Editorial: Season’s end, Careers end – Club Connection

Brett Connell – VAFA CEO

As we draw to the close of another terrific season of VAFA footy, thoughts will inevitably turn to what we call “future matters.”

How will your club measure success this year?

Is it by premierships won, finals competed in, number of teams your club has fielded this year, money in the bank – or even more corporate, how are you tracking against your club’s “future” plan?

Club Committees will be planning for finals for all, some or none of their teams, while at the same time planning for the future of the club.

So too, some players have planning to attend to as the season conclusion is looming rather quickly.

Inevitably some players will face that big decision, will this season be their last?

With the VAFA’s vast amount of divisions, players have a variety of levels at which they can choose to play or coach, so players effectively can contribute for many years to come – what a wonderful fillip for a club, as there is no doubt keeping former players around the club is a key to future success.

The ability to build culture and club brand is important in such a competitive community football environment, having former players remain involved is imperative to maintaining these key club success indicators.

I had the privilege of attending the Old Xaverians FC luncheon last Saturday. The Old Xavs took time to present the VAFA 125 year plaques to an amazing band of volunteers who have contributed to transforming the club into the envy of most in the VAFA.

John Bowen (Snr), Bill Denton, Matt Hannebery, Simon Hunt, Peter McDonnell, Ray McLean and Robert Ralph were all honoured with the VAFA 125 year plaques – the majority of these men have contributed enormously to the success of the Old Xavs with most having donned the famous red & black.

More impressive than the group above was the recognition the OXFC gave to the following retiring players Marcus Allen, Cadyn Beetham, Matt Darvell, James McDonnell, Jono Mercuri and Esmond Prowse.

While all of the recipients were truly worthy of their recognition as retiring players what impressed upon me the most was the connection each has to the club.

The two that struck a chord the most were Marcus Allen and Cadyn Beetham. Marcus spoke of a football journey across a number of states and how when he came to Old Xavs he was welcomed with open arms, despite not being an old boy of the College and a lifetime connection was formed. Cadyn spoke of his fondness for the club and how being a part of the Old Xavs community had changed his life.

I use the above examples to highlight just how important recognising the contribution of retiring and past players is to a club.

VAFA Clubs are not just about what happens on the field, yes all are striving to win premierships, but when it all boils down, it was clear that the connection to their club and more importantly the club community that meant the most.

As your club concludes its 2017 journey, take some time to think about how you will future proof your club by celebrating and recognising your retiring players, they are so valuable to the future success of your club and investing in them now will ensure a lifetime connection – everyone wins.

Enjoy your weekend at the footy.

Photo © Ari Hatzis