Berwick Springs FNC – 2022 Season Preview

As they enter its second season with a full suite of senior sides, Berwick Springs Football Netball Club’s objectives for season 2022 revolve around on-field competitiveness and continuing to develop the ‘one club’ message for its community.

The Titans have experienced great retention in player numbers which represents the fact that players are buying into the culture being created at Mick Morland Reserve.

However, new additions to the football department includes the likes of:

• Corey Green after previous stints at Berwick, Noble Park and Langwarrin
• Matt Stephens from Emerald and then at Langwarrin
• Stephen Cocks coming across from Emerald
• Connor Carlyon moving from Narre Warren South Lions
• Matt Connelly and Braydn Hoewel after completing their junior career with the club
• Shane Thomas following a stint with SFNL
• Luke Domato joining from Keysborough
• Ethan Damato following a year with the U19’s at Beaconsfield
• Josh Herkess from Rowville

The suite of teams taking to the football field include seniors which is headed up by Rodney Benstead, reserves with Wayne Webster in charge and Len Fletcher leading the under 19’s.

For netball, A grade netballer Jessie Hare will take on the reins as playing coach for her team, Charlie Brocks in charge of B Grade, Brooke Holden for C Grade while Adam Wight will lead the D Grade team.

Berwick Springs chairman Ashley Allison has been impressed with his club’s attendance to pre-season training and hopes this will translate into positive results.

“The numbers have been strong on the training track across all teams so far,” he said.

“In terms of football, we have been having around 45-50 on the track each week but we are chasing a few more under 19’s players so we can have a complete team.

“We have been lucky to have some new players join the club, but other than that, we haven’t needed to recruit so much this year because of the strong retention rate we have.”

Off-field objectives for the Titans this season are clear, where a strong off-field culture will continue to bind the club together.

Supporting this will be numerous social events, which are designed to bring members of the club together as part of its inclusive ‘one club’ message where football and netball are treated equally.

Ensuring the club is financially stable and has the funds to support development in football and netball is another priority, as well as the commitment to focus on the mental health and wellbeing of all players across the club.

The appointment of a player welfare officer on the committee has been made where mental health programs will be provided to those who need it, creating a care factor at the Titans particularly after the events of the previous two years.

In a sporting context, making improvements on the last two years and ensuring all teams are competitive remains a priority.

“We want to make sure we are competitive with every effort in every game we play and have no blowouts,” Allison explained.

“We are here to challenge our opposition; we do not want to make up the numbers.

“Leading into the season, we are very excited and enthusiastic about what we can do and cannot wait to get out there and be united with the vision to be competitive.