President’s Update
A lot has happened since I last wrote to you in May about our club’s support of the decision to establish AFL and VFL teams for men and women in Tasmania. We continue to fully support this, as we believe it will strengthen and enable positive changes to the entire football landscape in Tasmania. NHFC will continue to advocate for the Game we love. We believe that AFL and VFL teams for men and women will strengthen pathways, increase participation and enable better governance, funding and resources across the state.
We note and accept that the AFL deal is conditional upon establishing a Stadium at Macquarie Point. We understand that there are some concerns in the community about the current planning for the stadium and we urge all stakeholders to work collaboratively to move to a positive and acceptable outcome.
We are clear that we support the best possible programs and infrastructure for footy, and see a VFL and AFL program in Tasmania as providing the pathways for our players and future generations of men and women who seek to excel in this sport.
The AFL and VFL teams will be underpinned by a strong community premier league competition for men and women. It is in this area where our Board can have the most influence on the future of the game in Tasmania, so accordingly we are placing priority on being active in the planning for our new competition. We are actively proposing new governance and management practices to ensure this new premier league supports us to meet our club objectives, to play in the best possible competition and to ensure we provide the best opportunities for our players. We are also working closely with our associated junior clubs to design our best possible footy environment.
Our club is aspirational and works tirelessly to provide the best possible environment for our players to achieve at the highest level. We are forward thinking and will play a major role in influencing the future of community footy in Tasmania.
In my recent open meeting with club members, about the future of our competition, there was significant support for our Board to work with AFL Tas and the other southern based TSL clubs to establish a new comp in the south. As this work unfolds, I will keep club members updated and where appropriate, involved in any major decisions. Currently we are preparing for meetings in July with the other TSL clubs in the south, AFL Tas with some input from the SFL to plan the 2025 premier league competition in the south of Tasmania. This is likely to be a six or seven team competition for both men and women and may include pathways for under 16 and under 18 players for young men and women.
On a related front, considering our future the Board has recently completed a review of our strategic plan and has finalised our goals and targets for 2023 – 2025. Our club vice presidents, Luke Curtain and Josh Luttrell have provided a summary of our goals and targets later in this newsletter. Our major goal is to deliver another men’s and women’s senior premiership by 2025. We are close to finalising the appointment of all coaching staff the have commenced player recruitment. We are in the process of reaching out to past players, who with recent developments, may now see a brighter future and footy pathway in Tasmania and in playing again at our club.
Dave Kilpatrick
President
June 2023
Below: Young Demon stars of the future at NHFC’s final Auskick session for 2023.
Strategic Goals 2023 -2025
Over the past months the board has taken our strategic plan and developed some goals and targets to strive towards.
These goals will now guide our future decisions and actions. We will also use these goals and targets to review the effectiveness of the club’s leadership and resource use.
We thank our Vice-Presidents Luke and Josh for leading us to the next stage of our strategic planning and the development of these really simple and tangible goals.
I am sure all club members and players can connect with this approach.
Men’s Footy Roundup
Greetings North Hobart members and supporters!
As we embrace the winter chill, I wanted to take a moment to update you from the Men’s program and provide a glimpse into our journey over the last month.
June was eventful for the team, with some close games that tested our resolve. We were thrilled to beat Glenorchy, displaying determination and skill in tough conditions. Additionally, our narrow loss to Lauderdale included some good passages of play in an emotional match. I was proud of the way our club showed respect to Lauderdale. In another game of trying conditions, we led the Tigers at half time, demonstrating our ability to compete against the top-tier teams.
I am delighted to congratulate Tyler McGuiness and Jack McCulloch as named in the Tasmanian state squad for the upcoming game against Queensland. Their selection is a testament to their hard work and commitment to their craft. I also congratulate Zach Barrow on making his debut for the Tasmanian Devils, a well-deserved opportunity that highlights reward for effort and dedication by Zach at club level.
Looking ahead we have massive opportunities in the next few weeks to make a strong case for finals. The upcoming games will require our collective effort and unwavering dedication. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our families and supporters for their ongoing support and encouragement. Your presence at games provides us with the strength and motivation to strive for greatness.
Remember, success is not solely determined by the scoreboard but by the progress and growth we achieve as individuals and as a team. Let’s continue to work hard, support one another and make our mark in the remaining games of the season.
Go Dees!
Adam Bester
Men's Senior Coach
Below: Young NHFC players Tyler, Jack and Zach
Jye Menzie drops in to see old team-mates
It was fantastic to see Essendon’s Jye Menzie drop into to training recently, to catch up with his former team-mates.
Everyone at the Demons is greatly impressed at how Jye has grabbed his opportunity and is impacting on the big stage.
Jye did some craft work with our small forwards group which was insightful and really appreciated.
