The year 2001 was a great one for the Lions with a substantial increase in numbers and the club fielding teams in Auskick, Under 10's, Under 11's and Under 13's. It was great to see a lot of committed players along with their parents becoming involved. 28 new players joined the club in 2001 and they quickly developed their skills and love of AFL.
Danny Corcoran and Mitch Arvidson attacked their tasks of Auskick coaches with great enthusiasm. Geoff Payne took over the Under 10's coaching role made vacant by Andrew Lowing's departure to country NSW. Chris Marathakis took over the "new" Under 11's team as coach, with help from Craig Sharp and Kevin Tate whilst the Under 13's were guided by Adrian White along with help from Peter Fisher, Greg Bulivant, Adrian Edwards, Wayne Lawes and other helpers. Charmaine Edwards and Jenny Bullivant were magnificent in their all important role of fundraising whilst Kim Nolan was wonderful in feeding the masses in one of her many roles of Canteen Manager.
In Auskick, 17 players enjoyed their Saturday morning drills, along with games against Penrith, Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains later in the season.
On Presentation Day, 2000, Under 10's 2000 coach, Andrew Lowing, made a statement that the team he coached would be a team of the future. Coach Geoff Payne with help from Ian "Will" Wiiliamson, Manager Sue Samuels and other enthusiastic parents worked hard during the year to improve the skills of this team and were rewarded on Grand Final Day at Bensons Lane when they took out the Lions first ever premiership
The Under 11's side comprised mainly first year players and it showed early in the season with some big losses to the more established teams. However, the boys never lost their enthusiasm and in the second half of the season, showed the leading teams that they would be a force to be reckoned with in the future with brilliant displays including a come from behind win over Grand Finalists, Blue Mountains at the end of the season.
The Under 13's aim in 2001 was to go "one better" than 2000 and make the finals series. As the season progressed, coach Adrian White realised that the team was capable of a Grand Final berth. Realistically, a premiership was not on offer with Penrith dominating this age group with "mercy rule" victories on most weeks. With the team running second at the end of the "home and away" series, they played Penrith in the major semi to go down by a massive score after Penrith kicked six goals in the opening 15 minutes. The following week they struggled somewhat against St Clair but in the end won by 11 points to secure their first ever Grand Final berth. The Lions and their supporters were proud of their achievement but realistically thought that receiving runner-up medallions at Bensons Lane was going to be the result of a great season. However, the team had other ideas and in gale-like conditions, caused one of the biggest upsets in football history to win the match against a shellshocked Swans outfit.
In only the second year of the Lions existence, two out the three flags on offer headed to Emu Sports Club trophy cabinet, the Lions major sponsor.
Committee 2001 |
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President |
David Nolan |
Vice President |
Adrian Edwards |
Treasurer |
Kim Nolan |
Secretary |
Adrian White |
Committee |
Peter Fisher |
Committee |
Greg Bullivant |
Committee |
Greg Corless |
Committee |
Greg Rogers |
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Team Staff 2001 |
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Auskick Coach |
Danny Corcoran |
Auskick Assistant |
Mitch Arvdison |
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Under 10's Coach |
Geoff Payne |
Under 10's Assistant |
Ian "Will" Williamson |
Under 10's Manager |
Sue Samuels |
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Under 11's Coach |
Chris Marathakis |
Under 11's Assistant |
Craig Sharp |
Under 11's Assistant |
Kevin Tate |
Under 11's Manager |
Greg Corless |
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Under 13's Coach |
Adrian White |
Under 13's Assistant |
Adrian Edwards |
Under 13's Assistant |
Peter Fisher |
Under 13's Fitness Coach |
Annette Harris |
Under 13's Manager |
Wayne Lawes |
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Other Volunteers 2001 |
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Charmaine Edwards |
Fundraising |
Jenny Bullivant |
Fundraising |
Chris Cochrane |
Coach helper |
Mark Spiteri |
Coach helper
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Award Winners
Award |
Under 10 |
Under 11 |
Under 13 |
Best and Fairest |
Daniel Spiteri |
Joshua Cochrane |
Heath Pritchard |
Most Consistent |
Matthew Payne |
Kyle Thomas |
Brett Harris |
Most Improved |
James Randall |
David Webb |
Matthew Cusack |
Coach's Award |
Zac Metcalfe |
Justin Comfort |
David Waddell |
Junior Clubman |
Rick Fisher |
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Senior Clubman |
Craig Sharp |
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Representative Players
Team |
Player |
Penrith Valley Under 12's |
Oliver Lawton |
Penrith Valley Under 13's |
Joel Stephens |
Penrith Valley Under 13's |
Heath Pritchard |
Last Modified on 23/12/2008 07:45