Junior Report – Kerry Kitto
We are very proud of our juniors who have represented South Australia in the under 12, 15, 16 and 18 national tournaments this year. Well done to Lily Cazzolato Jude Lewis, Emma de Broughe, Alex Newton, Patrick Dodd,Cooper Powardy, Connor Richmond Spouse, Jordan Kitto and our adopted country based players Shannan Herbert, Lachlan Busiko, and Jared Armour.
Cooper Powardy and Lachie Busiko also represented Australia in the under 17 Australian Schoolboys side that competed in Germany.
Todd Kitto has not only coached the state under 15 boys side, but has also provided school holiday clinics for our juniors.
We also have at least 20 more juniors playing than last year and hope to continue this growth next year.
It has been great to see so many parents involved with our junior sides , umpiring, coaching, Managing and generally helping out with canteen and BBQs. Importantly it has been fantastic to see our junior sides supported by our senior men and women who have offered to coach. Big thanks to Anastasia Tomeo, Nikki Searle, Steph Baird, Annie Busiko,Taylor Fry , Brad Kitto, Matt Baird,Tynan Cassidy, Jamie Krecu, Jamie Dowling, Abby Ford, and Kelsey Benci.
It looks like all of our junior teams will be playing in the finals and we wish them the best of luck.
Our under 9s and 11s held their end of season presentations after their last game on Sunday 16th August. While the under 14s and 18s will be having their presentation night on Friday 11th September hope to see you all there.
Premier League Men Report – Mark Dell’Oro
The PLM continues to make good progress this season. Despite a rocky period mid-season due to injury, illness and absence, the team performed creditably and at this point in time look to secure the “double-chance” to finish second behind NEHC. With Port Adelaide and Adelaide not far behind there won’t be much to separate these fiercely competitive clubs come finals.
Highlights during the season include the timely cameo appearances by Lachlan Seabrook during the season particularly when the PLM struggled with numbers as well as the anticipated return of club favourite Dan Mitchell from long term injury. As mentioned while injury, illness and other absences were prevalent throughout the season it provided the opportunity for 25 players to represent the club at PLM level.
Once again Seacliff continues to provide future talent to the state with Brad Kitto captaining the State U21’s alongside teammates Matt Morton and Mike Wells. Several of our PLM are also trialling for the Hotshots or have been invited to participate in the Hotshot Shadow Squad which is a terrific reflection of the depth of talent which exists at the club.
Premier League Women Report – Darren Neimke
The PLW have had mixed fortunes over the past couple of months ranging from massive wins through to nail biting, narrow losses in key matches.
On a positive note, the group has met its pre-season goal of consistently scoring goals – including 10-0 and 8-0 wins against Forestville and Grange. A highlight was our 5-2 win over Adelaide Uni at home in round 17! Our scoring outcomes have resulted from improvements in attacking corners and greater consistency from our striking and midfield group. Katie Pisani has led the way for us this year with a total of 19 goals… followed by Nikki Searle (11).
Our plans to play finals have taken a step back in recent weeks with a three 1 goal losses to main rivals – North East, Uni, and Burnside in the past month.
We have introduced several of our U18 players into key roles in the second half of the season with Abby (Centre Back), Alex (Sweeper), Emily Lewis (Attackin Midfield), Alex Warrender (Striker), and Emma de Broughe (Striker) all showing that the future is bright for this group!
Metro 1 Men Report – Daniel Roach
It’s 5 years since our Metro 1 Men won a premiership and we coming good again the right time! Having won the last five games, and scoring 21 goals in the last three alone, we are firmly in second on the ladder and have a clear buffer from Burnside who are in third position. We’ve had two draws against the top team, Adelaide, and until recently were the only team to take points off them. With many consistent efforts right across the field the depth of our squad is fantastic- 35 blokes have cycled through our side. Many of our players have stepped up to play premier league when the big boys have been injured or away and our younger players have really embraced the challenges thrown at them.
With composure and discipline also a notable feature of our game (only 8 yellow cards all year) on a good day our defence is practically impenetrable. However, our goal scoring ability is also the best it’s been in a while- with Sammy, Gus and Wellsy claiming the most credits. To say we are on the hunt is an understatement.
Metro 2 Women Report – Terese Reeves
With the finals almost upon them the Metro 2 Women are in a good position to take the premiership flag. Sitting third on the ladder, the girls toppled top of the ladder side Burnside 1 in the their last clash before finals.
In her captains role Martina ’Martini’ Leane has lead from the front playing consistently good strong hockey in throughout the season. Veteran Alex ‘Wobbles’ Wawryk has dominated in her return after injury proving a very difficult block for opposition teams. Helen Thomas and also veteran Elizabeth ‘Lizzy’ Sweetman have been combining well on the right, with some awesome play between the two.
Our country connection girls new to the team is Port Pirie lass Emily Turci, who is proving to be a great pick up for the team with her strength and skill, and the Harvey sisters formerly from Port Lincoln, Keera and Whitney have been combining well at the front.
Player Sarah ‘Princess’ Bradley in her new position at left half has proved herself to be invaluable for the team, with her stamina and persistence she has been all over the opposition strikers.
Full backs, team funny woman Jo Holloway and veteran Terese ‘Foxy’ Stephens ( Reeves) have been kept busy along with newly promoted goalie young Lexie Rodriguez.
The strikers have been playing havoc in the goal circle with veterans Nicky ‘Knickerz’ Barker, and Mel Kennealy leading the charge. Juniors Josie Byrne, Emma Kitto and Katherine Dowling have come up to help out the team and have shown flashes of brilliance, that will have them playing Premier League before you can finish singing the Seacliff Hockey song….
Peter Westley has been helping with coaching and training duties, along with Alex and Terese.
The Metro 2 women look forward to the finals with confidence, experienced and with a few years of finals series under their belts they are poised to take the flag and make Seacliff Hockey Club proud.