2022 Senior Prizegiving

2022 Season

It’s actually an achievement in itself to get to the end of a season, so I think first and foremost I want to thank all the players and coaches and managers for giving the 2022 season a go with no promise of a full season, your faith meant a lot and I’m stocked myself the team at Ellerslie AFC could help deliver that to you.

By and large the season went well, we had very little cancellations of games and a minor interruption of training due to weather but we managed to box on and make it all work.

I have to thank the team that work tirelessly in the office on all manner of things football, incident reports, game changes, cup games etc etc and I can tell you it’s not always working with NRF who at times seem to be in the same boat as us but rowing in different directions, but it’s testament to the work Hollie and Lynnette put in particularly that we still get a good result for the teams.

Speaking of results, congrats to the teams who won their league, that’s Mustangs, Wild Potros and Greyhounds - stellar work guys!

Iguanas, Wild Bucks and Wild Potros also made cup finals which is no small feat, so congrats to those teams for that achievement, with a special congrats to Wild Potros who managed to do a league and cup double.

Lastly I wanted to thank again all the senior managers and coaches, you guys do a heap of work on behalf of your team to make things run smoothly, trust me we know what someone who doesn’t do the work looks like and I’m happy to say we have no one like that with us this season.

I can’t wait to see what 2023 has in store for us, with Women’s World Cup and the upgrades at Michaels Ave being delivered, what a time to be alive!

Cheers

Tim Adams

Awards for Teams not in attendance:

Over 45’s Metro - Players/Supporters Player (Joanne Crichton - Donated in 2007)

Over 45’s Metro - Player of the Year

Over 45’s Metro Sportsman of the Year

Rebels Player of the Year

Rebels Sportswoman of the Year

Seadogs Player of the Year

Seadogs - Sportsman of the Year

Zamantix Rovettes - Player of the Year

Zamantix Rovettes Sportswoman of the Year

Zamantix Roverines - Player of the Year

Zamantix Rovettes Sportswoman of the Year

Diamonds - Player of the Year

Diamonds Sportsman of the Year

Bruce Allison to present

Over 40’s Mustangs Player of the Year

Over 40’s Mustangs Sportsman of the Year

TEAM MEDALS PRESENTATION

David Simpson to Present

Wild Potros - Player of the Year

Wild Potros Sportsman of the Year

TEAM MEDALS & CUP PRESENTATION

Ben Fletcher to present

Men’s Reserves - Players Player

Men’s Reserves - Golden Boot (Steve Knapp Memorial - Donated in 2021)

Men’s Reserves Player of the Year

Men’s Reserves - Sportswoman of the Year

Ben Fletcher to present

Men’s 1st Team Players Player (Donated in 2005)

Men’s 1st Team Most Improved (Mayor Bell Trophy - Donated 1975)

Men’s 1st Team Golden Boot (Brian Compson Cup Donated 1988)

Men’s 1st Team Outstanding Young Player (Colt Cup - Donated 2009)

Men’s 1st Team Supporters Player (Joe Walton Memorial Donated 2001)

Men’s 1st Team Player of the Year (Tony Cook Shield Donated 1975)

Men’s 1st Team Sportsman of the Year (Brownson’s All Stars Donated 1990)

Ian Davidson to Present

Women’s Reserves Players Player

Women’s Reserves Player of the Year

Women’s Reserves Sportsman of the Year

Callum McKenzie to present

Women’s 1st Team – Players Player (Donated in 2001)

Women’s 1st Team Most Improved (Donated in 2012)

Women’s 1st Team Golden Boot (Donated in 1993)

Women’s 1st Team Outstanding Young Player (Donated in 2012)

Women’s 1st Team Supporters Player (Donated in 2005)

Women’s 1st Team Player of the Year (Donated in 1989)

Women’s 1st Team Sportswoman of the Year (Donated in 1975)

Player of the Year - your teams best player, by team vote or chosen by your coach

Sportsman of the Year the player who gave your team the most, on and off the field, typically also someone who plays hard but clean (the Ellerslie AFC way!)

Supporters Player of the Year - some of the teams have this award, most of them have been donated by ex members and have the trophy's themselves have ties to great Ellerslie AFC family's as you can see from the title these are awarded to the supporters favourite player!

Most Improved - this is awarded to players who the coach thinks have made the biggest improvements during the year - it doesn’t mean the player wasn’t good to start with but more that their attitude and learning experience this season has been above the rest.

Golden Boot - Some teams have their own golden boot award, which is an easy one to understand, the player who top scored for your team

Players Player of the Year some of the teams have a player of the year and a players player of the year - this is as the title suggests the version that the players pick, it’s not always the same as what the coach picks!

