IN THE LIONS DEN - 3/9/08

It was an enjoyable and productive weekend for South Gawler when the Lions hosted the first semi final at the Den.

The day went smoothly thanks to the many willing volunteers who made the day a success. Particular thanks are made to the clubs Colts Committee, Vice Presidents, Damien Herzick and the players, Laurence Van Poorten and off course ‘King of the Canteen’ Gareth Davies who started at 6am and was still going at 9pm! It was a terrific, fun community day and shows the Lions are healthy, united and viable. Thanks also again to the Town of Gawler and in particular Vinny Hallion who presented an excellent and safe playing surface yet again.

The wet weather made the surrounds a bit sloppy but it is winter and the conditions all contributed to the atmosphere adding up to a good day of country sport. What would a South final be without rain?

The best part of the weekend is that Norm Traeger is OK and back at home which is a big relief.

Happy first birthday to Mitchell Trimboli, Happy 18th birthdays to Michael Menadue and Josh Vermeren and Happy 50th birthday to Kym Menadue. Kym is a particularly valued volunteer who makes the time to work for our club and is much appreciated by the committee.

The Den will be open all through the finals series on Thursday nights and Saturday nights for meals and bar service. The Under 11s and Under 13s trophy night is Friday 12 September, the Under 15s and Under 17s trophy night is Wednesday 27 September and the Senior Trophy night is Saturday 11 October – make a date now and if you would like to donate a trophy see Jim Callander.

This week end its off to Kapunda to watch the South Gawler Sterling Homes Under 15s, the Professional Linemarking Under 17s and GTrak Reserves play in the second semi-final. Finals are a great experience for everyone at the club and especially the players and coaches who put so much in over the year. The club is 100% behind them all and wish them every success – play hard, play fair and do your best for your club, your team and your self.

All Lions are urged to make the effort to make the trip and support our boys on their big day. All supporters are invited to get together and watch our boys enmase from the town side wing. This position will also allow us to conveniently support our netballers as well. Lions are encouraged to be colorful, loud, proud, passionate and positive all day – it would be great to see as many Blue and White flags, banners and signs as possible. Supporters should note that they cannot bring alcohol into the ground (cars will be searched) and are encouraged to support Kapunda’s amenities as much as possible during the day. Lions are requested to leave the umpires alone noting they are doing their best and want to enjoy the day as well also.

Drive safely, enjoy the day, see you back at the Den and ‘Go the Lions’.

ANNOUNCEMENT - Appointment of 2009-2010 A Grade Coach

The South Gawler FC Executive Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Damien Herzick as the 2009 South Gawler A grade coach with an option for 2010.

Club president Jim Callander stated the club was very pleased to make the appointment which was a direct result of Damien’s demonstrated ability, commitment and passion for South Gawler. He is a strong, respected leader and mentor whose hard work over a number of areas of the club goes above and beyond the call of duty. It is unlikely many within the club let alone outside understand Damien’s and his family’s contribution to the Lions over the past three years. Stability also influenced this decision and should Damien coach to 2010 he will become one of the very few coaches to ever coach the Lions for five continual years and probably the only one in the last fifty years.

The appointment will allow the club's football panel to make an immediate start on planning for next season with player retention and recruitment a priority. It is expected that this decision will be warmly embraced by the whole club and especially the players of all grades. Callander stated it was frustrating that the Lions A grade again failed to make the finals again in 2008 and noted that South Gawler has the worst finals record of any club over the past ten years. However South Gawler management was mature, calm and responsible. It would continue to work with the clubs football management team to a sustainable plan of junior development supplemented by a framework of quality locals and imports.

There were many positive signs in 2008 not least the minor grades all making the finals and the A grade blooding of many juniors including Foster, Vermereren, Costa and Dimmuccio all of whom are dedicated to the Lions. Much work has also been taken to improve the clubs playing culture which was taking time. The club had progressed in 2008 and providing the hard work continued could be on the edge of a successful senior era. Further it was noted that it was a hard challenge to build a competitive, quality team in-house from the ground up over a few years and one that many with out the intestinal fortitude of Damien and his team would shy away from. Management considered that Damien Herzick as a strong, shrewd and talented leader had demonstrated his credentials and was exactly the person required to take the Lions to the next level as a consistent premiership contender. Management considered that, following improvement to player depth as a of the successful junior program, hard but responsible decisions would be required to achieve success and would support them in the best interests of the club.

Callander also took the opportunity to thank the Lions impressive Football Manager Mathew Trimboli for his quality input that will continue in 2009. Similarly he thanked South Gawler coaches Grant O’Reilly, Cosie Costa and Simon Head for their good work in 2008 and wished them all the best for the finals. A decision as to coaching appointments in the other grades would be made after the conclusion of the finals. South Gawler Football Club President Jim Callander of behalf of the Lions congratulated Damien Herzick on his appointment and enthusiastically wished him every success. He confirmed it was all positive for the Lions and already the club can’t wait for 2009!

Jim Callander
President, South Gawler FC 22/8/08