Great Scot September 2018 Gt Scot_154_September_online | Page 89

Football Club
HIGHLIGHTS AND
DISAPPOINTMENTS IN
A CHALLENGING YEAR
The Old Scotch Football Club has had a
challenging year, both on and off the field. The
undoubted highlight of the year has been the
introduction of the club’s women’s team. In
partnership with MLC, the Old Scotch Stars
have been a revelation. In their debut season
they finished runners-up to Old Haileybury
in the VAFA Premier B White Division, an
outstanding achievement.
Despite the disappointment of losing the
grand final the season has been a resounding
success, and we thank MLC most sincerely
for backing this wonderful initiative so heartily.
Ryan Duke and his coaching team did an
outstanding job teaching and developing
the girls across the year, and every girl who
represented the club did so with distinction.
To best accommodate the introduction
of a women’s team, the club conducted a
comprehensive review of its culture. The
club determined that its vision is to create an
inspirational environment for the development
of young people through the adoption
of the following four quality standards:
continuous improvement, teamwork, care and
responsibility.
The men’s 1st XVIII lost its first seven games
by a combined total of 83 points, but won the
next three to turn its season around. Highlights
of the season included wins against finalists
Old Trinity and Old Brighton. The final match
of the season amounted to a relegation battle
between Old Scotch and University Blues, and
despite giving it all they had, Old Scotch lost
by 10 points, which means our club will return
to Premier B Section in season 2019. Coach
Dale Bower and Captain Jack Bull (‘08) have
done an amazing job maintaining a positive
environment in testing times.
The men’s 2nd and 3rd XVIIIs have had
average seasons, losing more games than
they won.
A real highlight of the year has been
the performance of our Under 19 Premier
teams. Former player Mark Gnatt has
done an excellent job creating a nourishing
environment where the boys have flourished.
Despite some inconsistent performances the
team has played some terrific team football,
and this group presents a bright future for the
club. The boys finished the home and away
season in second place and at the time of
writing were to play Old Xaverians in the grand
final. The under 19 Premier Reserve team,
coached by Mick Clearihan, also played some
great football to finish the home and away
season in second place.
TOP: THE INAUGURAL OLD SCOTCH
STARS TEAM. RIGHT: OSFC GALA
BALL 21 JULY 2018