Here is something to help you understand some of the trophy’s handed out tonight, and how the winners are chosen.

SPECIAL AWARDS

Colt Cup - donated to the club to help recognise ultimate up and coming exceptional talent, usually rewarded to someone in the First Team or Reserves under 21.

Jack Hatton Memorial - donated by Matt Hylla in memory of his brother who passed away, this award also recognises exceptional up and coming talent but also takes into consideration a strong off-field personality.

Services to Refereeing - a nod to a growing part of the modern club, the referee - the winner of this award shows excellence in the field of refereeing.

Club Golden Boot - the top scorer across the entire club in league games - based on goals recorded on your Teamcards

Save of the Year - A new award - from 2023 to be judged by the best save caught on film, for 2022 to the keeper with the most outstanding saves.

Team of the Year this award is judged on league record alone - the team with the most games played and least losses (present at prizegiving) wins the “Team of the Year”

Supporter of the Year - this award is given to a person or a group of people who support multiple teams in the club regularly, turning up at games and just being an Ellerslie Super fan.

Manager of the Year - The Manager who has made a massive positive impact on their team this season, someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty regularly

Sportsperson of the Year - probably the most prestigious award for a player/member to win - the best of the best!

Clubperson of the Year - The ultimate award at the club this award recognises ultimate contribution across any avenue at the club, could be a player, coach or a volunteer

Reserve team football can be like a witch’s cauldron at times. New ingredients (Players and coaches), different formulas (concepts and expectations), and a belief the potion will turn out great (development and performance). We had nearly two thirds (23/39) of the group that played for the reserves were new to the team and in the majority, new to the club. It was nice to have returning faces to the club that had been away for a few years and the group gelled seamlessly throughout preseason. Despite Covid affecting preseason games, the players had worked hard laid the building blocks for the season ahead.

Just as the season officially started, unfortunately reserves head coach, Seb Bouvier, stepped away due to personal reasons. Seb has been coaching at Ellerslie since 2011 and gradually moved through the junior and youth grades, and in 2019 has been the head coach for the reserve team. This affected the team, and the whole Men’s group, as Seb is a big part of the group and has been for the past 3 years. His personality and character were sorely missed throughout the year, along with the knowledge and passion he demonstrated. Hopefully next season we may see more of Seb around or catch him on the decks as a DJ.

We were very fortunate that the wonderful trio of Callum McKenzie, Hollie Leona and Ryan Shiffman stepped in during game days to guide the reserves. The knowledge and wisdom combined is incredible and Callum’s side line banter is second to none. Regardless of which opposition they were playing or what the plan was for the reserves, they helped to produce brilliance on the field. I mean, who would have thought that Kyryl was a striker?

All in all, the reserves had a decent season and in large patches played remarkable football, scoring in 20 out of 22 games and finishing 5th in the league. There were some memorable individual brilliance and team play, and yet after 5 goals this season, Ryan Robinson still doesn’t know how to celebrate. One thing I will say, he knows which the

Ben Fletcher

The Reserves had high expectation of repeating last year’s success when sweating under the preseason summer sun which brought joy to sunscreen manufacturers. But past success and aspirational dreams do not win a league. The team finished mid table.

There were four overriding factors affecting the team’s performance. First was the early and season ending training injury to striker Jess Marvin. Jess was in form and looked likely to be a major contributor to the team success. Second was the reduction in average strength of the player gameday roster. This was because several players became to first team regulars, and there was less game day rotation of first team players through the reserves because of injury and absence. Third was the extended absence of several regular reserve players through injury, illnesses, and travel. Fourth was a change in culture.

The cultural change was multifaceted. For many players one training (or none) a week became sufficient commitment to the team. While work study, family, illness, injury, and bad weather are understandable reasons for non attendance. But nonattendance had a negative effect (coupled with extended absences) on performance. The pressure in games lack of positive results led to next cultural change. The positive encouraging game experience of previous years slowly leaked away, as games became adverse so did some senior “teammates” to junior players and each other. But eventually, (but not without stress and tears) the true heart of the team triumphed. This cultural rift was not seismic, nor permanent. After an open and honest discussions normality was restored and the sun broke through the darkness that briefly shrouded the team.

Next year should begin with revisiting and building a consensus of what the team objectives and values should be for the season. The team success this year was found in the consistent execution of our possession football at a high level (despite the roster changes), our resilient defence, and the continuance of mentoring by experienced players of younger developing players. A number of whom made

considerable progress, placing pressure on established players for starting spots.

