DON’T MISS OUT ON YOUR CHANCE TO WIN BIG !!!

Purchase your tickets now for our annual Calcutta event to be held at the Clubrooms this Saturday, the 5th of August.

🎟️ Get your tickets now at $50 each at: https://www.trybooking.com/events/eventlist/eventListingURL?aid=5359 and be in the running for the following great prizes.

1st Prize $3,000
2nd Prize $1,000
3rd Prize $500
1st ticket drawn wins $100

Pre-purchase tickets online and collect your Calcutta ticket at the door. Special numbers can be selected up to ticket number 100 only.

Food, beer, wine, cider and soft-drinks provided for the duration of the count.

Additional ticket sales available at the door, if any tickets remain unsold.

Kick-off is 6.00 pm with the first draw at 6.30 pm. Don’t miss out.

In the June newsletter I provided an overview of our strategic goals and targets which are built around the factors of ten.

Goal 1 – is to deliver one men’s and one women’s premiership by 2025. If these results came earlier than 2025 we will take it.
We are now getting to the business end of the season with the final few rounds in each competition before finals. We will probably have three of our five teams playing finals. We are moving closer to achieving Goal 1, step by step. We are very strong across most aspects as a footy club we just need to a few things that we are implementing to bear fruit and with a bit of luck we will return two flags to the club in the near future.

Goal 2 – is to ensure we have 10 men and 10 women regularly selected in state teams at the Under 18 and Senior levels or in higher competition such as VFL(W) and AFL(W) level each year. This year we are close to achieving that goal and our future looks bright in this area in the next couple of years. With the expected increase in the number of state games in 2024 and the establishment of our VFL team, we have a pathway to further support our aspirational and talented players. The work we are doing to find alignment with our junior feeder clubs will help us greatly to achieve this goal.

Goal 3 – is to deliver the equivalent of more than 100 days of coaching each year to our junior feeder clubs and in zone schools. We have more than exceeded that as we know that our investment in our juniors will ensure we maintain a successful club, and will assist us to be successful in the various senior and under 18 competitions that we compete in. A summary of our junior coaching support with North Hobart Juniors is provided in a later article in this newsletter. We will provide a summary of similar activity underaken with the Sandy Bay Lions Juniors in our August newsletter.

Dave Kilpatrick
NHFC President

The North Hobart Football Club (NHFC) continues to commit considerable time and effort to support the opportunities for junior football players. Our senior club’s goal is to provide the equivalent of 100 days of coaching support to junior players each year, and in 2023 we exceeded that goal. A summary of our activity at the North Hobart Junior Football Club (NHJFC) follows. In our next newsletter we will provide a report on our activity at our other major junior feeder club, Sandy Bay Lions JFC.

NHFC continues to work closely with NHJFC to ensure we can increase participation across all age groups, and particularly those age groups where numbers are low. This had been enhanced by recently having a member of the NHJFC committee included on the Board of NHFC in the role of Director of Junior Development. This has further developed the relationship between the two clubs as we work to increase participation. I thank Josh Luttrell and Jonathan Rogers who have served as our Director of Junior Development in 2022 and 2023 respectively. We also thank Laura Negri who has served as our junior development program coordinator.

NHFC worked with the NHJFC to run a very successful school holiday program known as ‘Summer Squad’. Sessions had up to six senior players in attendance each week, including senior coach Adam Bester. 83 juniors registered for the program, including 24 new juniors to the club, who have since registered and played the season in their respective age groups.

NHFC provided numerous coaches for teams at NHJFC in boys and girls programs. We also conducted the Academy Program for under 17s boys and worked closely with both NHJFC and the Sandy Bay Lions Junior Football Club (SBLJFC) to organize boys’ and girls’ representative games against the highly regarded Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League from Victoria. This provided great opportunities to both promote both junior clubs to the wider community and allowed for further skills development at a higher level.

We thank coaches from both clubs and former NH senior coach, Richard Robinson, for their work in this program.

NHFC also arranged for our senior team coaches to visit junior training sessions throughout the season to assist junior coaches, and regularly invited NHJFC teams to attend North Hobart oval for combined training with the senior teams.

NHFC continues to work closely with NHJFC to schedule the maximum number of junior games at North Hobart Oval on senior men’s and women’s game days. These games promote both clubs, leading to increased participation and importantly highlights future pathways for our juniors.

