The season that was

So that was that for the 2021 season.

As you no doubt have seen the announcements today from AFL NSW/ACT, it is a sad way to end what was shaping up to be a great return of community footy after what was a difficult 2020. This season should not be seen as a waste, and it's important to reflect on the season as another step in the right direction for the footy club.

As President of the club I would like to personally thank the committee, coaches, volunteers, supporters and the players for all of their hard work and support during preseason getting the club up and running again, as well as their hard work on and off the field to make every training session and gameday on a Saturday so enjoyable for all. Thank you also to the generosity of our club sponsors who continue to support the club and community football in the area.

Reasons to be cheerful:

- An incredibly successful Ladies Day, raising over $3000 for Beyond Blue

- The club playing their part in Reconciliation Week as well as wearing their first indigenous jumper

- Strong, talented and dedicated coaching panel in both the men's and women's programs

- Elite strength, conditioning and physio support from Athlete's Authority to improve and maintain the health of the playing group

- 35 players transferred into the club from other clubs because they wanted to come and play for Mac Uni

- Another 34 players on top of that that were new to footy (or senior footy) that chose Mac Uni to be their first club

- Junior talent being brought into the club who will be able to show the value we can provide given the right junior pathways

- Strong on field performances from all four teams

- Six new sponsors, as well as our first player sponsors

The club will continue to build on its vision of being a destination club for players of all abilities, based on the key pillars of:

- elite coaching

- elite strength and conditioning

- strong junior pathways

- great off field infrastructure

The club has taken its first steps to build these pillars, but the house is not yet built. Next season and beyond is now the next opportunity to take the next few steps in the journey, but we wouldn't have been on the path without everything that has been achieved in 2021.

Everyone is having a difficult time at the moment, and it's ok to feel like you're struggling. Keep talking to each other. What I want to reassure you of is that footy and the footy club will be back, and with everyone bringing their positive energy, dedication and enthusiasm for the game, their mates and their teammates we can keep working to be as strong as this club has ever been. There will still be challenges ahead, but with everyone in it together we can achieve anything that we put our minds towards.

Once lockdown and restrictions are lifted we will make sure that we come together as a group and reflect and celebrate 2021 and use it to look forward to the future and the return of the game we all love.