My special thanks to Deb for her work ethic, leadership at training and on game day, Kevin and Paul for their selfless organisational support, our coaching team Ryan, Callum, and Nadia and finally the mighty Tim, and the ever giving operational; staff who keep the might Ponies machine running.

Ian Davidson

With two interrupted seasons in a row, we had high hopes of getting through 2022 uninterrupted. The team also started the season down some players with a few moving overseas, including last season’s captain Erin Simperingham. Replacing her incredible devotion, passion and love for the team was always going to be a tall order; however, one the girls were up to take on.

As we moved through pre season, I felt the team was on track and performing well. Building in our principles of play and focussing on coming together as a group through the hot summer training days. We had an away game in Whangarei which was somewhat of a wakeup call to the team when we played a Northland All-Stars team primarily made up of players from the Madhatters Football Club. In a game where nearly everyone expected us to easily roll through, we found ourselves on the back end of a very lopsided result. It probably didn’t set the mood well for the team bonding exercise afterwards, or maybe it helped bring everyone a bit closer. Tough to know sometimes.

As a team we had some goals, one of which was finally beat Hamilton Wanderers. They had been our bogey team for the last few years and while we’ve been close many times, it has always been just out of reach. After we got our first convincing win of the season vs Tauranga, we were set to match up vs Hamilton at their home ground. Coming away with the win in Porritt made for a great team atmosphere on the way home. Two wins from two games, sitting top of the table, everything seemed all too easy during that drive back. Then covid struck the team in a tough way, the opposition strength became much harder, and we struggled to convert the few chances we were creating. This put us on a streak of 5 games with no goals and 5 straight losses. A bitter reversal from where we were a month prior.

The Kate Sheppard Cup draw came out and paired us vs Papamoa, who oddly the Men’s team also drew…someone should check the odds of that…which was a game we need to target to get back to goal scoring form. That came to fruition with a big 13 0 win at home in what was a very fairly exchanged match played in good spirits by both sides. That result allowed us to focus on our attacking movements and patterns. Setting us up for another win over our friends from the Waikato. The Hamilton battle seemed much less daunting now that we had gotten over the hump of finally beating them.

After struggling again vs Eastern Suburbs it was time to play Northern Rovers who we play close every single time we play them. With our team feeling like we deserved at least a draw in our first matchup against them, we came up just short again in both our league and KSC matchup against them. The team

took away the confidence of those results, while they hurt, being able to stay neck and neck with the team that was destined to win the league inspired us.

Tauranga were more structured the 2nd time around, but still not enough to cause the team must distress. This setup for what was probably one of the top 2 most exciting games of the season. With our girls falling behind to Auckland United early in the first half because we just weren’t focussed and ready, we felt we had more to give in the second half and while we did, we saved it for the final few minutes to make it that much more exciting. Scoring in the last minute of normal time and then again in the final moment of extra time to pull the game back 2-2 the girls were ecstatic with the effort and never say die attitude. It was an extremely proud moment for us.

As we moved into the third and final round of fixtures the girls were picking up a confidence and goals started to flow a lot more easily. Credit to the team for sticking with the multiple system changes we implemented. They stayed focussed on the messaging and were extremely dangerous in the attack going into the last few games. This was demonstrated best in the 2-2 draw with league champions Northern Rovers and the 6 1 hammering of Auckland United. Had we found that form slightly earlier in the season it could have meant a slightly different finishing position.

Overall, I was extremely happy with the amount of effort, passion and focus the girls put in week in and week out. Dealing with the Covid disruptions, injuries and people away, the girls continued to improve on a weekly basis. We nearly managed the entire season without conceding on a corner but sadly conceded 2 in our final game. However, the number of goals we did score off corners this season was a massive improvement.

A huge thank you to everyone who made the season work so well. Kevin Green and Paul Carpenter were amazing managers, for their effort, keen eye for detail and banter every Sunday. Lauren McKenzie was extremely helpful on the managerial side as well. What a massive help having 3 people dedicated to looking after our girls on that side of the game.

We appreciate Kasey and the work she does for us so much. I believe she was instrumental in keeping our girls fit and healthy to be on the field as much as they did.

Tim Adams does a lot of work behind the scenes for the team but doesn’t want to step up and take any of the credit, so hopefully he appreciates being mentioned here. His passion for the girls to succeed is unmatched. He also does a fantastic job with the social media side of things in conjunction with Hollie Leona.

We missed Alejo as he was away for a good amount of the season, but we cherished the work he did do for us.

A lot of the minimal injuries we received this season is due to his fitness planning to keep us at the right level across the year.

Where would we be without Brendon Smith there with us. He does all the hard work at the training sessions, runs the line for the Reserves games and does it with a smile. His contributions to the team never go overlooked and we are lucky to have him.

