Presidents Report – 16 December 2021

As we enter the Christmas countdown, I thought it was an opportune time to send out my final report for 2021 and give you all an update on several things associated with the club for this year and as we look forward to 2022

Annual General Meeting

We held our AGM on Thursday 9 December in the Marcellin Functions Room.

With that we welcome the following members to our Executive Committee:

President: David Howe

Vice-President: Matthew Frost

Treasurer: Joel Cunningham

Secretary: Simone Alcorn

Golden Eagles Representatives: Matt Getson and Bernie Crimmins

We welcome Simone Alcorn to the Executive Committee as well as welcome Matthew into his new role. We also thank Chiara for all her work over the time she has held various committee positions for the club, and we thank her also for remaining on the General Committee in 2022.

Paul Bonato and Sue Robertson will remain as General Committee members and we have Ben Day (Life Member) assisting us with Sponsorships

We still require assistance in the following areas:

1. Communications (Social Media)
2. Social Events
3. Players Representative (Men’s and Women’s)

These roles must be filled so please contact either Matthew Frost or myself to close out these positions as soon as possible.

Furthermore, we were also able to announce a $42.5k net profit for the 2021 year.

After years of just getting by the club is finally ‘in the black’ and whilst this is an enormous result, we must continue to maintain this to secure the future of the football club. Further focus will be put on more fundraising areas which we were without due to an interrupted 2021, such as social events and sponsorship

A huge thankyou to Joel Cunningham in his first year as Treasurer. He has done an amazing job and has been a big support for the entire Committee as we traded our way back into positive territory this year.

Pre-Season and COVID Updates

Our Men and Women have recommenced their trainings on Mondays and Wednesdays, and it has been so good to see players back on the track and as we head into the Christmas break.

We hope that all the players get a chance to refresh and come back in the New Year ready to go after what has been 2 horrendous years of only 11 games of football, as I think most people involved at the club is suffering some Pandemic fatigue at present.

As previously advised, we must follow the Catholic Education Guidelines associated with utilising the school facilities which means everyone must be double vaccinated

We have held preliminary discussions with the VAFA regarding these obligations once the season gets underway and this is not an issue particular to us only. We do not have any updates on this as other Old Collegians/University teams are in a similar position but will update accordingly when we hear further.

Life Members

As mentioned on our Presentation Day we awarded Jonathan Blanch, Tim Money, Luke Boyd and Paul Bonato with Life Membership. All were deserving of the award, and I want to congratulate and thank those men for their deserving and extraordinary service to the club.

Sponsorship

With the new approach of the Committee, we have also revised our Sponsorship Package for the 2022 year with 5 different levels to appeal to a broad range of businesses (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Club).

I am pleased to announce we have secured existing sponsors in Woodridge, Paul Money Partners, Donnellan’s the Tyremen, The Harp of Erin Hotel and Bronzeworks for the 2022 season. We are also in discussions with the Bendigo Bank (Heidelberg and East Ivanhoe) for them to return.

We are also pleased to announce that we will be welcoming the Australian Venue Co., Sorted Services, Fitzpatrick Insurance Brokers to the Marcellin family who will be coming on board as multi-year sponsorships as well as Vito Paonessa as a Club Sponsor.

I want to specifically thank Megan Wallace (Australian Venues Co.), Andrew Duncan (Sorted Services), Luke Considine and Ben Day (Fitzpatrick Insurance Brokers) for introducing us to their businesses and joining the Marcellin Community. You will be hearing quite a bit about these businesses going forward rest assured.

I’d like to make special mention and thanks to our greatest sponsor of all being Marcellin College

For the players to be allowed the opportunity to continue the connection with their school mates post their school days, for their support in allowing us to introduce the Women’s football program into the mix, and for the amazing facilities we are forever thankful for what the College does for us.

Coaching Appointments

As has previously been announced we have nearly rounded out our coaching panels for the 2022 season.

I would like to thank outgoing coaches in Nicholas Hullick (Under 19s), Lucas Mallamace (Under 19s), Tim Montagna (Senior Assistant Coach) and Matthew Frost (Thirds) for their significant impact on the club over the last year and appreciate the work they have put into our Men’s program

In order to round out this coaching panel we are still searching for a Thirds coach. If you have any interest, please email us at admin@marcellinocfc.com.au to contact us.

Team Managers

I would also just like to thank Anthony Rush (Senior Men’s), Lucas Bosio (Reserves Men’s), Frank Raso (Reserves Men’s), Anthony Florio (Thirds), Mary Thornhill (Under 19s), Justin Napier (Under 19s), Sue Robertson (Senior Women’s), Toby Hansen (Reserves Women’s) and Stephen Carpinteri (Reserves Women’s) for taking on their respective roles in the 2021 year.

A special mention and thank you to our ground managers in Sue Robertson and Paul Bonato. Without them we would struggle to put teams on the park.

We need parents to assist Sue and Paul in order to help us run the club more smoothly. Please feel free to offer your services, the work involved is hugely rewarding and truly allows you to immerse yourself in this great Marcellin community.

Social Events

Given 2021 was a ‘lost year’ we are gearing up for a huge 2022.

Already in the pipeline is a planned ‘Football Extravaganza’ with each team playing at Marcellin in Round 2 (April 9) with a Luncheon on the same day sponsored by Donnellans.

We see this as a great opportunity for the Marcellin community to come together after an extended hiatus and given the Women will be kicking us off it allows the past players at our club to introduce themselves to the successful Women’s program in their 5^th year in the VAFA.

We also plan on some old favourites coming back – Prom Night, Nest Ball and Trivia Night, and will keep you posted.

Golden Eagles

The Golden Eagles saw significant numbers in 2021 and they will look to increase that for 2022.

This coterie group, headed up by Matt Getson and Dave Leavold, has been in existence for over 50 years and is an opportunity for past players to support the club whilst remaining connection past their playing days.

I’m sure Matt and Dave will be communicating more about this in the coming month or two, but I encourage you to reach out to them and either learn more about the Golden Eagles or join up for 2022.

Marcellin College

I’d like to make special mention to Marco Di Cesare (Principal), Phil Tankey (Business Manager) and John Connell (Facilities Manager) for their much-needed support in 2021.

We also thank Leon Moore (Head Curator) who has unfortunately departed the college. Your support and assistance will be missed tremendously.

That is pretty much is a wrap for 2021. I’d like to wish everyone in the Marcellin community a happy and safe Christmas and lets all hope for a healthy and prosperous New Year.

See you all at the footy in season 2022

Regards

Dave Howe

MOCFC President