The Lions again provided a great year for players, parents and supporters. Fielding teams in Auskick, Under 10's, Under 11's, Under 12's and Under 14's meant that "Saturday Morning Footy" finishing before noon was a thing of the past and now operated all day. Of course that meant that a large increase in volunteers was required and the call was answered in splendid style.
Victoria Becus and Shirelle Anasis stepped up to take up the running of the canteen along with Jan Rogers who took on the role of Property Manager as well as selling raffle tickets at each home game. Greg Rogers took on the important responsibilty of Ground Manager and Statistician whilst Vivienne Corcoran kept everyone well informed with her weekely newsletter "The Lions Den". Tim Wade took over the Website and the Lockhart Family-Kay, Paul, Grace, Sam and friends Nicole and Brent ran a highly successful Trivia Night with over 100 people attending.
In the biggest step in the Clubs short history, an application to have Dukes Oval floodlit was commenced and the hard work by David and Kim Nolan, along with help from Mayor Greg Davies and support from local councillors, Jim Aitken and Ross Fowler, this was to become a reality in 2003.
Danny Corcoran took over the role of Auskick coach along with help from Mark Cooke and Scott Beard and the many parents who enthusiastically joined in every Saturday morning. Manager Christine Beard made sure that all players had their jerseys ready and the fruit and lollies organised. Many of the 2001 squad had graduated into "senior" Under 10's football but there were many future stars that started off their footy careers in 2002.
Geoff Payne again took up the reins as Under 10's coach in the third consecutive year with the team. With many of the 2001 premiership boys playing in Under 11's, Geoff moulded his rookies and veteran players into a formidable outfit and were again there at finals time. After recording a 21 point victory in the semi over Hawkesbury, they recorded a heartstopping 21 points to 20 points win against Penrith in the preliminary final to book their spot in another Grand Final. The big day saw the boys do the club proud. Bradley Thomas kicked his first goal in AFL but the Blue Mountains took the ultimate honours with a four point victory.
The Under 11's fielded a strong squad of nineteen players. Kevin Tate was appointed coach but work commitments saw him unable to attend many training sessions. Craig Sharp took up the Wednesday coaching role whist Kevin and Craig put their football brains together on Saturdays to run the team. Sue Samuels took over the major role in the team as Manager and made sure the weekly co-ordination of players, jumpers, oranges, awards and teamsheets was always a done deal. Overall, the team won 11 from 15 of their home and away matches. They finished off the season winning their final six games including a determined and hard fought win over Hawkesbury in the Grand Final.
The Under 12's had to take on arguably the toughest age group in the region and with a squad of almost twenty players, found it hard in the early games to adjust to the "full field" rules. They won three of their games, however, and never stopped trying all year, showing great improvement with every outing. Chris Cochrane was always willing to help out at training whilst Jessica Cochrane, Peta Limbrick and Jessica Limbrick were always on hand to run boundaries and wave flags behind the sticks. Greg Corless took on the role of team Manager.
The Under 14's were coached again by Adrian White, who early in the season announced he would be taking a well deserved break from the coaching ranks in 2003. Despite gaining some new players, the team lost seven of their 2001 premiership squad. Despite this, the team performed well against sides like Penrith, who had dominated the previous year until their shock Grand Final defeat at the hands of the Lions and Hawkesbury, who had been re-admitted into the GWFA competition after being Grand Finalists in the stronger (at the time) Northside competition the year before. The team finished third in the "home and away" competition and met Blue Mountains in the knockout semi.
As Adrian White reported in his match report:
"Our Semi Final against the Kangaroos was a tight contest, at an unfamiliar Whalan Reserve. After trailing by 15 points at three quarter time, the Kangaroos kicked three unanswered goals to lead by three points with a minute to go. Great play from Joel Stephens and Zac Sperber led to a fantastic goal by Oliver Lawton, inside the last minute to secure a nail biting win."
Despite a courageous effort the next week in the preliminary final, the team were beaten by Penrith Swans who in turn were beaten by Hawkesbury in the Grand Final.
At the end of the season it was announced that club founders, David and Kim Nolan, would step down in their respective roles with their children Chris amd Emma deciding to play other sports the following year. Although a huge blow to the club, the foundations had been well and truly laid and a "booming" family orientated club had been established under the guidance of the Nolans.
Committee 2002 |
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President |
David Nolan |
Vice President |
Greg Corless |
Treasurer |
Kim Nolan |
Secretary |
Adrian White |
Committee |
Peter Fisher |
Committee |
Greg Bullivant |
Committee |
Craig Sharp |
Committee |
Greg Rogers |
Committee |
Geoff Payne |
Committee |
Schirelle Anasis |
Committee |
Victoria Becus |
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Team Staff 2002 |
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Auskick Coach |
Danny Corcoran |
Auskick Manager |
Christine Beard |
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Under 10's Coach |
Geoff Payne |
Under 10's Assistant |
Ian "Will" Williamson |
Under 10's Manager |
Andrea Metcalfe |
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Under 11's Coach |
Kevin Tate |
Under 11's Assistant |
Craig Sharp |
Under 11's Manager |
Sue Samuels |
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Under 12's Coach |
Craig Sharp |
Under 12's Assistant |
Chris Cochrane |
Under 12's Manager |
Greg Corless |
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Under 14's Coach |
Adrian White |
Under 14's Assistant |
Adrian Edwards |
Under 14's Fitness Coach |
Annette Harris |
Under 14's Manager |
Wayne Lawes |
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Other Volunteers 2002 |
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The Lockhart Family + Friends |
Fundraising |
Ian "Will" Williamson |
Lions Cartoonist |
Charmaine Edwards |
Fundraising |
Susan Harris |
Conditioner |
Jim Aitken |
Sponsor |
Vivienne Corcoran |
Newsletter Editor |
Tim Wade |
Website
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Award Winners
Award |
Under 10 |
Under 11 |
Under 12 |
Under 14 |
Best and Fairest |
Matthew Payne |
Daniel Spiteri |
Tayt Corless |
Michael Elven |
Most Consistent |
Zac Metcalfe |
Tom Samuels |
Josh Cochrane |
David Waddell |
Most Improved |
Jack Hill |
Danielle & Sam Marshall |
Clarice Comfort |
Rys Stapleton |
Coach's Award |
Kyle Brown |
Luke Dixon |
Jarrah Andrew |
Joel Stephens |
Junior Clubman |
Jessica Limbrick |
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Senior Clubman |
Ian "Will" Williamson |
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Representative Players
Team |
Player |
Greater Western Football Association Under 12's |
Joshua Anasis |
Greater Western Football Association Under 12's |
Joshua Cochrane |
Greater Western Football Association Under 12's |
John Cox |
Milestones
Milestone |
Player |
50 Club Games |
Nicholas Edwards |
50 Club Games |
Matthew Payne |
50 Club Games |
James Randall |
50 Club Games |
Alex Rogers |
50 Club Games |
Adam Sharp |
50 Club Games |
William Tate |
Last Modified on 25/12/2008 08:08