North Hobart Auskick is coordinated by NHFC senior women’s team player Laura Negri and supported each week by a number of senior players from the men’s and women’s teams as well as senior coach Adam Bester. NHFC promoted Auskick and our partnership with NHJFC using our social media streams. The success of this program has seen a significant increase on the 2022 registrations.

Laura Negri is also the coordinator of the schools’ program and she is supported by a team of players from North Hobart including Emily Mifsud, Libby Johnstone, Max Cowburn and Azar Marathis. Through our work with AFL Tas, we delivered programs in a number of schools in our feeder district.

NHFC senior women’s players Laura Negri, Libby Johnstone, Chelsea Thomas, Ella Freeman, Hawi Bowerman and Maddie Chapman all have coaching roles at the junior and senior club this season while senior player Jack McCulloch has again taken on the role of U16.5 NHJFC boy’s coach.

In 2023 we have seen many players from the junior club making their way into our senior teams. Debutants as at the time of writing this report included:

Senior Women’s Division 1
Hawi Bowerman, Elizabeth Monks, Amelia Bannerman, Charlotte Barnes, Natasha Furjanic, Ebony McGinnis, Mackenzie Banks and Ella Splann

Senior Men’s TSL – Charlie Hastie

This year the club revamped our web page and commenced publishing this online newsletter. The web contains information about NHJFC including their match fixtures and results. We hope to include a junior club report in our newsletter each month in future.

It is possible that our men’s and women’s may compete in a six team Premier League in the south of Tasmania commencing 2025. This new structure may also include under 18 competitions, which to now has been the domain of the junior clubs. It is timely that the respective junior and senior club Directors work in close alignment to ensure we continue to provide the best possible pathways for our junior players, leading to success at both the junior and senior levels. This is enhanced by the close working relationship we enjoy with NHJFC President, Josh Harley Hill, and we look forward to the future as we find more opportunities for collaboration.

Together we are strong.

Dave Kilpatrick
NHFC President

Jonty Barwick played his 150th game for the club against the Clarence DFC on Saturday 8th July 2023, and in doing so attained his Player Life Membership of the North Hobart Football Club.

Jonty learnt his craft at the North Hobart Junior Football Club, starting in 2005. He played over 140 games with the juniors and graduated to the Development League team in 2016, before debuting as our 999th senior player in Round 1 of 2017 against Glenorchy.

He has demonstrated great loyalty, commitment, skill and tenacity throughout his career, is a great mate to many and is very well respected across the NHFC community.

Upon reaching his 150th game, Jonty was welcomed into the select group of Player Life Members at an after-match presentation in the social club. Congratulations Jont! And that is a younger Jonty in the pic below, third from the left.

In a month filled with ups and downs, the North Hobart Football Club has shown great determination and resilience as we continue to chase our finals aspirations. Currently sitting 2 games outside the top 4, we understand the challenges ahead but firmly believe that we can still make a strong push for the finals.

I am incredibly proud of our team’s performance during this period. We have showcased our capability to compete at a high level, securing crucial victory against Lauderdale that keep our dreams alive. Our players have demonstrated their commitment to the cause, and their hard work and dedication have been evident on the field.

One particular highlight that brings us great joy was Tyler McGinniss’s outstanding performance playing for Tasmania against Queensland. Tyler has been recovering remarkably well from his concussion, and we are thrilled to see him back in action sooner rather than later. His return to the team is a massive boost, and I have no doubt that he will continue to make significant contributions to our success.

However, we have faced our share of challenges with injuries to some of our key players. Jack McCulloch and Spencer White have had to deal with injuries that have tested their resolve, and we wish them a swift recovery. Additionally, we were deeply saddened by Zac Barrow’s season-ending injury, which has undoubtedly affected the team. Our thoughts are with Zac and we will support him throughout his recovery process. Connor Downham’s injury has added to the list of challenges we face. We wish Connor a speedy recovery and look forward to having him back on the field as soon as possible. Fin Poke has sustained a hamstring injury and we hope to see him back in a couple of weeks.

In the midst of these challenges, we also had some positive news to celebrate. Jonty Barwick was honored with Player Life Membership, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the club over the years. Jonty’s dedication and loyalty are qualities that exemplify the spirit of our club, and we are proud to see him as a Life Member.