A former North Hobart Senior and North Hobart Junior Football Club player, as well as a Tassie Devils player, Jye is a great story of hard work and perseverance - and we look forward to seeing what Jye can do for the rest of the 2023 season and in the years to come. Keep up the great work, Jye!
Corporate Boxes for Hire - Demons v Roos on Saturday 8 July
Enjoy the most sensational view of the footy in the TSL - from the Corporate Boxes at North Hobart Oval.
Boxes for our next home game against the Clarence Roos on Saturday 8 July 2023 are now on sale at https://www.trybooking.com/events/eventlist/eventListingURL?aid=5359
Brendon Bolton helps us celebrate 2003 premiership
Twenty years ago our NHFC senior team won the 2003 Premiership by coming from 3rd position at the end of the home and away series, to defeat Hobart by a resounding 110 point margin. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of this, our last premiership, the 2003 team recently held a reunion at North Hobart Oval on 17 June as part of our match day President's Lunch event.
Eighteen members of the premiership team were in attendance, headlined by a visit from Brendon Bolton (2003 NHFC Coach, current Collingwood Assistant Coach and Director of Coaching, former Carlton Senior Coach and former Hawthorn Assistant Coach).
During the Lunch, the 60 attendees were well entertained as Brendon was led through an in-depth Q&A session, hosted by former NHFC coach Richard (Bear) Robinson. Brendon generously shared a number of anecdotes about his time at NHFC, spoke expansively about his time in football including his transition to top-level coaching, and made some interesting observations about setting goals to underpin future success.
While enjoying the catch up with old team-mates and club volunteers, Brendon also engaged with our senior team pre-game and met with the NHJFC Under 12 team, a great experience for these NHFC players of the future.
For those who may not be aware, Brendon's journey is as follows:
As a Player:
George Town U19 Premiership, 1994; Tassie Mariners, 1995-97; 47 games, North Launceston, 1996-2001; 24 games, Tasmanian Devils, 2001-02; Clarence, 2002 and 2008; North Hobart, 2003-07; North Launceston TFL premiership, 1998; Clarence SFL Premier League premiership, 2002; North Hobart SFL Premier League premiership, 2003; William Leitch Medal for SFL Premier League Best and Fairest, 2003; Darrel Baldock Medal for Best on Ground in TFL Grand Final, 1998; Multiple NTFL vs. SFL representative (including Weller Arnold medal for Best on Ground, 2003); Inducted into Tasmania Hall of Fame in 2016.
As a Coach:
Bolts was appointed coach at North Hobart in 2003 as a 23 year old and led NHFC to a premiership in his first year. He played and coached us for 5 seasons. He coached Clarence in 2008. He then moved on to become head coach at Box Hill, VFL. He was an Assistant Coach at Hawthorn during their recent AFL premiership years, and he reached the top when appointed as Coach of Carlton in 2015. Bolts is currently an assistant coach at Collingwood and also their Director of Coaching.
A few interesting recollections from the 2003 season:
- it comprised a 7 team premier league of North Hobart, Clarence, Glenorchy, Hobart, New Norfolk, Kingston and Brighton.
- on the way to the grand final we accounted for New Norfolk in the qualifying final, kicking 10.10 (70) to New Norfolk’s 7.9 (51).
- the following week we were opposed to Clarence in the Second Semi Final, winning 16.20 (116) to Clarence 12.7 (79).
- on to the Grand Final, we scored a huge 21.20 (146) to Hobart’s 5.6 (36).
- Robbie Devine was adjudged 'best on ground' in the Grand Final and was awarded the Horrie Gorringe medal.
- NHFC also landed the other major 2003 footy awards with coach Brendon Bolton successful, as mentioned earlier.
The Passing of Club Legends in June
The North Hobart Football Club community was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of the following Club legends:
Colin (Cossa) Moore
A North Hobart Legend, Tasmania Hall of Famer and member of the North Hobart Team of the Century. Colin played 102 senior games for the club over two stints, in the 1950s and again in the 1960s. He won the Best and Fairest Award on two occasions, in 1953 and 1955, and was our captain in 1964.
Colin also played and coached at Penguin and Wynyard where he added a further 100 senior games to his career.
He played 24 representative matches for Tasmania during his career.
Colin’s son Terry was a premiership player at our club and his grandson Axel also played senior footy with us.
Our thoughts are with Colin’s family at this difficult time.
A brilliant footballer and a great man.
Stan Graham
Stan was one of the four Graham band of brothers to play for North Hobart with distinction in the 1950s and 1960s - Tas, Lyle, Stan and Des. Born in 1939 Stan commenced his football career for his hometown of Swansea at the age of 15, alongside his father Gordon and his brothers, winning premierships in 1955 and 1966.
