34 DAYS TO GO | Noble Park junior president Mick Carlsson 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?
Mick Carlsson: On-field, 2019 was a challenging, yet rewarding for the club as a whole. Our teams were competitive throughout the season and were continually working towards learning and developing their skills. There were two teams that made finals but the buzz around the club and the support for them by members was heart-warming. Win or lose, they played with pride.
Off-field, the club is looking forward to the construction of new club rooms. Ross Reserve, Noble Park has been our home for the past 56 years. The upgrade of the facilities has been a long time coming. Big things are happening for our club, kids and community.
The club was also given the opportunity to host Toyota Good for Footy once again. It was a great event and made even better with the buy-in from our local community. The continual support from our sponsors and volunteers has provided many opportunities for our club and our kids.
Approximately how many teams do you think you will field in 2020?
MC: We are hoping to field 9 teams this year, ranging from under-8s through under-15 boys/mixed and an under-16 girls team.
What has the feeling been like around the club over the pre-season?
MC: There is a sense of excitement in the air. The kids are motivated and enthusiastic about starting pre-season training, our coaches are working hard with their planning, as is the committee. It is wonderful to see an influx of our members putting their hands up to volunteer and assist in what will hopefully be a great season.
If you had to pick one, which team do you think is the club’s best chance of winning a premiership this season?
MC: We are excited about the possibility of our 2020 under-15s making finals and winning a premiership this year.
Last season they made it to the prelim and lost by one goal. This year, there is a hunger for success and the ultimate prize – a grand final win. Moving the team into the EFNL for the first time will be a challenge but exciting at the same time. The coaching staff and players are determined to continue developing, learning and fighting for the outcome that they aspire to. They are committed to each other and their strength and resilience is to be commended. With a little luck and a lot of hard work and commitment, we are hoping that this will be their year!
Is there a particular age group of players that you need as soon as possible to fill a team ahead of Round 1?
MC: The club is hoping for more players in our mixed under-10 and under-11 age group as well as under-16 girls.
If any players are interested in playing for your club this season, what do they have to do?
MC: Contact our registrar – Sorina Balica on 0433 841 326 or email npfcj@hotmail.com