Additionally, we recently celebrated Jack Sandric’s 100th game for the North Hobart Football Club. Jack’s milestone is a testament to his commitment to the club. We congratulate him on this achievement and look forward to witnessing many more memorable moments from him in the future.

Nevertheless, our recent victory over Lauderdale serves as a testament to the character of this team. Despite the adversities, the players rallied together, displayed grit, and produced an outstanding performance on the field. It was a memorable moment for all of us and a clear demonstration of what we can achieve when we work as a cohesive unit.

I want to commend the entire squad for their unwavering determination and dedication. These qualities will be crucial as we approach the final stages of the season. Every match is significant, and we must maintain our focus and continue giving our best effort.

To our loyal fans and supporters, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Your unwavering support plays a pivotal role in motivating our players and driving the team forward. We need your continued backing as we navigate through the remainder of the season.

As we look ahead, the North Hobart Football Club remains resolute in our pursuit of a finals berth. We understand the challenges that lie ahead, but we are determined to overcome them and seize the opportunities that come our way.

Together, as a united team, we will strive for greatness. Our eyes are firmly set on securing a spot in the finals, and we will leave no stone unturned in our quest for success.

Adam Bester
NHFC Senior Coach

Former player, Ian ‘Sos’ Mills, is a proud Dees Player Life Member. I met Ian at the Tridents’ recent ‘Christmas in July’ lunch.

You can see a young ‘Sos’ in the front row of the 1962 premiership-winning team photo below – Top row, left. This photo, incidentally, is one of the most elegant and stylish of all the wonderful pics hanging on the wall in our social room under the Gorringe Stand at North Hobart Oval. One thing that stands out about it is the large number of formally attired club officials. Great to see all of those volunteers included!

Ian Mills played 196 games for North Hobart, mainly as a rover or half-forward. He played his last game (for the Dees) at the ripe old age of 26. So close to that magical 200-game milestone.

Like so many other great past and present Dees players, Ian’s dad, Les Mills, also played for North Hobart. And he was also a premiership player. You can see him at the left-hand end of the front row in the 1936 team photo – Top row, right. Les was a rover. After a concussion he was told by his employer, the Hobart Gasworks, that he had to give the footy away. He was still just in his early 20s. Les was also better known to all as ‘Sos’ Mills.

The best part of this little bit of North Hobart history is that Ian’s grandfather, Harry, played for the Dees, commencing in 1903. That’s 120 years ago! At this point the club was just 22 years old. Harry was a full-forward and, you guessed it, he was also ‘Sos’ Mills.
In fact, Harry was the original ‘Sos’. Like all good nicknames this was an abbreviation of something else. He was named ‘Socks’ because he always played with his socks down. ‘Socks’ became ‘Sos’ and the rest is history. The 1903 NHFC team is pictured below – Botton row, left. While Harry is also pictured below – Botton row, right.

Rick Tipping
Health and Wellbeing Director

One of the most decorated Tasmanian players of the 21st Century, Kent Abey is our 327th inductee to the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame ( https://afltashalloffame.com.au/ ).

Abey grew up in Ulverstone, winning premierships with his hometown club in 2000 and then with North Hobart in 2003. He also played with both the Tassie Mariners and Tasmanian Devils during this period.

While scouting universities, he found his footy home with the Morningside Panthers in the QAFL, and his career truly blossomed.

Kent established himself as the finest Centre Half Forward in Queensland football. With his strong marking, pace on the lead and deadly accurate left boot. Across 16 seasons, Abey won just about everything there was to win in Queensland Football, including four QAFL premierships. He is the Panthers Games Record holder with 305 and the QAFL all-time leading goal scorer with 787.

Kent is the Hall of Fame Inductee #327, and recently attended the NHFC 2003 Premiership reunion on 17 June 2023 at NH Oval.