Known for his strong kicking skills, courage and tenacity, Stan came to North Hobart in 1956 where he became a valuable, tough and reliable player who played a total of 150 games without missing a single game due to injury or illness. Rain, hail or shine, Stan was there, week in, week out. He played under, and with, North Hobart greats Noel Reid, John Leedham, Darrel Eaton and John Devine.
A feared half forward, centreman and half back, Stan played a total of 391 games in the golden era of Tassie football, finishing up back at Swansea in 1977 at the age of 38. In a rare feat, Stan played alongside his father and all three of his brothers for Swansea in a game against Sorell in 1955, and later that year playing with his three brothers in a winning grand final against arch rivals Triabunna.
In what is considered the only such instance, Stan played senior footy alongside brothers Des, Tas and Lyle for North Hobart in an era when even getting a senior game with North was a huge accomplishment.
The Club passes on our sincere condolences to Stan’s family, friends and teammates.
Philip Omant
Philip Omant, like his well-known brother, the late David Omant and the rest of the Omant family, were great North Hobart people and as a Club we are deeply saddened by his recent passing.
Philip was a long serving volunteer for the North Hobart Football Club and was awarded life membership in acknowledgment of his fine service to our Club.
Our thoughts are with Philip's family and friends at this time.
NHFC teams played with black armbands at the most recent home game, as a mark of respect to these fine and respected servants of our Club and of football in Tasmania.
Pictured below: Left - Colin Moore. Right - The Graham brothers - Stan, Des, Tas and Lyle.
NHFC Web Site update – www.nhfc.net.au
New content has now been published under the Tridents (NHFC Coterie group) tab, click on https://nhfc.net.au/our-club/ to check it out.
The new content comprises the following historical artefacts:
- The 'NHFC Hall of Fame' story – first published in 2003, this artefact has recently been updated to include all inductions made since that time. It includes profiles of all members of this exclusive NHFC group of players and members, plus lists other significant awards made to NHFC people; and
- The 'NHFC Senior Player Honour Rolls' – 1881 to 1941; and 1945 to 2023 (current) – these rolls were first compiled and published over 10 years ago. The current roll is updated progressively to include new senior players. The rolls provide a numeric record of all players to have donned the red and blue at senior level over the past 142 years.
Many thanks to Mandy Jenkins for editing the 'NHFC Hall of Fame' update.
NHFC players feature in Women’s Statewide All-Stars Series win
Over the recent June long-weekend the SFL representative team took on both the North-West and the North, in what was to be two tough and very different AFLW representative games.
Game one was incredibly wet and slippery which made for a tough contest that was very much at ground level. We had a strong North Hobart contingency for both games and in game one all of our girls got amongst it with some solid tackling, tough mid-field contests and a lot of hustling for the ground ball in both the forward and backline. Our North Hobart girls dominated the midfield and really took it to the North-West girls, resulting in a low scoring win - but a win nonetheless.
On Monday it was dryer and a much faster and cleaner game of footy. The SFL came out strongly and matched it with the North early, but the 3rd quarter came around and it was the North who were dominant. They had all the ball, with many inside 50’s that resulted in goals. It came down to the last quarter and we knew we had to dig deep - and that’s exactly what happened. A super strong 4th quarter effort, where the mids and forwards locked it in the SFL forward 50, helped us kick a few goals and come away with the 6-point win.
All up it was a fun and successful weekend of Representative Footy with all of the North Hobart girls enjoying a great experience with a great chance to showcase our skills.
Emily Mifsud
North Hobart SFLW player and SFL representative 2023
Below: 2023 NHFC player reps. in the 2023 SFLW squad - Back L to R: Emily Mifsud, Chelsea Thomas, Jamie Symons, Laura Negri, Angelica Clark, Hawi Bowerman. Front - Sophie Ferguson, Matilda Harvey and Emma Upton. Absent - Claire Ransom.
Women’s Program Recap
It has been a busy few weeks for our Women’s Program with SFLW Representative Games and the imminent State Game resulting in a month of byes for our Division 1 senior Women.
Meantime, our Division 3 women's team enjoyed their second win for the year against Lindisfarne, and in doing so securing their spot in finals.
The senior squad have used this bye period to focus on strength & conditioning with our Strength & Conditioning trainer, Ryan Barber, and have continued to train hard to maintain skill levels prior to our return to play on Saturday 8th of July.
The Senior Women’s team have only one loss for the season thus far - so heading into the second half of the season their prospects of success in 2023 look quite promising.
Women in Football Breakfast
On Friday the 9th of June, some board members and players attended the inaugural Women in Football Breakfast hosted by the SFL at Wrest Point. The breakfast was very well attended and celebrated the contribution of pioneers of women’s football in Tasmania by announcing the new names of the SFLW’s top awards.
