Groundwork pays off
This article first appeared in the Port Stephens Examiner
By Ellie-Marie Watts
Club president Luke Eddy said it has been a long road to achieving such strong results, not only from its first-division side but across all grades.
“For a couple of years there we only had one side,” Eddy said.
“It was a bit hard with getting numbers and developing talent.
“The talent of the juniors coming through now hasn’t occurred in a long, long time.”
The struggle developed in to a new committee being formed last October.
“The old committee sat down with the new one and drew up a new plan,” Eddy said.
“We ramped it [recruiting] up over the summer and got hold of a lot of footballers to play this season.”
The move has proved to be successful with first and second-division Marlins teams leading their respective competitions.
The under-17 side will make a grand final appearance on Sunday.
The solid run the first-division side has had this season, leading the competition comfortably and waiting for a grand final appearance in two weekends time, could potentially see the club with a side in the Black Diamond premier division next year.
“First division winning the championship won’t secure a place in the premier league, but it will certainly help,” Eddy said.
“It’s our aim [to make premier division].”
While the year is still not over, winning the Black Diamond AFL Club Championship Trophy for the first time will remain a highlight.
The awarding of the trophy recognised the incredible season the Marlins have had with both first and second-division teams claiming minor premierships.