Nadia Olla did amazing work with our GKs this season. It was clear to see her plan of development for them was effective as we moved through the season. It is amazing to have someone like her involved at our club and we look forward to seeing her enjoying herself in football again.

Ian Davidson was someone I looked to as a mentor when I first arrived in NZ, as anyone who meets him knows he has an immense amount of football knowledge. I feel blessed to have him as a peer alongside me coaching this team. The team is fortunate to have a guy who has as much football knowledge as he does one-liners for every situation.

As a staff wrap up, Callum McKenzie bleeds Red, Black, and Gold. The team means so much to him and it’s obvious with the amount of time, energy and enthusiasm in everything he does. Every season he becomes more wellrounded as a coach. It is so advantageous to have 2 people coaching with me who could easily be first team head coaches in their own right.

Thank you to everyone who came and supported the team. I hope we put on a performance that was entertaining. I look forward to the challenges, surprises, highs and lows that next season brings for us. This is a special team with very special people. Looking forward to seeing them all again next season.

Ryan Shiffman

My second year playing for the Ponies has been an absolute delight. It is a pleasure to play for a club that provides such a great environment for its players and community.

As a current holding mid-fielder, I really enjoyed having the opportunity to play a portion of the season at centre-back; a position I used to play as during my childhood. Returning to centre-back reminded me of the love that I have for the game. This allowed me to relax and put in some of my best performances, most notably against some former teammates from West Coast Rangers at The Ave. As captain, I was super impressed by the resilience and adaptability our players displayed when facing the challenge of unavailability throughout the season. The staff also did a great job adjusting our strategies to ease these challenges.

A memorable team highlight was our comeback against Auckland United at Keith Hay. We scored two goals in the last five minutes to secure a point from the fixture. The drive this team had was unreal! This was particularly evident in the youngins who really stepped up for every game this season. I am most proud of how the girls finished off the season. After a long few months of training in the rain, it was invigorating to finish the season with such tenacity whilst playing some truly beautiful football. This really verified how much potential we have as a team for the future!

All of this wouldn’t be possible though without the support from our coaches, managers, and women’s team sponsors. Welcome aboard to this year’s new sponsors: Bright Shine Blinds and Mexico Ellerslie. Finally, to the fans who showed up week in and out, your loyalty and enthusiasm on the side lines prove how much it means to wear the red shirt.

I'm all agog for 2023!

Women’s First Team Captain - Cat Pretty

2022 has been an incredible journey and sharing it with an amazing group people has been the biggest reward this year.

Of course, not every journey is plain sailing in life, and we have had our fair share of ups and downs. We had a very productive preseason, working hard to gain fitness and building cohesion at training, which gave the group confidence leading into the season.

From what was touted as the “most competitive” division 1 season for a long time, we started emphatically, taking 7 points from the opening 9 available. After a 4-2 win against Fencibles and moving onto 13 points from 9 games, we had a turbulent mid-season. Injuries, suspensions, holidays, Covid, etc meant inconsistent squad available and fluctuated form.

A big credit goes to the group, players, and coaches, for their commitment to believe in each other and the way we wanted to play. Following 9 games without a win, which included 4 highly entertaining draws, the group recaptured fine form in front of goal and produced 3 wins in the final 6 games.

A 5-3 win on the final day saw the team leap from 10th to 7th and finish with a respectable 26 points. Plenty of positives to take from the year, getting a full season and not being interrupted by Covid be one, and bring on the remainder of the year and 2023!

A massive thank you to everyone involved! Mas, Tony, Tim, Dylan, Aaron, Barney for contributing to the environment we created; to the players for your commitment and being awesome lads and the wonderful Marie that has had to put up with our rowdiness every Thursday.

Bring on 2023!

Ben Fletcher

Hi all after our first full season in a couple years coming to a close here’s some thoughts about the season.

For me and many of the squad it was exciting even before we started kicking a ball with the appointment of gaffer Ben Fletcher and coach Massa, with their drive and passion the season got off to a great start for the team grabbing early points and getting confidence back into a squad that had been missing in the past.

As always with football you hit rough patches and that happened to us just before the second round fixtures where we stopped picking up those important points to keep us in the top half of the table. Credit to the coaches and the rest of the team for continuing to put the effort and quality in during those hard weeks which helped us see an improvement in results.

Heading in to the end of the season we still wanted to improve and finish as high as possible and with a mixed bag of results we finished the season in 7th place just below our target of top half but overall a much improved on past seasons.

I’d like to thank all our support throughout the year from parents, club members and other club teams (up the Bucks) also our coaching group (Ben, Masillan and Tony), manager Tim and the magic hands of Avantha and Aaron.

