2023 proved to be a very successful year for our juniors, although we didn’t bring home any silverware, our young Hawks did our club proud.

From U9s through to U18s saw us field 13 teams this year, which is a fantastic result. Our junior numbers are continuing to build each year, which is extremely exciting for our club.

Our U14 teams were placed in Div 2 and Div 5 this year and were well led by our coaching staff of Fraser Brown, Matthew Foot and Steve Lamplugh. Both teams narrowly missed out on playing finals, but we are looking forward to a big year in this age group next year.

The U16 age group saw us placed in Div 3, Adam Little and Bailey Sykes did an outstanding job with the boys which saw them play finals. They won their elimination final but unfortunately fell to a strong Torquay side in the prelim by 5 points.

We had two U18s teams take the field this year with Damian Clark, Lincoln Blair, Mark Murone and Jamie Lord at the helm. It was a tough year for our Div 3 side, but they turned up every week and gave it 100% which shows what an amazing bunch of boys they are. Our Div 2 side went deep into finals but fell short going down to Bannockburn in the prelim. To quote Damo “Whilst it was a disappointing end to the season, I was absolutely delighted with the effort that was given all year to have us be a part of finals.”

I would like to acknowledge a few individual efforts this year:

Noah Jones finished 3rd in the Div 5 U14s League Best & Fairest (below far right)

Hayden Eddy League Best & Fairest winner Div 3 U16s (below middle with Coach Adam Little)

Declan Foley League Best & Fairest winner Div 2 U18s (below left with Lincoln Blair)

I would personally like to thank all our coaches, assistant coaches, age group coordinators, team managers and game day helpers, without you our kids can’t take the ground each week. To David Searle who did the timekeeping for many of our junior games this year, we thank you. Lastly a huge thank you to Squiz for everything he has done this year to help our kids. Our young Hawks are very lucky to have you!

Planning has already begun for the 2024 season; I look forward to seeing the kids back on the park next year. Go Hawks!

Amy Milne

Junior Coordinator