The SFL representative teams were also announced, 10 of which were our own North Hobart players: Emily Mifsud, Laura Negri, Hawi Bowerman, Claire Ransom, Jamie Symons, Sophie Ferguson, Emma Upton, Chelsea Thomas, Angelica Clark and Matilda Harvey.
Western Bulldogs star Ellie Blackburn was the guest of honour and gave the young players in the room some inspirational advice about the pathway to the AFLW.
Pictured below: NHFC Libby Johnstone and Amy Dunham, with Western Bulldogs AFLW player, Ellie Blacburn at the breakfast.
We've been around since 1881. A bit of history.....
Tom Wills is often considered the 'founder' of Australian Rules football. The first game was played in Melbourne in 1858, and the first rules written down by Wills and others in 1859. It is generally believed that the game was influenced by rugby, by Gaelic football and, also, by a game that Wills may have seen aborigines play in Victoria. They were Gunditjmara from Western Victoria and the game was called Marngrook.
The hybrid game became popular and spread rapidly across Australia with the first Tasmanian games likely played by miners on the west coast and then across the state. Informal games were played on a large paddock belonging to Smith's Dairy at the domain end of Campbell Street and on 14 May 1881 some of the workers got together over a few drinks at the Waggon and Horses Hotel and made the decision to form North Hobart Football Club.
Were there championships back then and did NHFC compete?
By the 1890s the club was playing regular games in the Southern Tasmanian Football Association and won its first senior premiership in 1902. Other early teams included Railway, Hutchins, New Town, Cricketers, City, Richmond and High School. North Hobart went on to become one of Australia's most successful football clubs in a premier competition, winning 28 premierships in its 142 year history.
By comparison Essendon and Carlton in the current AFL have each won 16 flags.
Have any prominent AFL stars made their start at the NHFC? Who?
Many North Hobart players have gone on to play in the VFL/AFL and AFLW.
Currently playing are Liam Jones (Western Bulldogs), Jye Menzie (Essendon) and Claire Ransom (Gold Coast).
Current AFL coach Chris Fagan (Lions) was an assistant coach at North Hobart. Brendon Bolton (now the Director of Coaching at Collingwood) was playing coach of our 2003 premiership team.
Has the club had any ongoing rivalries with other clubs over the decades?
Some of the early rivalries were with clubs that no longer exist - including Cananore and Lefroy. The club has had enduring rivalries with clubs like Wynyard in the North West and Longford in the north.
Why do you think the NHFC has lasted until today?
North Hobart Football Club endures because of its wonderful history, its loyal supporters and a capacity to adapt to changing times. It has excellent partnerships with its local community and junior clubs. Our women's program is among the state's strongest with our senior women's team winning the 2022 Grand Final.
After some lean years on field the club is back to its best. It has a young and dynamic board of directors, professional coaches and administrators, more than 100 active volunteers and the largest membership of any Tasmanian club.
North Hobart Oval has long been considered 'the Home of Tasmanian Football'. It's full of history and a great place to watch a game.
Article written by Rick Tipping, NHFC Wellbeing Director
Photo: The 1886 North Hobart football team. This photo was taken on the Domain near the current TCA ground.
Stop Press !!!! Volunteers still Required for the State Game 1 July 2023
We still need more volunteers this Saturday for the State Games.
The home of football is once again the venue for State footy when Tassie takes on Queensland in both men's and women's senior representative footy, on Saturday 1 July. Making it an even bigger day, the Tasmania Devils start the day at 10am with their match against the Northern Knights in the Coates Talent League.
As NHFC will be hosting the day we will need more volunteers than ever to assist in our kiosks and bars on the day.
So please put this important date - Saturday 1 July - in your calendar and contact Chris Smith now at csmith21@live.com.au to register your intent to help.
Yeezy’s High Performance Tips
Yeezy’s High Performance Tips
A big focus for June was the ongoing development of our players strength and topping up our conditioning capacity. We also had a few boys in the rehab group who were working hard with our medical team and putting in tough sessions in the PIT. This month we also had our Junior Under 13’s academy players into the club. A big focus has been introducing them to the PIT with two strength and conditioning sessions as well as the football skills. A great start to Winter and we enter July ready for whatever gets thrown our way.
HIGH PERFORMANCE TIP
Recovery
* Sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours per night. If you struggle with finding 7-8 hours per night, try some of these sleep enhancers before you go to bed:
- Eat a banana 60 mins prior
- Stay off electronic devices 60 minutes prior
- Have a hot shower 15-20 minutes prior
Training
* Tight lower back?
- Stretch #1
* Lay down on the ground. Grab your left knee and roll it over to the right side. Stay there for 60 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
- Stretch #2
* Drop down into a ½ kneeling position
* Place a pad under your knee
* Hold that position for 60 seconds. Repeat on the other side
