Mc Carthy Homes - Club Update

MAGPIES AGM A SUCCESS WITH A STRONG BOARD READY FOR CLUB GROWTH

Long serving Board member Andrew Thomson will continue to lead the Sherwood DAFC in 2018 after assuming the reins 3 months ago with the resignation of then club President Mark Blackberry. In a seamless transition, Thomson assumed the President’s role when Blackberry found his business commitments precluded him from doing what he considered to be the necessary functions of a club President.

Blackberry will still play an important role for the Magpies in a fundraising and mentoring capacity. Thomson has already negotiated a significant naming rights sponsor for the club (McCarthy Homes) and his experience will be valuable in guiding the Magpies in coming seasons.

The club’s recent AGM also saw the addition of some new faces and a couple of exits.  However the board remains full of football and business experience and the strongest financial position the club now finds itself in for decades is due in large part to the efforts of the outgoing Board, most of whom will resume in the same roles in 2018. Scott Matthews stepped down from his role as Director--Junior Football, while ex-club junior Mitchell Merritt returns from Griffith Moorooka in the new portfolio of Director, Partnerships & Engagement.

The New club Board is as follows:

President and Senior Football: Andrew Thomson

Vice President—Junior Football: Adam Edwards

Director-- Finance: Martin Sinfield

Director—Infrastructure and Facilities: Chris Dennis

Director—Governance and Company Secretary: Gabe McKinnon

Director—Partnerships & Engagement: Mitchell Merritt

Director-Football: TBA

Director—Social and Events: TBA

The club is negotiating the Director of Football role but in the interim previous club coach Paul Grentell with act as Football Adviser with Damian Sonderlund as his assistant. The club is still seeking additional volunteers including a Director –Social and Events – and with the club to celebrate 50 years of senior football and the 20th year of the Western Magpies in 2018 this will be a vital role throughout the season. 

Summary of  Senior and Junior Football, Off-field Highlights and future outlook for 2018 below.

Senior highlights

• Signed new coach Brydan Morgan
• After turnover of 14-16 senior players at the end of 2016 the club was in the hunt for finals until penultimate round
• Key new signings for 2018 Season in Harwood, Corrie, Adkins, Saunders + player retention
• 10+ debutants in 2017 Season
• Colts Minor Premiers & Grand Finalists
• Reid Dobson and Jake Fuentes the next generation of coaches
• Supplied 6+ ex Magpies to NEAFL and VFL lists
• Tom Ielasi & Dave Lewis represented QAFL vs WAAFL
• Charlie Pershouse & Aaron Highlands Rising Star Nominations
• Jake De Winter Round 2 Syd Guildford Nomination
• Drew Mitchell & Gareth Crawford win Bill Peirce Medal
• Woodsmen reached Preliminary Final
• 100+ registered senior players

Junior highlights

• Experienced and successful Junior Committee lead by Scott Matthews. The Board thanks Scott for his dedication to the club over his two year tenure as Junior President.
• Strong registration numbers up 7% on prior year
• Team Successes:
• U16 Black - Division 1 minor premiers and finalists
  • U12 – Division 2 finalists

Individual Awards:

• • Tom Morgan U12 League Best & Fairest Winner
  • Sean Ryan 3rd place U16 League Best & Fairest
• Western Magpies Academy successful second year with strong numbers

Off-field highlights

• Installation of club Honour Boards – thanks to the tireless efforts of Dr. Greg Thompson
• Election of new life members in Chris Dennis, Reid Dobson, Brian Miller and Val Pope
• Delivered on facility improvements:

• • Secured funding for full ground refurbishment
  • Secured funding and work commenced to convert old home change rooms to players gym

Delivered on Corporate Partnerships

• • Secured new naming rights sponsor for 2018
  • Increased corporate partnerships in both number and financial commitment

Implementation of “One Club” Strategy

• • Reconstitution of Board of Directors (Junior, Senior and Woodsmen representation)
  • Senior player participation with Junior teams
  • Western Magpies Summer Coaching Academy
  • Player Development Pathwa
  • Review of communications 

Financial Outlook

With the continuing support of volunteers, sponsors and supporters, the Board are confident that the club is well placed financially leading in to the 2018 season:

• New revenue streams are expected to bear further fruit, with Cross Fit Disposition, Step into Life and AFL9s expected to contribute notable returns. 
• Corporate sponsorships are off to a strong start, with a new naming rights sponsor and other new partners resulting in the club being in a healthy financial position. 
• Additional funding has been committed to the football department to help strengthen the senior squad. 
• The Queensland Labor Government has committed $150k to fund oval works at the end of the 2018 season.  This will enable the playing surface to be levelled and improved to a standard that will enable the Club to play home finals and bid for junior finals. 

To get involved and support the club in an off field role, please contact President - Andrew Thomson on 0403 066 382.