best and fairest and also the league goal kicking trophy. Justin also played his 300th game for the Club and in doing so became just the 4th player to reach this milestone.
Other outstanding performers in the side included Olly Brecht (Coaches Trophy winner), Ryan George (Best Team Man) and Mark McGregor (Runner Up Best and Fairest). Veterans Sean Tanner and Tom Davies also led from the front and had impressive seasons and were a tremendous asset to coach Matthew Rechner.
The D Grade exceeded everyone’s expectations both on and off the field. By fielding the side we provided an extra 25 Old Scholars the opportunity to play football for the Reds and this side was full every week. The team finished the minor round in third place and then stunned everyone by knocking off minor premier Golden Grove by 1 point in the Preliminary Final. Sadly for the team and Coach Nick Girdler, the dream ended there with the side going down by 6 goals to SMOSH West Lakes in the Grand Final.
Ryan Winter was the star performer all year for the side taking out the best and fairest and Charlie Olsson finished second to him. Randall Lloyd (Coaches Trophy) and James L Thomas (Player of the Finals) were also excellent contributors through the season.
Other award winners at the End of Season Dinner included James Dalwood (Best Club Man), Geoff Prest (Headmaster’s Trophy), Nick Noblett (Most Improved) and Jack Kelly (Rookie of the Year).
Off the field highlights included our annual Past Players Day which attracted over 250 Old Reds to Park 9. This event keeps growing every year and I encourage all past players to check the website (www.paocfc.com) for information on this event in 2011.
In 2011 we will once again be fielding 4 teams and I encourage all school leavers and Old Reds out there to come join us as we embark on another challenging season.
Michael Siciliano
President