Special mention to Callum, Hollie, Ryan and Seb B for your help with the reserves.

Congratulations to all the winners and looking forward to next year where we can hopefully challenge for a spot at the very top of the table.

Captain Seb Poelman

Central Season Review

After a disappointing end to the 2021 season which saw another Covid lockdown cut the season short and end any chances of a late run for the title, Wild Potros had a point to prove in 2022. The band of brothers were back together again with a few new additions to the squad.

The new recruits of James, Alex, Aidan, Koutarou and Matt brought some extra Wild and some extra depth to the squad, which would be much needed with Covid, injury and European jaunts to cope with throughout the season.

A strong start to the season saw a couple of comprehensive wins amongst some closely fought matches, including fighting from 1 0 down with 10 minutes to go to snatch a late 2 1 win over Uni Mt.

Six games into the league and the Wild Potros were face to face with last year’s rivals and another top of the table battle against Western Springs Tevez. A dominant 4 - 1 victory from the Wild Potros in the pouring rain turned the tables on last year’s result and saw the Ellerslie team solidify top spot on the table.

Half through the league and the title run was well and truly on. Undefeated with 9 wins from 9 and two rounds of the cup successfully navigated, the team had something special in their sights. Each week the Wild Potros were able to put any number of combinations on the field and still bring the same consistency and passion to the shirt! Something special indeed was building!

Another closely fought game, this time in the cup against an agricultural Bucklands Beach team, saw a 1 0 victory after keeper Matt managed to deny Bucklands Beach from the spot in the dying minutes.

The league wins kept coming with goals flowing in plenty of the games, with a few closely fought matches near the top of the table thrown into the mix. Goals were being shared amongst the team with Alex, Aaron, Pablo and James all leading the way with plenty of goals each.

As the season neared the end of the league the Wild Potros came up against a strong Auckland United Liverpool team in second place and looking to upset the title run. Taking a 2 0 lead into half time at a wet and boggy Liston Park, Wild Potros dug deep and managed to salvage a draw, dropping their only points of the season. A strong charge home saw the team wrap the league up with a few games to go with another solid win over Western Springs Tevez.

The team now turned their attention to the cup. Facing their biggest challenge of the season, Wild Potros faced a very strong unbeaten Albany in the semi final of the inaugural Community Knockout Cup.

The cup semi final was a battle for the ages.

20 minutes which could have been more without the heroics from keeper Matt. A fightback was on the cards after an immense goal from Alex drew the teams level before the half. With the semi on a knife’s edge, Albany's midfielder inexplicably saw two yellow cards in 5 minutes to reduce his team to 10. Wild Potros leapt on the chance and dominated the game from there after a sensational quick fire double from James saw the lead at 3-1. A nervous last 10 minutes ensued after a penalty reduced the lead to 3 2. A late flurry was withstood and the Wild Potros were in the cup final and looking for a historical double.

Finals day arrived and the Wild Potros were focused, clinical and playing some of our best football of the year. Nor West didn't stand a chance!

A fantastic team performance all over the park saw a 3 0 half time lead, capped off by a clinical double from Aidan after just 15 minutes on the field! The second half was much of the same, with another two goals putting the icing in the double layered cake. A late consolation goal from a free kick in the 90th minute couldn't dampen the spirits on a wet finals day. A 5 - 1 win and a second piece of silverware locked away, Wild Potros achieved what they set out to do. An unbeaten season, a league and cup double, but most importantly a season of friendship and fun.

Wild Potros Division 7 Central Men’s Champions and inaugural Community Knockout Cup Champions!!

17 league games, 16 wins, 1 draw: 78 goals for, 12 against. 6 cup games, 6 wins: 29 goals for, 6 goals against.

"If you eat caviar every day it's difficult to return to sausages" Arsene Wenger.

After last year's highs of winning* Senior Men's Central/West Div 5, we found ourselves 'promoted' to Div 6 Central, an interesting mix of the top teams from Div 4, top half of Div 5 and a late Suburbs entry (dropping down from NRF Div 1).

In a repeat of last season's opening day draw, we kicked off with an all Ellerslie affair against Business Time. Sadly, this was memorable for all the wrong reasons, with one of our lads being stretchered off with a season-ending injury. Two ambulances spent more time in the middle of the park that day than some of our midfielders do most games!

Our 2nd game saw us beat a young, energetic Springs side 2 1 to secure our first official win of the season. This, though, wasn't a sign of things to come, with some harsh defeats by the teams that finished in the top 3. The rescheduled game against Business Time, however, brought an end to a 5 game losing streak and saw us back to winning ways.

