Father and son tradition revived

LAST Saturday (July 23) the Under 12s to Under 15s attended a Father/Son breakfast at the New Norfolk District Football Clubrooms. The roll up from the four age groups was very pleasing, with all enjoying a great feed which was provided by the NNDFC. There were two raffles and every player received a free ticket. Aaron Thorpe won the first raffle (winning a footy, drink bottle, wallet and beanie) while Jahrod Locher won a $30 movie voucher, well done boys.

NNDFC president Stephen Dixon said a few words on the breakfast now becoming a tradition each season, while senior coach Matthew Smith spoke to the players about their future and the pathway into senior football. Matthew also spoke of attending similar breakfast functions when he was playing in his junior days. He noted that although there had been a break of some years it was great to see the tradition revived, the first being held last season.

I remember attending a Father/Son breakfast in 1989 while playing in the Under 12s and in fact Mathew Smith was our captain and his father Michael was our coach. Hawthorn Brownlow medallist John "Rat" Platten was the guest speaker that morning, which was a great thrill for all who attended. After the breakfast Platten took training on Boyer Oval. This ended up being a great year as we Under 12s went on to defeat Claremont in the grand final.

There are plans to make next season's breakfast bigger and better. If any one has any ideas or contacts for a guest speaker please let organiser Michael Graham know. Michael has done a terrific job to get the breakfast again up and running. His passion for junior footy really shows out. Top job Mick.

WADE GLEESON