Although they haven’t been able to get out and play yet, Kyneton Football Netball Club people have been doing some important work behind the scenes.
Buoyed by what was looking to be a top season for the club, its committee and supporters have been inspired to keep the momentum going even though the current health crisis stopped just about everything in its tracks.
“Everything was looking so positive for us. As a committee we worked hard at getting our year organised,” acting KFNC president Julie Priestley said.
“We had function dates organised and fundraising opportunities, which was going to accumulate with a huge community day in July when the drawing of our major ute raffle was to take place. Our football and netball teams were smashing out their pre-seasons and then it all came to a screaming halt.”
The club is working closely with all government bodies and will take its lead from AFL and Netball Vicoria, AFL Central Vic and other BFNL clubs as a season 2020 is considered. But for matches to resume, crowds at grounds will be needed because like other football clubs, Kyneton relies on gate, canteen and bar takings to help keep it running. Right now, it is a waiting game to see if a season can be played at all.
“The Tigers were looking forward to season 2020 after coming off a positive 2019. The club was able to stabilise its financial position and had a great year organised before COVID-19,” Julie said.
“Although we haven’t been able to get out and play yet, we have been doing some improvements behind the scenes.”
“We have ‘spruced’ up the clubrooms with some paint and re-organised our memorabilia and replaced our hot water system – and thanks must go to the ‘custodians’ of the club rooms in making all this happen.
“The goalposts on the top oval were replaced with new ones and the existing posts moved to the bottom oval and we have made some more improvements in our canteen. We’ve added some new shelving and extended our floating bench – all donated by Interior Projects by Vereker – and have been able to purchase a new fridge and some appliances to help us on game days.
“We have always been such a well-supported club in our community. Our major sponsors, Kyneton on Riverside, Kyneton Toyota, Prendergast Earthmoving, PSR Legal and Barfold Quarry have shown unwavering support through such an uncertain time,” Julie said.
When matches begin?
Nathan Thompson, the Tigers’ senior coach, has recruited well in the off season to add some ‘body’ to the senior team and helped support younger players coming through the ranks.
The club’s four-year succession netball plan was coming to fruition this year with all five teams to be represented with a 17 & Under netball team taking to the court in 2020.
The Tigers have a new A Squad coach in Tylah Marchbank. Di Guest-Oakley is coaching B Squad and the ever-important 17 & Under team.
Kyneton’s Senior Women’s Football team appointed a new coach, Ray Tadd, and were tearing up the track in pre-season and are so keen to get their season underway.
Kyneton’s well-supported Juniors had just had a successful registration day before the season was suspended.
“Season or not, we are still working hard and some of our teams will return to training over the coming weeks,” Julie said.
“The club’s major raffle is still running and we urge anyone wanting to support the club this season, to please buy a ticket. Having no home games to help with ticket sales has definitely hindered us.
“We have run a very successful online advertising campaign and the many local businesses that have displayed the ute have sold tickets for us. We have a wonderful community in Kyneton and it’s fantastic how we all support each other,” Julie said.
The ute will be at Kyneton Landmark again this week for people to see and raffle ticket sales can be directed to Jodi on 0447 625 012.