All in all, this was our toughest season to date with some strong sides, injuries, Covid, 7 (seven) different 'keepers, conceding soft goals, and not capitalising on chances created at the other end. If we'd played them on the turf though ...

It's always a pleasure to play football with this bunch of lads, from the seasoned Slowers through to those in their first season in the red and black. Thanks to each of you for the effort, energy, positivity (mostly) and for some decent football along the way.

And as ever, cheers for the beers (that mixed bag of warm rubbish after our last game aside) and the laughs on and off the pitch throughout the season. Here's to doing it all again next year, lads ... just with less new kits and more wins!

In the numbers ... - 18 league games (W5 D3 L10)

- 30 goals scored - 48 goals conceded

Logan Stewart

Jury

Squad:

Aaron Duncan, Adam Miller, Alex Hedley, Blair Gilbert, Brad Colebourne, Dale Sykes, Fionn Murphy, Ivan Atkins, Jack Jury, Logan Stewart, Matt Haines, Paul Currie, Quintin Russ, Rob Hayden, Sam Dallimore, Scott Jones, Sean Cunneen, Simone Di Gregorio, Stuart Nimmo, Sven Exeter, Xavier Margirier

Special mentions:

- Tim & team, as always, for all their hard work behind the scenes. Thank you!

Stuart "Nemo" Nimmo and Quintin "Muss" Russ (not sure if it makes up for the lack of sponsorship though) for pitching in and going in goal.

Matt Haines for regularly running the line and always keeping it positive.

- Last but not least, Dale "Ey Up" Sykes. Be reyt and tha'll be back stronger and fitter than ever, lad. Will have to swap yer XL top if ye keep up the cycling! Looking forward to ye being back out on t' pitch wi' us again in t' new year, yer legend.

Scott Jones

Sean

Year two as a team, with a name change between seasons, and a few new faces. Right from the first game, we were a different side compared to last year, playing with more confidence and cohesion. We were able to build upon last year and won our first 7 straight games, a very strong start.

However what followed was a bit of a disappointing slump, facing some of the toughest teams in the division, with only 1 win, 4 losses, and 2 draws in our next 7 games, getting knocked out of the cup in the process. Unlike last year, we dug in as a team and were able to get through this slump, and consistently win games and put in great performances through to the end of the season, only racking up a couple more narrow losses in our final 7 games. This strong finish secured us 2nd place in the division, which was a great improvement on last year, and given the Ellerslie Greyhound’s dominance this season, was all we could have hoped for.

A strong year from the boys, improvements all across the park. An enjoyable season for all involved with the team, and the countdown for next season is already underway. Plenty of bright points for next season to build upon, and hopefully go one better.

Player of the season: Christian Spain Sportsman of the season: George O’Connor Nick Baker

Year 2 of the Seadogs was, in our books, a massive success. Back with a new-look squad (thinner and weaker than last year) we won 0 trophies, no promotion and a bang-average mid-table finish, but we achieved what we set out to do which was to kindle the Ellerslie & Seadog spirit within the new lads and form new bonds off the pitch while strengthening the old. We would like to thank everyone at the club who made it possible for us to enjoy another year of Saturday arvo footy. Truly we don’t know what we’d do with ourselves if you guys weren’t providing this platform. On to year 3, up the Ponies and up the Seadogs. Terrious Park

The Diamonds were back for twenty twenty-two and after the last two previous seasons being disrupted with off field external factors we were keen to rediscover the winning ways and team culture. February of this year commenced with some pre-season fitness and trial of new talent to join the squad. With our position in Men’s Community 1 division secured we were keen to perform well and relive some of our rivalries with clubs such as Mt Albert Ponsonby and Western Springs Geezers.

We started the season with a few convincing wins and close-run losses. With us being second to last over half way through the season a strong pep talks from Jimmy the captain had us pull off three league wins on the trot including an infamous double pointer vs the geezers. Where after being down 0-1 at half we manged to win 3-1 with a huge effort from all the squad in second half. We finished off the season mid table and will consider it not quite a success as we had endeavours on a top 3 finish and winning another Knockout Cup. Unfortunately, we lost to Mt Albert in the KO Cup and lost the semi-final in KO plate vs other Ellerslie team. No doubt motivation for us in 2023.

The team trained well all season with at least 10 showing up weekly rain or cold we were there working on our passing, dribbling and trying to keep shots from going over the bar or back fence!!!

As is always with the Diamonds team we do just as well of the field with a strong team culture and array of social events throughout the season. This included a rowdy BYO dinner, beer pong night and FIFA tournament with a tour away to Tauranga upcoming in October for the lads to cap off the season.

