In 2009 both teams have made big steps forward in being competitive week in week out. The A grade team was in winning positions in all but 2 games for the year. We have a lot of positives to take into next year and build on our successes from this year.

The injection of some youth has really invigorated the squad and brought so much enthusiasm to the teams. The way they have performed, improving every week and learning their craft has been terrific and a pleasure to coach.

Our investment in a couple of players from abroad has helped our forwards set platforms all year and provided the team with flexibility, experience and consistency. They have been leaders on the field and performed admirably holding up the values of our club and help change the culture of our teams approach to rugby. Ash Whiting and James Sinapopo have returned home but have both indicated they will come back next year and I will continue to keep in contact with them in regards to next year.

Our experienced players have improved their rugby and really enjoyed their rugby this year due to the consistency of training and performance. No doubt they will be looking forward to next year with the drive to build on last season. Their input into team policies and strategies has helped the team develop a sense of trust and ownership over what they were doing on the field and our structures have evolved from that input.

Training this year was well up on last year. In the first round we won 6 games we only had 1 or 2 players miss training on the Thursday night which led to better performances on the field. This also reflected on the amount of injuries we had through the year which was very low and enabled us to name the same team for a lot of the games. This just highlights the importance of preparation and training and how it impacts on performance.

Third grade had a successful year which was built on the involvement of our Murray bridge brothers. Without their involvement we would struggle to field a second team and they really appreciated the opportunity to have a few training runs in Murray Bridge which showed on the field. They were also more involved off the field attending a couple of functions throughout the year which is a reflection of our efforts to accommodate them.

It was fantastic to see Woodville back in finals action this year. While the outcome was not what we wanted the journey was full of highlights. The experience gained will make us stronger but the challenge is to improve and back it up with another finals appearance next year. I felt our preparation was spot on and the excitement it generated around the club was rewarding for everyone involved.

Personally it has been a huge learning curve to coach both teams but also enjoyable to watch them grow and perform each week. While it has been taxing and stressful at times I have really enjoyed the challenge and look forward to next year.

My job has been made a lot easier by the support of several individuals and also the club as a whole. Evan Duff my right hand man always there to do the paper work, equipment, chase players etc. It’s a thankless job but one of the most important roles within the team. Max Conry and Sheree; thankyou for keeping the players on the field. Your commitment to strapping and tending to the players needs is outstanding. Matty Warren and Mike for their input into training, planning, selection and analysis week in week out has been greatly appreciated. Lee has also been responsible for the fitness of the players and had a big role in our pre season training. The help from the juniors Jacob, Jett and co to run water and kicking tees is also appreciated. Lastly I would like to thank the players their partners and families for their commitment and time over the season.

Vincent Eli - Head Coach