It was a very up and down season for Collegians, marred by lots of injuries to some very important players in our Senior men's team. Against the odds, we managed to make the finals, finishing in fourth spot, but unfortunately, lost the first semi-final to Old Scotch.
It was a terrific effort just to qualify given how young our team has been for most of this year, with many of our experienced senior players out injured. The emergence of so many young players will hold the club in good stead for the future. And with many of the long-term injured players returning in 2025, we hope to be able to have a real crack at another premiership next year, which will keep our boys focused over the summer.
In exciting news, our Under 19 boys won the Division 3 Premiership, kicking five goals in a barnstorming last quarter to come from five points down to win by 32 points. Many of these boys are OWs from 2023 and all said this has been their best year ever in football. Massive thanks to Rick Morris (OW2004) who coached the side and was very well assisted by Ash Heriot (OW1982). Both coaches really got the best out of this playing group.
The men's Reserves and Thirds didn't enjoy a lot of success this year as their seasons were really impacted by the injuries to the senior team, with both teams continually pushing players up to fill gaps at a higher level. The reserves also played a number of the U19 boys in the team during the year and we hope this will help develop them for the future benefit of Collegians FC. A big thank you to Nick Hibbins (OW1982) who has coached the Reserves for the past couple of years and done a mighty job during that time. Nick is stepping down as he is moving to live on a farm in Mansfield. We wish him all the best and thank him for the wonderful work he done for the club.
The women's Seniors have also had an indifferent year due to injuries and player unavailability, finishing the season in 6th place on the ladder, two games out of finals. In contrast, the women's Reserves had a great year, holding first or second spot on the ladder all season. They have now won their way into the Grand Final with a fabulous win in the second semi-final. They will start favourites but still need to perform and get the job done. Good luck girls!
Our women's Thirds team was moved up to a higher division after winning the early games of the season, but unfortunately, this made it really tough for them. But they stuck to the task and never lost heart, even after some heavy losses, and enjoyed playing as a team which will hold them in good stead for the future.
For any questions about Collegians Football Club or to get involved, please contact President Andrew Keneally (OW1985) on 0499 490 580 or email akenneally29@gmail.com.