A massive year for the squad with 26 players lacing up the boots, 23 games played including Knockout Cup and a brand new strip thanks to our sponsors “insurance people” We look forward to a well deserved break over the sum-

(where lads will no doubt be featured at festivals dotted around the country). And come back for season 2023 where we will look to rebolster the squad and contend for the league.

Michael Goulding

A fantastic team made up of several teams last minute due to an imbalance in the league.

Started off pretty well but were playing against the top teams.

Improved every week to 3rd in the League.

ROVERINES

A team made up of a few players from last year and some extras from other team that could get a full team together.

Very strong start not losing a game till the last month of the season.

A strong finish in 2nd place in a mismatched Division 5

Mens Federation plate runners up

The Iguanas moved into a new chapter this season without our leader and Mr Iguana Ian Simperingham, so we had to find some young passionate players to carry on the legacy. The Iguanas introduced 5 new players into our squad this season which includes Harry Stanbridge, William McGuire, Ben Kelway, Jacob Murtha and Alex Norvill. Each bringing their own strength into the squad and fit in perfectly with the Iguanas culture.

League Season

Being a Covid season for a 3rd year we struggled with numbers and consistency at the beginning of the season, but once we had the numbers the Iguanas found a whole new gear. We went on a 6 game unbeaten streak but little to late, we missed out on top 6 by a single point. With this though, it gave us a new opportunity to start again in a new division 4b. The table was very tight the whole way though the season, the title came down to the last game of the season and we were coming up against Eat Coast Bay Ware who hadn’t dropped a single point, so we knew it wasn’t going to be an easy match. The Iguanas needed all three points to claim the title, up stepped Travis Scott with a brace to seal a 2 1 victory, deeming the Iguanas 4b champs.

Cup and Plate

Did someone say the iguanas love a plate run? Because these boys love a plate run. The passion and fight the Iguanas brought to this competition is unrivalled. The Iguanas began this journey against Pukekohe division 3, we came back from 3 1 down to bring it to a penalty shoot out, sadly we were on the wrong side of it, putting us into the NRF Mens Federation plate. The Iguanas had a pretty easy run up until our quarter final where we came up against top of the table of division 3 Birkenhead Barons, the team came out firing putting 4 goals pass the Barons with outstanding goals from Travis, Warren and Shomel, winning 4 2, sending us into the plate semi final. Only 4 teams remained in the competition and one being the Iguanas Ellerslie rivals the Diamonds, and knowing our luck that’s the team we were facing. Even being 3 divisions above the iguanas, the boys never showed any disbelief heading into this game. We got all our families and friends down for this match and lit up Michaels Ave turf for a bruising semi final match. Goals on either side of half time from Harry and Travis gave us a 2nil lead and the crowd on our side. 5min to go we conceded a goal, making a very nervous end to the game. The boys held on making a his-

toric win for the Iguanas and Ellerslie football. The only team standing in the way of success in the Plate final is Fencibles United Morgan div 2. Unfortunately this would not be the case, the boys fought very hard but we’re unable to replicate the perforce like we did against the diamonds losing 3-1 in terrible conditions. Non the less it was a performance we were proud of and we left with our heads held high.

With all the great news this season for the Iguanas, sadly we’ve had to say goodbye to 3 key players Throughout the season, our 2 English imports Daniel Murray and Jamie Dunleavy head back home to the UK and our super star doctor Shomel Gauznabi grabbing an awesome work opportunity in Australia, all the best for the future boys.

Thanks to all our supporters this season, and a huge thanks to Tim Adams, Hollie Leona, Ashleigh Taylor, and Lynette Margison for making this season run so smoothly.

CAM KANARIS

Another season finished. O how we look forward to the wintry weather, the friendship and especially kicking the round ball all around the field, and for us that means the ball goes all around the field. Why play on a field if you don’t get your monies worth and trod, fall down and run / walk over every inch. This may sound like we kick the ball just anywhere but wrong, 2022 was one of the best played seasons for a while. We played expansive football, tight football, for each other and most importantly scoring footie. This is all ended with winning the League and well deserved by all players, refs and supporters / players. Being a supporter in our team means bring your boots and as we are a large squad not just players and supporters. On the day all can and do play; that’s what having mates is for, being a Team.

The squad is 26 strong and names in alphabetical order are: Alan, Alex, Andrew, Bruce, Campbell, Daryl, Glen, Gowan, Graeme, Greg, Ian D, Ian M, Jay, Jim, Kamal, Keith, Ken, Len, Lyubisha, Mark, Morgan, Paul, Sam, Shane, Shaun and Troy. A great group of guys. All back for 2023 is all I want for Christmas. Just kidding a new …. as well would be nice but the cream on the top will be all of the squad returning.

