THE PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2000

As President of the Griffith Australian Football Club, I am pleased to report the preceding 2000 football season has been an enormous success, both on and off the field.

Before going into details, I'd like to thank everyone who has contributed to the Club in some way. Without the support of sponsors and spectators alike, a football club would not survive.

Firstly, I would like to thank our Major Sponsors, the Griffith Ex-Servicemen's Club for allowing us the use of your impressive facilities and your generous financial support.

To our Co-Sponsors McDonalds, A & G Engineering, Total Leisure, Quiprite, WIN Television and our ever so loyal Supporters Club (comprising of Barry Sidlow, Brian Hammond and Darrell Collins), we thank you for your generous financial contributions throughout the year.

A special thank you to the following: -

# Rod Curphy and the ground staff of the Exies Club.

# Staff and patrons of the Exies Sports Club who have helped make our after-match evenings and Friday night raffles so successful.

# Don Harrison, Trevor Harrison, Roger Longworthy, Maureen and Neville Smith, Stewart McCudden, Ernie Wade, Greg Wade, Helen Mitchell for giving up their time to sell tickets.

# Our faithful strappers, Joanne and Robert.

# Team managers / bus drivers, Grant Kelson and Greg Payne.

# Selectors - What a thankless job - but well done.

# The ladies and gentlemen not connected with the committee, who helped out on our casserole nights. I know the home cooked meals were appreciated by all.

# Damien and Leanne Scott for their personal fundraising efforts.

# To all the workers who have helped in anyway whatsoever throughout the season in order to ensure the club run smoothly and disaster free. It's great to know we have people to count on to help get us out of tight spots.

# To all football and netball players who put teams on the paddock / court each week, without you we would have no entertainment.

# Last, but not least, my fellow committee members Ffiona Beverley, Greg Collins, Louise Files, Kelly Ruyg, Darryn Savage, Bob and Brenda Spears, Trevor Harrison, Ernie and Sue Wade, for the tireless hours you have given up for the love and support of the Swans.

A warm welcome and a big thank you to Jon O'Dwyer, our 1st Grade coach, for the hard work and dedication throughout the season.

Congratulations to Adrian Pavese. Under Adrian's leadership, the Reserves finished the season as Minor Premiers and drew with the Wagga Tigers in what was a nail biting Grand Final match. Although the boys lost the title after extra time, they must be congratulated for the talent and spirit they displayed all season.

Shane Ruyg had a difficult job this year with the Under 18's due to lack of numbers, several junior footballers were called upon. With a joint effort, they still managed to make it to the Semi Finals. Well done, Shane.

Congratulations to the netball girls for their outstanding season. The A Grade took out the premiership and the B Grade made it to the finals.

Thanks, and congratulations to Cassandra Malone, our Miss RFL entrant this year. Cassandra proudly represented the Griffith Swans in the prestigious competition and was runner-up.

To the boys Matt Crack, Ben Wade, Kris Duncan and their many helpers.

To Paul Habel and Andrew Hill, thank you for your contribution to junior football development. I'm sure many of the boys you have been coaching will be future Swans players.

I feel we have an excellent relationship with the Griffith Juniors Football committee - George Duncan, Gary Owen, Joe Catanzariti and their band of hard workers. I hope we can continue this relationship in the future.

We must continue to work as a Club, therefore - NO us against them - WE are the Club, if something is not done, do it, and work out the problem later.  Thank you all again for your support during the 2000 season.

Ian Wade,

President, Griffith Australian Football Club.