43 DAYS TO GO | Rowville Knights president Paul Biondo 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? Explain.
Paul Biondo: 2018 was another great year of junior football for the Knights. All sides where competitive our players are keen to come back for another season.
Our under-11s’ premiership win was a highlight in what can be described as some of the most trying (wet and cold) weather conditions for football for players of any age.
We also had some successful partnerships with local teams to combine numbers in a few age groups to ensure all players from both clubs where guaranteed a game of football each week. All combined sides played finals football.
Approximately how many teams do you think you will field in 2019?
PB: We are continuing to grow our team numbers again in 2019 and will field a team in each age group of both boys and girls – 14 teams in total. Nine boys and five girls teams.
What has the feeling been like around the club over the pre-season?
PB: There is a great feeling around the club this year. We have gained players in most age groups which will hopefully lift these sides up the ladder.
The club is excited to receive a federal grant from MP Alan Tudge two weeks ago for new change-rooms and social facilities to be constructed at Liberty Reserve with building works hopeful to start this year.
We have also gained a local government grant for full ground lighting at Liberty Reserve. Both grants are the result of hard work and planning by a few committee members.
Everyone around the club is looking forward to the prospect of nights games, bigger indoor social night in a warmer environment.
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?
PB: It is hard to gauge at this stage of the year. However, we feel all teams will be competitive and each has a chance to challenge for a premiership. Our coaches are focused on providing an enjoyable yet challenging environment for our players to develop their football knowledge and skills.
Is there a particular age group of players that you need as soon as possible to fill a team ahead of Round 1?
PB: We still have a few spots in most teams, however the following teams are in most need a of a few new players – under-10, 12 and 16 girls, and under-9, 12 and 17 boys.
If any players are interested in playing for your club this season, what do they have to do?
PB: They can contact football operations, Michael McCarthy, on 0408 848 803 or our registrar Kirsty Epps on 0423 160 570, or email registrar@rowvilleknights.org.au.