2022 Standings: Played 14, Won 12, Drew 1, Lost 1, Goals for 63, Goals against 13, Points 37.

Apart from winning the season what stands out is the tight defensive effort by all (less than 1 goal in per game which Andy is rightly proud of), the massive number of goals scored with 63 and of note is GT (Glen) who put away 25 this season (2nd on the club scoring list) and many crackers in that lot, even with the left foot which turned out to be a gem at times, and then there is the unsung mid field and without the core of the team how could the back and front have worked so hard. Morgan had a serious season ending injury halfway through the games and with that we had lost an important central pivot (person and player) but as with most unfortunate events people / players step up, or in our team I should say stepped sideways as they were always there, and to Sam, Alex, Mark, Daryl, Macca, GT,

Greg, Paul, Andrew, Len, Troy, Jim, Campbell, Lyubi, Jay, Kamal, Gowan, Ian D and Shaun we won the league due to your efforts. Have a good off season and by the way we are still training on Thursdays.

In every team and especially The Mustangs you always have a good group of selfless individuals that do many things for the team before themselves and whilst we as Kiwis (and by that I mean the whole team regardless that many of us were born overseas and too may countries to name, but maybe that’s why we gel and get on 99% of the time, the 1% can be as trivial as I don’t like Lion Red) don’t like to shout out about things a mention (see that in the Kiwi way I didn’t write a Special mention), no a special mention is required for the characters we have in the team and all the work and support (and being our referee) they give us, including when our other halves aren’t watching, which is most of the season. To Al, Graeme, Ken, Graeme, Gowan and Shane our many thanks and we l - - e you a lot (like). To Daryl, you are the best (2022) financial controller ever, to Macca what would we do without you and another well planned, interesting end of season trip completed, to Andy you are gem and to Al thanks for all your delicate and sometimes not so delicate nuances you bring to the team. To IP you left us to go to Nelson and we drew 2 2. Best game you had played for a while, why?

To Tim and the EAFC team we appreciate the things you do for the Club and us.

I’d like to end this year with an appreciation to my mates and team members of 33 years – Len, Ken and Ian D. It has been fun and see you and all back for next season.

Congratulations to our Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year winners.

Management (whomever that is – A, A, D, I & B).

Bruce Allison

With just six players left from last season and no coach a week out from kick off, it was always going to be a transitional season for the Rebels. And that proved to be the case, losing the first five games while we took time to learn each other's names, identify the team's best formation and nail down a style of play.

But about half-way through the season, things started to click. We started seeing the hard work at training pay off on the pitch and managed to claim our first point of the season away at Western Springs.

From then on, confidence grew and we were a team transformed, with multiple wins and draws picked up in the second half of the season. The Rebels were now a force to be reckoned with and after giving the team above us a 7 point head start, we achieved my personal goal of overtaking them to finish 7th. This was made even more special knowing we did it using our players and only our players - despite finding ourselves regularly playing opponents pulled in from conference and prems.

With a focus on making the pitch big, hitting our wingers early and attacking the box with pace and purpose, we scored some sensational breakaway goals throughout the season. Building on this will be a key focus for next year.

Off the field, the team bonded better than anyone could expect from people who'd just met that season. From school students to 30 something mums and everything in between, we're a group of different people from different backgrounds, united by our love for football and commitment to the Rebels.

It's been an absolute pleasure coaching the Rebels and I look forward to working with them against next season.

Matt Watts

The 2022 My Little Ponies season began with hope. A new team, a new group of players a classic Disney setup with a ragtag group hoping to make every game count.

Unfortunately, where the team hoped for their season to be like the 1992 classic “The Mighty Ducks”, it ended up more along the lines of Pier Pasolini’s 1975 classic Salo (you can Google the full title for a clearer indication of what we mean).

The season had everything - dubious penalties, last-minute winners, goals straight from corners and kickoffs, people stumbling on that cricket pitch on Michaels Ave 3 - everything except a win.

There were positives to take from the season - Samaan Teinapi was a relentless force up front, doing his best Bobby Firmino impression on the press and his best Lewandowski impression in front of goal. Jack Chipperfield took on the unenviable job of holding the fort at centre-back in a team with no recognised centre-backs, and James Lian proved himself adept in every single position he played (including keeper, right back, left back, centre mid, wing and up front).

I doubt we’ll see the likes of My Little Ponies again (for the club reputation’s sake, we probably shouldn’t), but the players will most certainly be returning for more next season. Just don’t ask about the gap in our football CV for 2022.

E kore a muri e hokia (what is done is done)