Annual Report 2007 - Glebe District Hockey Club

First Grade Metro Women’s Report
Following a disappointing 2006 season, there was great expectation on the team to improve
their performance, as well as their standing on the points table to ensure the Glebe Women’s 1 st
grade team did not face the real possibility of being relegated from Sydney Women’s Hockey
League’s premier competition.
Of course motivation by fear doesn’t work and I’m pleased to say that the word relegation or
talking about “coming last” were not part of the team’s vocabulary. In fact the key theme which
was central to our training, our preparation and game day was Improvement.
This year the team was very committed to improving and playing a style of hockey that was in
the true Glebe spirit and tradition. And I must say the girls both at an individual and team level
improved tremendously throughout the year and gave many teams a real fright with their
determination and willingness to play strong and competitive hockey.
The theme Improvement was all about developing a team structure and shape so that every one
not only understood their own and team mate’s roles but also the importance of anticipating the
second, third and fourth pass. For improvement to be achieved a great deal of emphasis was
placed on the fundamentals; trapping, passing and tackling as well as the importance of fitness
and pre match preparation. In all of these facets, I’m delighted to say the team improved and
although a semi final birth was not achieved the team is only a season or two away from making
this a reality.
In 2008, emphasis will be placed on the same approach with perhaps more work to be done on
“circle craft”, goal shooting and composure and set plays…especially penalty corners. It’s
probably fair to say that the addition of a couple of elite and experienced 1 st grade players would
also accelerate the team’s development and perhaps this should be a priority in the off season.
So 2007 was a turning point for the team and a year where the platform for future achievement
has certainly been built. I have every confidence with continued dedication and commitment
from each 1 st grader as well as a bit more belief in their own ability that 2008 will provide further
improvement and success.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all the girls who played 1 st grade this year for your hard
work and also to congratulate you for the real improvement that you made. Also to our very few
but very regular supporters who made an effort each and every week to support the team – your
presence is extremely important and I hope you will all be cheering us all along next year. To
Danny O’Brien who helped me out at training and on game days when I couldn’t be available –
thanks mate. To Ken Wark jnr the second grade coach who provided invaluable assistance at
training. To Dean Benfield, Adam Campano, les Wark and Matty Wark who were always
available to assist at training – thanks fellas.
To Raelene Lindeberg who worked tirelessly and so unselfishly – the contribution you made to
our club and the girls was amazing. And to my wife Ann for being the team’s Manager, lolly
supplier and voice of experience and also to Ann Wark who filled in for Ann when we were
away. And to Neil Lawson the 2 nd grade manager who provided Ann and I fantastic support.
Page 62 77th Annual Report Glebe District Hockey Club