Barely a day goes by at North Hobart Oval, winter and summer, without a visitor dropping by to see this famous oval and its heritage stands. Many are visiting Hobart from interstate, and many get chatting to our General Manager, Paul Curtain. They are usually delighted to be invited in to see our fabulous social clubroom with its collection of team photos and honour boards.
We’re aware that there is so much more club history, photos and memorabilia out there. We’d love to have the space to display more of it. Hopefully that’ll happen sometime. In the meantime, we’d love to hear from anyone who has an interest in history and, even better, some skills in managing archives, who’d enjoy a volunteer role at the club.
Get in touch with our General Manager, Paul Curtain, by email to gm@nhfc.net.au

NHFC Corporate boxes are available for our last 2 home games – on Saturday 19/8 versus Launceston FC – and on Saturday 26/8 versus Clarence DFC. Enjoy a fully catered experience in the comfort of a 6 or 8 seater private corporate box, on the top floor of the Plaister Stand, adjacent to the Hi Sense Room, all accessed directly by the new lift facility.

Book now for the 19/8 match via https://www.trybooking.com/events/eventlist/eventListingURL?aid=5359

Tickets for 26/8 will be available soon.

Since the last report a couple of months ago, it has been a tough period for the Under 18s.

The last 6 games have only seen one win, frustratingly over that period we have a had a number of close losses where we have played some really good footy but unfortunately have not been able to sustain this for a full 4 quarters.

With 5 games remaining with sit in 5th place, a couple of wins outside the final four. We will be looking to continue to develop both as a side and as individual players, work hard and hopefully the results will turn around for us.

With the season now heading towards the end of home and away games we are also looking to further develop our players by giving them an insight into the senior program. All the Under 18 players are now invited to attend Monday night training with the senior squad. As well as this we are rotating players through Tuesday night senior training and looking to give opportunities for those who are performing well and showing good commitment, to play in the Development League side as opportunities arise.

Matthew Ferguson
U18 Coach

For our women’s program the last couple of weeks have been jammed packed.

Recently, we had a month break with a few girls playing in rep. sides and the state team. We have hit the track solidly these last few weeks with our Devils players also returning as they have a month break from NAB League.

With only two roster games left, us girls are really focusing on finals and working hard in these last two roster games to cement our top place on the ladder. With a few good wins in a row recently, we aim to keep gelling and improving each week and to hit the ground running come the first final!

Chelsea Thomas - Captain Women's Division 1 team

https://www.thedomainhobart.com/north-hobart-oval.html
Found recently, this link provides a fascinating insight into the various types of activities that took place at our home oval over the years.
As a point of reference in working out the dates of some of the images, the Gorringe Stand was constructed circa 1924 and the Cazaly Stand circa 1965.

Jack Sandric notched up his 100th game for the Dees as part of the club's great win against Lauderdale on Saturday 29 July.

Jack became NHFC player #931 when he made his senior debut as a young 16 year-old in Round 5 2012 against Hobart at the TCA, memorably kicking the winning goal in a 6 point win. He was a regular in the Tassie Mariners as an under ager as well as the NH seniors prior to his move to Victoria in 2015 for study and to play with Box Hill and later with Coburg in the VFL.

As the uncertainty of COVID hit, Jack returned home to Tassie, and for a man who bleeds red and blue there was only one place he was going to play his footy. He was appointed co-captain in 2021 and 2022 and has enjoyed being back at the home of footy.

Something that has characterised Jack’s career at every step is his on-field and off-field leadership. Jack is a true clubman and is a big character around the club. It’s taken 11 years, a few kilometres and a lot of footy in between… congratulations on the milestone for the Dees - and there should be many more games to come.

Well done Jack Sandric!

The players have put in significant work behind the scenes during July. They have performed extra running sessions and PIT top ups every week. The players also have had several individual player growth meetings, focusing on all aspects of their football. July also saw some more investment into the PIT with a new SKI ergo and new heavy-duty benches. The SKI ergo will be another option for our players to build upon their conditioning capacity as well as be an option for players who maybe dealing with some lower body injuries. The PIT is continuously being updated and rejuvenated, so we are very thankful for all the generosity and support.

A massive shout out to the medical team and trainers. They have worked tirelessly over the month of July. They get our players ready week to week and keep our players healthy, guide them through their rehab and return to play schedules.

As July has passed, we move forward and are excited to see what August brings.

High Performance Tip

As we progress slowly towards the end of Winter and the start of Spring, make a real focus to hydrate. Put a squeeze of lemon, a slice of orange or a pinch of salt in that first glass of water in the morning. You will notice the difference 15 minutes later!

Samuel Yee – NHFC High Performance