40 DAYS TO GO | Coldstream junior president Kane Powell spoke to EFL Media ahead of the 2019 season, all thanks to Yarra Valley Water & Choose Tap.
Overall, were you satisfied with what the club achieved, both on and off the field, in 2018?
Kane Powell: As this is my first season as president I can only comment from a parent’s perspective on season 2018, and yes I was very satisfied with what our club achieved.
Our under-14 girls were given the opportunity to merge with Yarra Glen to create a ‘Jetstream’ team, who were able to win a premiership.
This partnership has continued into this season with all the girls merging with Yarra Glen to form Jetstream teams across all age groups.
Two out of our three competitive boys teams played finals and our under-9s had a blast learning the skills and sportsmanship that is required to play footy.
As a club we were given the opportunity to host two weeks of girls’ finals, which was a fantastic chance for both the senior and junior clubs to work together to display our facilities and our ability to host a successful event.
Combined with unwavering support from our players’ families, the club continued to host social and fundraising events to ensure the kids always benefit from the best possible opportunities they can be given.
Approximately how many teams do you think you will field in 2019?
KP: We are looking at fielding four teams in 2019, including three competitive sides. Our under-10s side will be coached by Jessica Provan, who played all her junior footy up to under-14s at Coldstream.
Under-13, 14 and 15s will continue to be coached by the experienced coaches and assistant coaches they had last season.
What has the feeling been like around the club over the pre-season?
KP: It has been a busy but productive pre-season for our junior club. With our committee working very hard behind the scenes to ensure a successful season in 2019, we also have had a fantastic turn out of enthusiastic players to pre-season training. There is an element of excitement around the club as we look forward to what we have planned for the upcoming season.
If you had to pick one, which team do you think is the club’s best chance of winning a premiership this season, and why?
KP: Possibly our under-13 team is the best chance of winning a premiership as they have had steady improvement and progress throughout the past few years and played in finals in 2018.
Is there a particular age group of players that you need as soon as possible to fill a team ahead of Round 1?
KP: While all our teams could do with one or two extra players our under-15 team is probably the side that is in most need of a few additional kids.
They won a D-division premiership in 2017 and went on to finish on top of the ladder and play finals in C-division in 2018. They have always played with approximately 21 kids on their team, however, it does become more difficult as the kids get older and have other school/part time job commitments which may require them to miss the odd game.
If any players are interested in playing for your club this season, what do they have to do?
KP: We would love to welcome any new players into our club. They will all receive free club registration, a club bag and a team photo. They can contact either myself on 0499 800 791, or our secretary/registrar Von Powell on 0412 608 307 for any questions they have.
We also have a free skills day coming up on Sunday, March 24, where Malcolm Bangs and Lindsay Gilbee will be conducting tackling and kicking clinics for all our registered players.