Last Monday week (3rd February), the VAFA Board endorsed the re-badging of VAFA’s seven senior sections. A Section will from now be known as Premier Football. The publicised changes are:

In announcing the decision, which had been canvassed previously with the VAFA Club Directors, CEO Michael Sholly said that the VAFA believed there were “benefits on several levels.”

He continued: “The renaming lends more prestige to all levels of our competition. We expect that it will assist our clubs with recruiting and in dealing with local councils.

“It gives clubs on the lower rungs an immediate and more attainable goal of reaching Division 1 and then perhaps lifting through the Premier tiers. It recognises the strength of our clubs and the ranking of our competition at the peak of community football.

“While all in the VAFA community have understood our gradings, most outside our community haven’t. While our top step has always been “A Section”, many have referred to it as “A Grade”.  Now all will know it as Premier Football," the CEO said.
 

The pre-season training, which has been going on since November, is now well into its final stages with a Training Camp and practice matches starting to come into consideration.

The Pre-Season Camp will take place the week-end of 20th and 21st February at the Coralyn Football Club in Coralyn. Details of the practice matches as they come to hand.

As is unavoidable at every club and in every year there have been some departures and some arrivals;

We note with regret the departure of Andy Cultrera to play this season with his former club – Aquinas. For many years Andy (pictured, right, in a dashing mood) was, with Andrew Ramsden, the shorter (though by no means the lesser) half of the most prolific scoring combination in the VAFA. He won the Club goal kicking award in 4 of the last 7 years (being just pipped by ‘Rambo’ in 2009), as well as the VAFA’s award in 2006 and 2007 (with 69 and 62 goals respectively). He (and his charming partner Sarah) will be missed at the club and we wish them well.

In the “Arrivals” lounge, however, we find Callum Pohl, a young midfielder who, as an Under 19’s, won the Senior B&F at Hurstbridge in 2009. Also back from stints at other clubs are 2 welcome additions – Matt Kilpin (back from Port Melbourne) and Dayne Coulsen-Hoffacker (from the Bendigo Bombers). Given that last year neither spent much time at the club, it’s like picking up 2 brand new players.

Coach Brett Chandler reports from the training track:
    We have seen 56 faces thus far and are averaging about 30 players on the track at any one session. Since returning from the Xmas break the enthusiasm and intensity has been very encouraging, culminating in a record turn out last night of 55 players! All players are aware of the rigours of A-grade football and understand that hard work is the ingredient to our success this season.
    Players who have stood out in the pre-season include Jack Osborn, Tim Chivers, Tim Delphine, Luke Pacconi, Anthony Kenna and Jake Walsh.
 

In a first for Old Trinity Grammarian AFC, the 2009 AGM elected its first female president in its 55-plus history. Robyn Waters - VP last year - took over from Dyson Hore-Lacy who presided over the club in both a relegation year (2008) and, proudly, a promotion year (2009)!

In her inaugural address to the club at the AGM, Robyn thanked Dyson for his "contribution to the Club over the last two years " and assured him that his vast experience and network of contacts would still be called upon in the future.

Also retiring were long-time servants of the club Andrew Kennedy and Ian Jervis. Andrew was President of the club from 1997 to 2000, while Ian served as Secretary from 1998 to 2005. Their departure represents a massive loss of experience but, in Robyn's words, "that splendid knowledge will still be available to us as a Committee". Also downsizing her involvment is Marci Katz, who came to the commiittee just last year armed with boundless enthusiasm and good ideas. Again, a less formal role is anticipated for her.

Returned to the Committee were Alan Burrows (again as Secretary), David Troon (continuing as Treasurer, Tom Healy (Vice President). Vicki Vander Venne and Craig Burgess as Committee Members.

New Committee Structure Required

Indeed, given the reduced size of the Committee (6 in total) some dramatic changes will need to be implemented in the running of the club. Firstly, the Club's constitution may need to be amended to allow for the creation of a binding smaller committee. Secondly, a system of ad-hoc sub-committees is envisaged to tackle individual projects and tasks.

To that end the following motion will be put to a re-adjurned AGM on Monday 23rd November at the Cohen Rooms at 7:00pm: "that the committee of the Old Trinity Grammarians Football Club Inc. will consist of a President, Vice President and/or Immediate Past President, Treasurer, Secretary and a minimum of two and not more than five ordinary members".

Click on the Links to read Robyn's address and Alan's yearly report,
 

The traditional AFL Grand Final Eve Old Trinity Best and Fairest Dinner Dance at Hawthorn Receptions more than lived up to its reputation last night as the Old Trinity players and faithful celebrated the return to A Grade for season 2010 and the exploites of the players throughout season 2009.

All present really dressed to impress and Tom Oldfield's technique on "How to get a date for the B&F" seemed to have worked for the number of glamorous females (of all ages) present was a highlight. 

The introduction of a count from round twelve for the senior B&F added extra interest and heightened the excitement when Jack Healy took home the Weatherson Medal as the worthy winner.  Jack Osborn won the George Dwyer Cup as runner up and Matt Jessop was a breath away in third place.

President Dyson Hore-Lacy congratulated all present on the efforts throughout the season and officially announced that Senior Coach Brett Chandler is to continue in season 2010.

Brett himself couldn't have been happier with the results of 2009, but issued a strong challenge to all that getting back into A Grade is only the first step and we must all remain focussed and work even harder in 2010.

For a full list of all award winners read below.

Go to the Gallery tab, and enjoy some photos from this year.

You can now view photos from the Haileybury and Hampton games, and more.