Highlights From Senior Presentation
What a night at Kareela Golf Club on 15 September with over 230 people turning out to celebrate the club’s achievements in 2007. And what a season it was with The Bay represented in 7 grand finals including 3 which were showcased on the new Seymour Shaw Stadium.
It was also a season where it was noticeable that the spirit in the younger 18 to 25 year old section of the club has grown dramatically. This spirit will see the club go from strength to strength through the senior ranks.
This is a club where everyone is respected. The more you put in the more you will get back. Go The Bay!!!
Life Members
This the club’s 26th season and it is fitting at this time that the club appoints its inaugural life members. Three people who have contributed significantly to the club in different ways have been nominated for this honour:
Kevin Boyle Brian Peddie Gavin Stewart
Kevin Boyle has been heavily involved in the club since its establishment. He has been a Club President, a long term club sponsor, an outstanding coach, a leading referee and a mentor for many younger club members to take up refereeing. After a few years in the background Kevin has become actively involved over the past few seasons as coach of our leading side which is now headed to AL2s after more success in 2007.
Brian Peddie is an unsung hero who has worked diligently behind the scenes for many years, playing a major role in the club’s administration. He has been on the Executive Committee for the past 12 years firstly as Club Secretary then as Club Treasurer where he has been reliability personified. Brian has been one of the club’s delegates to the association for many years.
In 2007 Gavin Stewart became the first Bonnet Bay player to attain 25 years service. This is a remarkable effort when it is considered that the club is only 1 year older. It is testimony to Gavin’s resilience that he has continued to play despite numerous injuries which may have finished the career of other players. Gavin is a strong team player whose contribution has always been highly valued by his team mates. Gavin is a fine example to all players that you can be passionate about the game while conducting yourself with respect, pride and dignity on and of the field.
Premiers 9F 18B AL3
Runners Up 10B 21A W18A 35E
Finalists W30B
Semi Finalists W18C WSA
Loyalty Awards
The major loyalty awards were:
Gavin Stewart 25 Years Greg Finlayson 20 Years Claire Baker 15 Years
13 others received 10 Year Service Awards & another 41 players received 5 Year Service Awards
See Full List under separate item on this site.
Paul Ferguson Memorial Award – Best Performed Team
Paul Ferguson was a well respected member of the Bonnet Bay community and soccer club, who worked tirelessly on the committee as the club’s ground and equipment coordinator and was precise and meticulous in his duty. Paul’s memory is carried, through this significant club award to the best “competition” team from the season. The 2007 winners of the Paul Ferguson Memorial Award are the 9Fs, a team which were undefeated premiers and minor premiers.
Ron Miller Memorial Shield - Most Significant Club Achievement
Ron Miller was the 2nd Bonnet Bay Club President (1985, 1986), and was one of those responsible for the early foundation and direction of the Bonnet Bay Soccer Club. This trophy is a proud monument to Ron and is a highly regarded prize within the Bonnet Bay club.
The 2007 award for the most outstanding effort by a team during the season which established a milestone in the club’s development were the AL3 premiership winning team. While this is by far the highest grade a Bonnet Bay team had won the award was presented not so much for this season’s effort but for team’s achievement in winning its 4th premiership in succession which is particularly impressive as they have continued to be promoted through the grades each season. Next season the nucleus of this team will rise to AL2s becoming the highest graded team in the club’s history.
McCallum Perpetual Trophy - Most Improved Team
This award was presented to the club by former club president and current association president Craig McCallum and the McCallum family and is presented to the team that shows the most improvement during the course of the season. In 2007 the 21As not only improved substantially on their performance during the early competition rounds but also on their effort the previous season where they had finished 7th to rise to 2nd and a spot in the prestigious 21A grand final.
Coach of the Year
This is the first time the club has made this award and the inaugural winner is Rod West for his efforts with both the 21As and W18As both of whom grand finalists. When looking at both these teams one could be forgiven for feeling they have over achieved. This is in no small part to Rod’s infectious leadership of his squads. While being a keen student of tactics, Rod’s strength is his ability to communicate effectively with his players and the loyalty he shows them which is returned.
Team Encouragement Award
The club committee generated award to applaud ‘Bonnet Bay Spirit’. It is awarded to a team that has stuck to their task and displayed a strong will to improve during the competition. The 2007 21Ds experienced a difficult season but still remained committed throughout. This team contains a number of players with long service to the club who have remained committed to the team and the club despite a lack of on field success over the years.
Gary Lawler Merit Award – Contribution to 21s
Gary Lawler was a ‘favourite son’ within the Bonnet Bay community and soccer club, and held the position of Secretary during the years 1994/ 95 and 1998. Gary also served on the SSJSFA committee for 10 years and was awarded life membership of the association in 2005. He was instrumental in taking the club’s first group of juniors into all age in 1991(the sweathogs). Gary’s irreverent approach helped him win the hearts of players at that critical stage where they move from the junior to senior ranks. He made a very significant contribution to the development of Bonnet Bay’s senior teams. Awarded to a player from the U21 team who has displayed character, commitment and creativity throughout the year which has contributed positively to the team’s overall performance.
The winner in 2007 is Matty Miles who in his 12th season with the club was an important member of our 21A squad. Not only did Matt play in that successful side but he was the assistant coach of our undefeated 9F team. He has always put a lot back into the club off the field and probably holds the unofficial record for training with more teams than any other player. Matty’s exuberance is infectious and his club spirit immense.
Womens Soccer Award
This award was presented to the club by former club president Glenn Elms who played a major role in ensuring equity between male and female players of all ages and skill levels. Awarded to the women’s team, either junior or senior, that has displayed a most significant performance for the season when all circumstances surrounding the team considered. The 2007 winners were the W18As. This group has been together for a number of years and has always been knocking on the door to make the grand final. However a grand final appearance eluded them until this year when a remarkable victory over the State Cup Champions in the final took them to the last match of the season where they performed very credibly, going down 1-0 to a well taken free kick, despite many players carrying injuries into the match.
Clubperson of the Year
This award is presented to an individual who has displayed significant club loyalty and/or dedication throughout the season. The 2007 winner is Ian Petrovski. As well as the leadership role Ian takes as Club Secretary, he assists wife Lisa as Uniform Co-ordinator, is a manager, a coach and a referee. He is heavily involved in everything that happens within the club.
President's Medals
One person from each team is awarded a President's Medal in recognition of their contribution as determined by team officials and the President. A full list of the 2007 winners is under a separate item on this site.
