NSW/ACT Club of the Week: Nelson Bay

While the Nelson Bay Marlins have been around since 1981, it wasn’t until 2000 that the junior club formed. 13 years on and they now have an Auskick centre and teams in Under-9s, Under-11s, Under-13s, Under-15s and Under-17s age groups.

The club has won 14 Premierships with the most recent the Under-16s victory last year.

The club has always held a strong belief to focus on a family-based environment and encourages player development, fun and support of their players. They welcome and accept all children of all capabilities, disabilities and background.

“Children with autism can often have trouble fitting in with team sports, but the Marlins have worked well with these children and their families to encourage participation and team work,” said Club Committee member Penny Blyth.

“We have always encouraged girls to play as well and over the past years we have had a number of girls who have successfully either played or umpired.”

With the local area very much a Rugby League community, the Marlines have struggled for numbers and recognition for many years.

Over the last four years AFL has become more and more popular with numbers at the junior club increasing dramatically each year.

“The club has a terrific group of parents and committee members who all work well as a team,” Blyth said.

“All parents are given a duty roster to help out on game days, especially home games.

“The Auskick program was started in 2002 by Don Spencer who has been a huge part of the Marlins.

“He still plays now in the Masters and is a life member, along with his wife Sue.”

The club’s Auskickers have just returned from a once-in-a-lifetime experience, playing on the hallowed turf of the SCG at half-time of a Swans game.

Notable alumni from the club include Bird, who is a huge role model for local kids. He went right through their junior and senior club and now plays for the Sydney Swans wearing the famous number 14.

Bird returned to his old school Tomaree Public and his club recently to show off his 2012 Premiership medal and to chat with the kids.

“He still gives back to his club by donating Swans clothes and memorabilia which we auction off at our trivia night,” Blyth said.

“He is always more than happy to help out whenever he can.”

Up and coming talented players from the Marlins hoping to follow in Bird’s footsteps include Jayden Rymer and Nathan Vaisey.

“Nathan has been part of the Swans Academy for a number of years and just missed selection in the Under-18s NSW/ACT Rams team as 17 year-old,” Blyth said.

“Last year Nathan was named the Under-16s Best and Fairest in the Newcastle GSJ competition.

“Jayden is currently part of the Under-16ss NSW/ACT Rams side who recently took out the NAB AFL Under-16 National Championships Division 2 title.

“He too has been part of the Sydney Swans Academy for a number of years and was last year selected in the NSW school boys team which competed in SA.

“Both Jayden and Nathan travel to Sydney every Thursday for training.

“Aiden Kittel also played with the juniors for many years but then decided that umpiring is what he wanted to focus on.

“He is very successful and now travels to Sydney to umpire senior games.”