33 DAYS TO GO | Donvale junior president Adrian Daniels spoke to EFNL Media ahead of the 2020 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 2019?
Adrian Daniels: Yes, very satisfied with efforts and performance and the positive attitude of all of our junior girls and boys teams in 2019. A number of our boys and girls had the opportunity to play in finals and although they did not reach the ultimate prize of a grand final, the experience will benefit them in 2020.
Off-field, we have introduced a new award in recognition of one of our valued volunteers who passed away in 2018. The Andrew Thomas Award is given to the junior best club person of the year. This award recognises the junior player that does those extra things for his team and around the club.
Approximately how many teams do you think you will field in 2020?
AD: We are hoping to field 10 teams this season.
What has the feeling been like around the club over the pre-season?
AD: A lot of our junior players are still playing other sports at the moment but those that have been around the club have been positive and are looking forward to this season.
If you had to pick one, which team do you think is the club’s best chance of winning a premiership this season?
AD: I would not like to single out one side as there are a lot of factors that go into winning a premiership. We just try to encourage all teams and players to do the best they can and keep developing their skills being taught by our great coaches.
Is there a particular age group of players that you need as soon as possible to fill a team ahead of Round 1?
AD: We are always looking for new players for all of our junior teams, particularly our under-9, under-10 and under-11 boys and under-14 and under-16 girls teams.
If any players are interested in playing for your club this season, what do they have to do?
AD: They can contact the club through our email address donvalejnr@efnl.org.au or go to our website and register on line at donvalefc.com.au.
If they want to know anything else, they can contact me directly on mobile 0423 272 828 – I am always happy to talk to parents and answer any queries they might have.