Blues Brief - Christmas Edition
CHRISTMAS BARBEQUE There was a fantastic turnout for the final social function of the year, with about 40 players and supporters gathering by the banks of the Yarra for the annual Blues Christmas Barbeque. The pre-Christmas training sessions appear to be paying off with players in great nick for this time of the year. Well done to all who helped organise the event, and thanks for your attendance.
NEW RESERVES COACH APPOINTED One gentleman spotted enjoying his yuletide sausage-in-bread was newly appointed Reserves Coach, Mark Maddocks. Despite a playing career with the 'other Blues' out at Monash, Mark is not a total stranger to the Uni Blues family; he's had two sons who've recently come through the Under 19s, and over the past few years Mark has been a familiar face over at the Crawford as he's been supporting Unders coaches Steve Carroll, Ben Covelli and Matt Embling. The Mighty Blues Twos are an integral part of the University Blues Football Club, with an outstanding record of both premiership success, and consistently providing the senior team with fit and committed players ready to go. We welcome Mark to the fold and wish him every success as we endeavour to continue that strong reserves tradition. Congratulations Mark!
SUPERCOACH GUNGA STANDS DOWN With a coaching record that makes Sir Alex Ferguson look like Gerard Neesham, Damien Guengerich has hung up his clipboard. Two seasons, two premierships, Gunga engineered great onfield success, and took the reserves coaching position to a new level of professionalism. A 2004 A Grade premiership player who has been involved with the club since 1996, Gunga is taking a well-earned break as he and wife Mandy look forward to the arrival of their first child in early February.
PRESENTATION NIGHT
On Friday, 23rd October, Lincoln of Toorak hosted Uni Blues' 2009 Presentation Dinner. It was an evening upon which the achievements of the season were celebrated and individual performances recognized.
Chief amongst these was the life membership bestowed on the evergreen George de Crespigny, a great servant of the club both on and off the field for many seasons.
The Chris Brown trophy for best clubman was awarded to John Carmody and the tireless Tom Granleese was the winner of the Ted McNamara Award for Best Team Player.
Mark "The General" Paterson took out the Senior Best & Fairest while the Reserves award was shared by Issac Orr and Ben Millard.
Ben McConnell was runner up for the Seniors Best and Fairest, but received plenty of consolation when he beat a tough field to take out the evening's other major award the BBDFA (Brian Blood Disservice to Fashion Award).
For a full list of all award winners click here.
BLUE BLOODS MASTERS GOLF DAY
To launch the Uni Blues Supporters' community into 2010 Andrew Henderson is organising the inaugural Blue Bloods' Masters Golf event on Saturday 13 February, 2010 at the 13th Beach Golf Club, Barwon Heads. Entry to the Blue Bloods Masters is open to all Uni Blues Past Players, Parents and Supporters of all golfing abilities. We currently have tee times for 24 golfers, so please get in quickly to ensure your spot in the Masters.
The Masters will coincide with the pre-season football camp taking place in Torquay on the same weekend. Following the golf and crowning of the Masters Champion, all golfers are encouraged to make their way out to the camp and join the players and coaches for some refreshments.
For more details click here.
SOCIAL NOTES
A big congratulations to Blues legend Toby McIntyre who married his fiance Jo in November. Toby, less formally known as 'Windsock', was recruited to Blues from the well-known footballing nursery of Ararat, and went on to win a Senior Best and Fairest in 1993. Blessed with incredible courage and an inimitable kicking style, Toby was a crowd favourite throughout his career and the everyone at Uni Blues pass on their best wishes to Toby and Jo.
More celebratory news with the recent engagement of club stalwart Justin Jamieson to his girlfriend Vicky Thai. Jamo has contributed to Blues for nearly 20 years in a number of roles: high leaping ruckman, VAFA representative, matchday runner, Spa Pavvy founder and now club sponsor through his graphic design company Grin Creative. Congratulations Jamo and Vicky.
FINALLY The Blues Brief would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas, and we look forward to a successful 2010 for University Blues.
Finally, a friendly reminder that you can keep abreast of all happenings in the world of University Blues simply by going to our website at
www.uniblues.com
