Emerald Football Club members, back from left, football manager Darryl Maher, players Jamie Marshall and Tim Wright, and front, senior coach Peter Ferrari and club secretary Robyn Kuys are calling for new recruits.By Tania Martin
WITH just four week’s until the first bounce of the 2008 season, Emerald Football Club is calling for new recruits.
The club is looking for at least 30 new players this season.
Football manager Darryl Maher said a lot of players had left the club at the end of last season.
He is now calling for anyone who is interested to join the club which is hoping to make 2008 a premiership season.
Mr Maher said a lot of players had left because of the distances they have to travel for some of the games, which can be as far as Alexandra and Yea.
“But we organise buses for those games and we also have car pool arrangements,” he said.
Mr Maher said a lot of players had also moved to other leagues as they felt the competition in the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League wasn’t strong enough.
“But that is not the case we have a good competition in this league,” he said.
Mr Maher also believes many people had given up ‘footy’ for fear of injury and how it may affect their jobs.
“We have now looked at types of insurances players can take out which takes away that risk,” he said.
Seniors player Jamie Marshall said the Emerald Bombers were a great club to play for and has called for others to jump on board.
Marshall first tried out with Emerald three years ago and has been with the club ever since.
“I was playing with Aspendale and was asked to come and have a run at Emerald and I really enjoyed it,” he said.
“We have a good bunch of blokes here, and it’s a great family atmosphere.”
Reserves coach and player Tim Wright who joined last season said playing for the Bombers had reignited his passion for the game.
“I was looking for a game and everyone at Emerald was so friendly, it was great to get a run in again,” he said.
Mr Maher said the Cardinia Shire Council was also committed to redeveloping the ground, which when finished will be one of the best in the league.
Anyone interested in joining the club is invited to join one of the training sessions, which is run on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm until the 18 March.
Training sessions will be changed to Tuesdays and Thursday during the regular season. The Bombers are also hosting two practice matches one on 29 March and the other on 5 April at Chandler Reserve, Belgrave-Gembrook Road.
Mr Maher said a family day will also be held on 5 April for everyone to enjoy including a jumping castle for the children. Anyone interested in joining the club should contact Mr Maher on 0403 346 657.
