Dear Members,
As we approach the middle of the season, it is obvious that the first eight rounds have not produced the results we envisaged.
Naturally we understand, and share, your disappointment, but rest assured that everyone at the club is working hard towards a successful future as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes to the situation in which we find ourselves, but we are up for the challenge and as a club are totally focussed on the work ahead.
In the last couple of years we have focused heavily on the National Draft with the target of bringing in the best available talent into the club. We are excited by what some of those players will bring both in the short and long term.
That will continue to be the strategy in the next couple of years as we reinvigorate our playing list.
We have been excited by the performances of Brady Hough and Rhett Bazzo from the 2021 draft and by the early signs from Campbell Chesser, Reuben Ginbey, Elijah Hewett and Noah Long.
We have had two Rising Star nominations with Reuben and Jai Culley earning that recognition – testament to the talent of our recruits.
Coby Burgiel and Harry Barnett are also developing nicely and look to have bright careers ahead of them.
Unfortunately, Jai suffered a serious knee injury on the weekend and we will support him in his recovery and his aim of being ready to play again at the start of next season.
While the injury list has clearly been a major factor in our battles this season, with the majority of those being collision injuries, we have experts helping us look into the situation to see whether there are specific reasons behind a number of the soft tissue injuries that have occurred.
To go from having almost every player fit and available leading into the round three RAC Derby, to having 16 or 17 players on the injury list and losing seven players in one game, has been extraordinary.
But regardless of that dire situation, we are committed to rebuilding our list from the bottom up. Our current plight has merely shone the spotlight on the situation.
Our board, executive, football department and players are completely aligned as to the way forward.
We truly appreciate the messages of support, both in writing and face to face, that we receive from our members. Your support inspires everyone at the club to work even harder to make you proud of our club.
We look forward to your ongoing support as we climb our way back up the ladder.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Fitzpatrick
Chair
