45 DAYS TO GO | Rowville Knights president Mitch Laughlin 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?
Mitch Laughlin: We were rapt with 2019. All teams were competitive in their respective division (and) eight out of 10 competitive teams played finals, with our under-13 boys coming out premiers after a great last half performance.
Off field, we secured a grant thanks to Alan Tudge for new change-rooms set to be completed later this year, and our girls football continues to grow.
Approximately how many teams do you think you will field in 2020?
ML: We are looking to have 13 teams in 2020 – eight boys and five girls teams.
What has the feeling been like around the club over the pre-season?
ML: Well it is still quite early for a lot of teams, however numbers at the first few training sessions have been great. The coaches are well prepared with their planning and everyone is looking forward to the season to kick off.
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?
ML: Based on last year’s performance, all teams are a definite chance. The under-14 boys move into A-grade which is great for our club and they should perform well.
We are very confident that our under-8 and 9 boys teams will not lose a game on the scoreboard this year.
Is there a particular age group of players that you need as soon as possible to fill a team ahead of Round 1?
ML: We would like a few extra players for the following teams: boys under-8s, 9s, 10s; girls under-12s, 14s, 18s.
If any players are interested in playing for your club this season, what do they have to do?
ML: Contact football operations – Michael McCarthy – 0404 882 654 or registrar – Kirsty Epps – 0423 160 570 or registrar@rowvilleknights.org.au