Alexandra FNC – 2022 Season Preview

Alexandra Football Netball Club will enter season 2022 with clear objectives revolving around strong participation numbers across all senior teams and for all players to enjoy community sport again.

With strong training numbers in the football squad, the Rebels are well set up to be a great contender in ATC Traffic Division Two, following a positive year in 2021.

Ahead of the commencement a new season, Club President Ray Steyger was pleased with how football training has been held over the off-season and is excited about what lies ahead for the club with which he has long been involved with.

“Training has been really good,” he said.

“We are probably no different to a lot of country clubs where a large percentage of our players live and work in Melbourne, so we have a good group of players across the area who are getting together and really pushing each other with maintaining fitness and skills which has been really pleasing.

“A smaller group of players have been training at our reserve in Alexandra, who are local to the area, and this group have been working hard as well.”

The Rebels have been bolstered by the addition of seven new recruits to the club over the off-season, with former AFL player Sam Kerridge the clear standout.

Kerridge’s arrival is the result of a family connection, fellow Rebels player Ben Cooper, who enticed him to the club following a stint at White Hills as senior playing coach.

Nick Wal and Scott Ferrier will continue in their roles as seniors and reserves coach, while the Rebels remain on the hunt for a coach to guide its U18’s side.

Netball training at Alexandra has also produced some good numbers, with a clear focus on young players who are now transitioning into the senior sides from the juniors.

The squad has been bolstered by the recruitment of new A Grade coach Nicole Hadgkiss, making the trek from Melbourne every weekend to coach her side, who has already made a strong impact within the club.

Michelle Jack will return for another year as Netball Coordinator and will double up her commitments in this role in a shared coaching partnership with Sharon Hedger of the B, C and D Grade teams.

As the club begins its attack on season 2022, Steyger is clear with his view that the ability to fill all teams and maintain the fun aspect of playing will be the key driver of strong results.

“An old coach always used to say that as long as our players are enjoying their sport and play to the best of their ability, football or netball, then the scoreboard will take care of itself,” he explained.

“We aim to be competitive in all grades of football and netball, enjoy a few wins and improve on our efforts from last year, but as long as we are getting the basics right and everyone is having fun with good community spirit, then all of our aims will be achieved.”

“But as we enter a new season, as always, I am appreciative of the support of our community over the last few years with completing the precinct redevelopment stages undertaken so far, with further works planned.”