FROM the moment that siren rang at East Burwood Reserve against Wantirna South, everything we had sacrificed came flooding back through my mind.
All the sweat poured over pre-season, the recovery and routine maintenance of the body together with those extra training sessions called by the leadership group.
Our game style practised over and over again had guided us home, finally.
The numerous phone calls between the coaching staff and teammates, the little one on ones to keep minds focused week to week at the task at hand. Thoughts were spared also for our fallen soldiers, who had found themselves injured and had run out of time and luck. Especially our mates that were not a part of that final side, it had dawned on me that their opportunity had been missed.
As the Captain of that Senior 18 at Doncaster, I can tell you there is no prouder moment when the chill runs down your spine, the loud noise of teammates as they gather round and embrace one another, leading to the realisation of what has just happened.
The joy on everyone’s face and the tears that flow from our beloved supporters is what stamps that lasting impression.
For me I wish every player on earth could experience that moment just once… as it all set in, I had realised that we had achieved everything that we had set out to do from the very beginning of that season.
That last big tick.
To be responsible for a list of players, who are close mates and that are truly there for one another is something that I hold very close to my heart.
I’ve been the captain of our side for the past three years. Captained our last two premierships and am so proud to say I was able to play a role in Doncaster’s History, one of my life’s greatest achievements.
I have now joined an honourable crew of past captains at our club.
I have stood down as captain, to take up a new challenge as coach of our Under 19’s side, which I absolutely love. I have got a fantastic bunch of young men to work with that are all eager to learn. We are going to have some fun this year and I cannot wait.
In 2014, our captaincy will be shared between Matt Schimmelbusch and Chris Annakis, who are both amazing clubman and are highly talented at their trade.
Being able to get the most out of our playing list on field as well as making sure we remain tight off the field, has been a key ingredient to our success.
Our ability to attract all types of players that “buy into” what Doncaster is about is the one thing that makes our group so special.
How well do you know your list I ask you??
We have prided ourselves on doing that bit more for one another. We have recruited people into our club that only complement our current list and culture. Culture can take some time to build and it is what every club desires. It takes hard work, honesty and reliability.
Relationships have to be worked on and maintained regularly. However, it can all be lost in seconds with the recruitment of the wrong people with the wrong mindset.
They have to be team players and their commitment must be demonstrated for all to see and feel.
What are they going to bring to the table, outside of kicks, marks and handballs?
There has to be sacrifice and balance in binding culture. Find that sweet spot between your social life, work, family, friends, footy club and teammates. Ask your teammates where they think they can get the time to work on these relationships.
Protect your culture, because the longer you keep it healthy and fun, the easier it can be passed on to new teammates and understood because everyone is on the same page already.
Good luck to all sides competing this week, we have a big game against East Doncaster, our local rival. So get down to Schramms Reserve and enjoy what will be a hard fought game.