Gembrook Cockatoo FNC – 2021 Season in Review

Gembrook Cockatoo Football Netball Club had a great season in 2021, proving they are a great match for their opponents after its promotion into Division One.

The senior football side finished in third on the ladder to show they were one of the teams to beat, while A Grade netball finished in fourth place.

Another commendable team performance from within the Brookers stable this year was its veteran’s team who finished in fourth and defeated Healesville in the first semi-final to earn a Grand Final appearance, which unfortunately never took place.

Reflecting on the 2021 season, club president Ross Hubbard was pleased with his club’s performance as they went through its own tricky situations, in addition to lockdowns.

“It was a convoluted year, with all the lockdowns happening,” he said.

“But considering where we finished on the ladder with all our playing groups, I think we did brilliantly.”

With its new pavilion at Orchard Road still under redevelopment works, the club was provided with the use of Heatherbrae Reserve in Officer, thanks to Cardinia Shire Council.

However, the Brookers did not let their spirit get in the way of frequent travel as they fought with pride and persistence to uphold the Gembrook Cockatoo name, as they hit the ground running with its competitiveness.

The highlights of 2021 were how well the club performed in the league best & fairest counts, with the standouts being Paige Ladner and Craig Clarke who took first place in A grade netball and in the veterans counts respectively, in amongst other top three place finishes.

Additionally, the Brookers had a great representation of players in the league teams of the year, with Ladner and Lauren Castricum featuring in netball division one, while Josh Tilly, Brayden Weller and Michael Firrito were highlighted in division one football.

As the club prepares to focus on 2022, they are excited of the prospect of moving into its renovated facility at Gembrook Showgrounds which will provide the entire football/netball community a new lease of life for generations to come.

The netballers have new courts to play on of a high standard which will be integral for them given they have a fantastic sporting program.

The refreshing nature provided to the club because of redeveloped facilities will instil further enthusiasm into the group, with a strong pre-season training program designed to help them do better again.

Brad Coller and Shanae Ingram will return as head coaches for football and netball, having been recognised for their brilliant efforts to put instil strong performances this year.

Hubbard thanked all members of the club for their efforts in what was a brilliant but trying season in 2021, as well as AFL Outer East for its efforts to host a competition in difficult circumstances.

“I would like to give a shout out to all our volunteers who have done quite well this year,” Hubbard appreciated.

“I would also like to thank our playing group for putting in a very good performance as well.

“The fact that all teams would have played finals this year speaks for itself and the playing group should be proud of their effort.”

FOOTBALL	LADDER POSITION	WINS	LOSSES	DRAWS
Hallam & Bayswater Truck Centres Division One	3rd	6	2	1
Coates Division One Reserves	5th	5	4	–
Box Hill Institiute U19 Division One	5th	5	4	–
Bendigo Bank Veterans	4th	3	2	–
NETBALL	LADDER POSITION	WINS	LOSSES	DRAWS
Kärcher Division One A Grade	4th	5	4	–
Kärcher Division One B Grade	6th	4	5	–
Kärcher Division One C Grade	4th	5	4	–
Kärcher Division One D Grade	6th	2	6	–
Kärcher 15 & Under White	7th	2	7	–
Kärcher 13 & Under White	6th	1	8	–