Fellow Tigers,

Well the footy season is well and truly underway and its been a great start for our club both on and off the field. I won't go too much into the off field stuff as that no longer my domain, but what I will do is congratulate the club for their efforts so far and the work that has been done to add the finishing touches to bring the deck on line; attract new sponsors; and make the footy club a great place to be. Its been a huge effort that certainly is appreciated by the coaches and players alike.

On field from a senior perspective we have started well with our 17's reserves and seniors all performing at a level we are really happy with at this stage of the year. Its still early days and nothing to get carried away with just yet, but what we have done is laid a solid foundation for the rest of the year. I'm in no way surprised at how well we have started in all grades, as there was a massive commitment by the players to pre-season training, with the average turnout being 39 between Jan 13 and round 1 in mid April, and this number doesn't include under 17's who train with the senior group. I think it would be fair to say such consistent numbers is unprecedented and no doubt will hold us in good stead as the season unfolds. Speaking of unprecedented (Pup - that means unique, unmatched or exceptional) we have 38 players at the club this season who weren't at the club last season. The new players have certainly brought a new level of enthusiasm (means energy Pup) not only to our playing group but to our club, and the vibe and atmosphere is absolutely fanatic and just makes being around the club even more enjoyable than it already was. There is plenty more happening in and around the club so I'll break them down into sub headings for reading ease.

Rep Game / No Footy This Week
No games this weekend due to the rep game in Mackay. Good luck to all our boys who made the team.

New Deck Opening
Next weekend's home game (May 29) will be a massive day for the club with the opening our flash new deck. We are up against the Bulldogs, so I know both teams will be keen to put on a great show for the big crowd we are expecting. The deck has been a long time in the making, but the wait has been well worth it and it will be great that we get the chance next week to show our appreciation to the many individuals and businesses that come together to make it happen. It promises to be a fantastic day, so please bring as many friends, partners, family etc along and enjoy the atmosphere of the day. We are also having a most of our sponsors attend so I'd appreciate it if all players can please go upstairs after the game and say g'day (Pup - means hi, how are you) and thank them for their support of our great club.

Web Site
We now have a flash new website to match our flash new deck. We are working hard to keep the site updated with upcoming game and function information. We will also be posting pre game previews, selected sides, scores and post game reviews. There's a profile section so go on and add your profile www.hpafl.com.au

$5 Feeds
I'm sure those who have stayed for our legendry Thursday night $5 feeds would agree they are just fantastic. If anyone can help out please don't hesitate to let me know, it wont cost you anything just your time and it will help ease the burden on the small few doing it at the moment. To the ladies who have cooked (and Pup and Mems), thanks very much, we really appreciate your efforts.

Communication
A special thanks to all players who have been outstanding with texts etc in letting me or the other coaches know when you cant make training, are unavailable to play etc. It certainly helps when sitting down to pick teams likewise it supports our TEAM ethos. Please keep it up.

Injuries
Remember, if you are injured we still want to see you at training, as it allows Chris to keep on top of where the injury is at, maybe get you on the bike, slow jogging, doing quick hands etc. Again this supports our TEAM ethos. Also a special thanks to Chris for her huge effort in always being around to provide medical support etc, the boys really appreciate it. Likewise, to Jodi each weekend.

Club Polos
The new club polos (also quite flashy) are now available from the bar on Thursday nights and game day. They are $45, so please support the club and purchase one.

Fixture Change
Please note our reserves game on August 7th at TIS will now be at 4pm not 1pm as initially scheduled. Our senior game will follow at 6pm.

Rockpool Breakfast & Recovery Session
Following our game at TIS on Saturday night June 5th, we will be meeting at the Rockpool Cafe on the Strand on the Sunday at 9am for a team recovery session and that will be followed by a club breakfast. Bring your joggers, bathers and towel. The recovery session wont go long, so bring the wife, girlfriend, kids etc as we want to make the breakfast a whole club event. Everyone will be expected to purchase their own breakfast, as it a great way to support our major sponsor - The Rockpool Cafe

Black & Gold Ball
Our annual Ball is scheduled for June 19th. More info to come soon, so start getting your babysitters, dates, frocks and suits ready.....its always huge!

Tigers Townsville Cup Race Day
Big Dan is organising a club get together at the cup. Ay this stage the plan is to start at the club for breakfast and then move to the track - please see Dan for more details. We play on the Friday night beforehand.

See you at the footy and Go Tigers...


Regards,

Barry Gibson
Senior Coach
Hermit Park Football Club Inc.
Mobile 0408 136 373
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