36 DAYS TO GO | Forest Hill junior president Dom Sherlock 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?
Dom Sherlock: We had a fantastic 2019 at the Zebra Juniors, with seven junior teams; the most in the Club’s 51-year history – one mixed, two girls and four boys teams. Four out of our six competitive-graded teams made their way into finals; with two contesting preliminary finals, and under-13s grand finalists. We also saw the introduction of a second girls team; our under-12s, in addition to our successful under-16s.
We also managed a small but successful Auskick program – we are a focus of EFL as numbers are currently low, but working together with the AFL and EFL to promote and build again.
The Zebras also gained recognition at League level, with four players attending the League junior best and fairest evening.
Most importantly, we saw our kids develop and progress their skills, through practising, living and preaching our club values, and we had a heap of fun on and off the field.
Approximately how many teams do you think you will field in 2019?
DS: The Zebras will field six teams; a mixed under-9 side, 12s, U14s and 15s boys, and 14s and 16s girls. Our under-17s have moved up to under-19s in 2019 which is fantastic for our senior club, so we will not be fielding an under-17 team. Our under-16 girls step up to be the most senior members of our junior club!
What has the feeling been like around the club over the pre-season?
DS: Things have been a little quiet of course until most teams returned to training after the school holidays. Talk has turned to footy again, and at training the kids are always enthusiastic and positive about the season ahead. Committee-wise it is always a bit tense at this time. Being such a small club, there is always the uncertainty of player numbers in each team; it’s always a concern for us in majority of our teams right up to Round 1.
We stay positive, we work hard at growing our numbers and focus on making it happen so all of our kids get on to the ground in Round 1. We have had great support from a few of our surrounding clubs, and communication between competing clubs this year so far has been the best it’s been for a couple of years at least.
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?
DS: Tossing up between our U12s and U14 boys; I’d love to see the U12s go all the way in 2019. They are a gritty, determined bunch of kids who love their footy. They train well, and with further skill development through pre-season and throughout the home and away season, I think they can get the job done. The boys were narrowly beaten in a Preliminary final in 2018, so will be all the more eager to do it again and go the next step.
Is there a particular age group of players that you need as soon as possible to fill a team ahead of Round 1?
DS: We are currently looking for more players in all of our age groups; 9s, 12s, 14, 15s and 16s. We will field these sides, but do need more numbers to top what we currently have. Our under-9s are a particular concern; we would love an extra 10 kids to come down and really boost this group. We’d also love to see a few more under-16 girls, as we all know injuries will take some toll through the season with the group.
If any players are interested in playing for your club this season, what do they have to do?
DS: Any player interested in joining our small, friendly, family orientated club, can visit www.zebras.org.au, for further information or to register online.
They can also feel free to call me on 0418 571 707 anytime, as I’m more than happy to discuss joining the Zebra Juniors, or email at foresthilljnr@efnl.org.au
Go Zebs!