PRESIDENT’S REPORT

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I have great pleasure in presenting my 9th report as President to the members of this great club. In last year’s report I wrote “and how does the peak body of WA Football congratulate us for back to back league premierships? “Something has to be done “Taylor said. “Recruiting restrictions at the top end and

Mark Lawrence looking at ways to help teams like Peel have to be considered”. Unbelievable, disrespectful and unforgivable on the night of our great premiership success. This WAFC leadership drove the social media commentary that has been so damaging to this club and our people and of course deeply damaging to the reputation of the WAFL competition. Those restrictions have just been lifted for 2021 however we cannot forget or forgive the WAFC for their appalling lack of judgement – ever!! Looking back on our season, how much did this impact our club? Certainly, our supporters felt cheated, disrespected and some of them made to feel winning was not applauded by many in WA Football positions of power. Some of that lingered into the 2020 season and must have rubbed off on players, coaches and staff. What a year we had this season! When football and all other sports went into a halt, panic reigned. Initially, our survival was at stake, the projections were alarming and good news was impossible to find. I’m sure many in the room had similar experiences in their business or with friends or family! What was really interesting to come out of the season length, football department costs and player payments 2020 restart negotiations between WAFL Clubs and the WAFC was the length of the season. It was very possible to play a 10-game season plus finals, however teams would have to play two other teams twice to allow that to happen. The interesting bit was that both the eventual grand final combatants refused that 10-game model simply because they were to play us twice! Can you believe that? CEO Peter Capes was largely responsible for negotiating the COVID season and encouraging the WAFC and other WAFL clubs to keep a season alive when most just wanted to close up because it was too hard, too many unknowns and too much work. Well done to Peter and Scott Baker and others at the WAFC for taking a proactive stance and getting 2020 moving. Chasing three in a row for the League was a great challenge given the longest preseason in history, over eight months! That length of preseason is not the new normal, players & coaches needed to pivot and be nimble, everyone’s mental health was sorely tested in these COVID times. And although we didn’t get in the finals this year there were many exciting moments. We played 36 players in only eight games and seven of those made debuts. The Development Team and Colts both finished second and played finals so well done to both groups. The Colts went one better and not only qualified for the Grand Final but played brilliantly to beat Claremont and claim only our fourth ever Premiership at Colts level. Well done to Chayce and Dicko and their staff and of course the playing group led by Connor Patterson.

Every year we simply have to improve our club, bringing in coaches, developing players and making sure all our people love being here. That makes Subi better and that is a great reflection on everyone here. Beau WARDMAN has been reappointed as our league coach for the next two years and his team of coaches along with Beau provide us a great launching pad for 2021.

ONGOING SUSTAINABILITY OF THE CLUB

This year will be our best financial result for four years given that in early April a $500k loss was the projected outcome the board was faced with at that time.

Thankfully the work done by our Finance team of Nathan O’Connor, Peter Capes and Debbie King guided the club from disaster to a position where we can continue to reform our purpose and business model.

CONGRATULATIONS

Paul Pisani has been involved at this club for nearly 20 years, he provides great service and does a power of work that a younger person would struggle with, and doesn’t complain much – only when people outstay their welcome! And he would do anything for you. Pauli has had a very difficult year, losing his wife Barbara and recently his brother and our condolences once again to you Paul. Even though Pauli supports the Royals next door, he actually loves the Lions – his grandson Jaxon is a premiership Colts player and the caterers Topolinis - Phil and Jodie are family as well.

Pauli is a worthy recipient of this year’s PRESIDENT’S TROPHY sponsored by the STRACK FAMILY. Congratulations to everyone involved this year, be very proud to be part of the Subiaco Football Club - we all are. The outstanding achievements were;

Kyle STAINSBY

Lachlan VANIRSEN

Danika PISCONERI

Tiah HAYNES Outridge Medal Jack Clarke Medal & Taylor Medal Dhara Kerr Medal Sarah Michell Medal

Our Ball Legend for 2020 was Matt PRIDDIS and thanks to Matt for being involved with the club this year. Matt played in a very successful Subi era and joins successful players Ali Pickett and Brad Smith to have left us with so many great memories and it was wonderful to have Matt here to relive some of them.

To Wally Edwards and Holman Industries we thank you for being our principal partner and look forward to a great future together. Our coterie groups - The Golds, Thanks Ross Lockhart and of course, Dee & The Ladies forum for all their good work during the season, Gary and the PP&S committee.

MANAGEMENT

We have some really good people running this Club and no doubt that our staff set the standard in the WAFL, they are involved in all industry committees, they help drive our club and the competition to improve, well done Peter Capes and his staff.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

To my fellow Directors, thank you for your loyalty, commitment and support to me this year, it is a team effort, but to Basil Fuller, Dwayne Lamb, Nathan O’Connor and Russell Smith well done, welcome Kristi Annear, Garry Addison and Fiona White-Hartig. Thanks everyone for your involvement in the Lions and we will aim to continue to provide a club where we all feel at home, are engaged and most importantly are very proud to support! Thanks to my wife Debbie and I wish all our members and supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.