It has been a successful year at the Demons in 2023 with our:
– Senior Women winning the SFLW Division 1 Premiership.
– Reserves Men’s team winning the TSL Development League Premiership. Our last men’s premiership was 20 years ago.
– Under 18 boys making it to the Grand Final of the STJFL competition (that comprises U18 teams from TSL clubs).
– Under 18 North Hobart Junior Club girls winning the STJFL Premiership.
– Senior men’s team being close to making the finals.
– Membership growing.
– Volunteer numbers increasing.
– Volunteers successfully providing catering and hospitality for more than 50 game day and special events at the North Hobart.
– Finances in a sustainable position.
– Players and members celebrating 2023 with a great Red & Blue Dinner and our Best & Fairest vote count and awards night.

There is still a lot of activity before we wind up the year including:
– to celebrate and thank our volunteers at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on 28th of October.
– to wrap up 2023 with the NHFC Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for 14 December 2023 – put that date in your diary!

My focus as President at the club this year has been on strategy and planning for our future, success on and off the field, good governance and developing future leaders at our club. I trust you can see the club progressing in these key areas. I deliberately leave the bulk of day-to-day operational task to our various club Directors, our GM, paid football staff and our volunteers. We are fortunate to have a very capable Board of Directors and a number of strong and committed leaders in our volunteer army keeping the footy club’s operations and revenue raising going along at full steam.

Our coaches and footy support staff are a highly skilled group and we can all see the results of their work, as we see improvement and substantial achievement across all aspects of our men’s and women’s footy. Our players across all teams have shown themselves to be true North Hobart people and we are so pleased to know that we will retain the large, majority of our player list into 2024.
Finally, our members and supporters who have stayed with us as we have gone though our rebuilding phase. That phase our history, is now over and we are anticipating continued and even greater success in 2024.

As we plan for 2024, I am seeking to hear from any club members who might want to get involved in formal leadership roles. I have been working on an idea to involve some of our younger aspiring leaders in to be newly created roles as Assistant Directors, to shadow and learn from our experienced Directors and club leaders, to build further leadership capacity at the club.

I believe that in order for the club to remain strong and relevant, we need to extend our leadership team by identifying and nurturing the future leaders of our club.

Dave Kilpatrick
NHFC President

The annual NHFC Best & Fairest Dinner was conducted on Saturday 21st of October at the Australian Italian Club.
The event was another great success, attended by over 140 players, members and partners. The evening’s highlight was the conclusion of voting and presentation of various player awards as follows:

GD Miller Medal – Senior Men’s Best & Fairest 2023 – Angus Norton
Rosemary Richardson Medal – Women’s Division 1 Best & Fairest 2023 – Angelica Clark
K Bradshaw Medal – Men’s Development League Best & Fairest 2023 – Matthew Yates
Ransom Family Medal – Women’s Division 3 Best & Fairest 2023 – Clare Lapham

Runner-Up – Best & Fairest – Seniors 2023 – Dominic White
Most Consistent – Seniors 2023 – Nicholas Jackson
Most Improved – Seniors 2023 – Thomas Liefhebber
Coaches Award – Seniors 2023 – David Monks
Most Potential – Seniors 2023 – Charlie Hastie
A.W. “Mickey” Budd Award – NHFC Rising Star 2023 – Zach Barrow

Runner-Up – Best & Fairest – Development League 2023 – Trent Millhouse
Most Consistent – Development League 2023 – Riley Ferguson
Rex Kline Trophy – Most Improved – Development League 2023 – Max Cowburn
Coaches Award – Development League 2023 – Riley Wood
Most Potential – Development League 2023 – Harry Wood
Best in Finals – Development League 2023 – Hugh Williams

Runner-Up – Best & Fairest – Division 1 2023 – Claire Ransom
Most Improved – Division 1 2023 – Ebony McGinniss
Most Improved – Division 1 2023 – Steph Cowdroy
Most Consistent – Division 1 2023 – Chelsea Thomas
Coaches Award – Division 1 2023 – Sophie Ferguson
Rising Star – Division 1 2023 – Charlotte B Barnes
Best in Finals – Division 1 2023 – Laura Negri

Runner-Up – Best & Fairest – Division 3 2023 – Bridie Cooling
Most Improved – Division 3 2023 – Ebony Collins
Most Consistent – Division 3 2023 – Li Salerno
Bailey-Curtis Trophy – Coaches Award – Division 3 2023 – Clare Lapham
Rising Star – Division 3 2023 – Jazzmyn Pennington
Best Club Person – Men’s Program 2023 – Jack Sandric
Best Club Person – Women’s Program 2023 – Amy Dunham

A big congratulations to all 2023 award winners – very well deserved!

On the back of some outstanding and consistent performances throughout the '23 season, a number of our Demon players were duly recognized with "Team of the Year 2023" selection for the respective men's and women's programs. The Demon players who achieved this notable recognition were:

Tyler McGinniss and Angus Norton - Tasmanian State League.

Laura Negri, Claire Ransom, Chelsea Thomas, Jamie Symons, Emily Mifsud, Angelica Clark and Darren McConnon (Coach) - SFL Women.

The club, and I am sure all of our members, congratulate all players on these well-deserved awards.

Below: Left - TSL Team of the Year. Right - SFLW Team of the Year.

It is with a heavy heart that we advise of the passing of North Hobart FC Life Member, Adrian Collins, on Friday 15th September 2023.
Adrian held a special place in the history of our club, being long acknowledged as NHFC's club historian. More broadly he was a doyen of footy historians in Tasmania.

Any time the footy club needed historical information - to underpin a function, presentation, article or award - it was Adrian who answered the call. He'd astound all with the breadth and depth of the meticulously researched information he provided; all neatly hand-written - none of those fancy computers for Adrian!

The following excerpt is from an article published by Brett Stubbs, Mercury Sports editor on February 2, 2019, entitled Sporting heartland of North Hobart Oval rises from dusty pages of history to return to limelight to host AFLW game.
"North Hobart Oval historian Adrian Collins, whose first memory of the ground was seeing Jack ‘Skinny’ Titus boot 16 goals against a local rep team in 1944 as Richmond, led by Jack Dyer, hammered the opposition, says it was a central hub for the city.

It is a ground that has got more history than any other in Tassie, that’s for sure,” Collins says. “It is unbelievable now the ground is idle during the summer. Before the ground was never idle. There is no doubt football was the headline act, but not always for the right reason. While now it is a pristine playing surface, the upgrade of the drainage was only a new experience. It was so bad in 1937, a lake formed on the Ryde St wing and the umpires decided prior to a Lefroy-Cananore game that the edge of the water would be the boundary line as “they were frightened of someone falling in face first and being lost,” Collins says."

The North Hobart Football Club community offers its sincere condolences to Adrian's wife Thelma, and his son, Murray.

Pictured below: Adrian Collins, NHFC football historian. Picture: MATT THOMPSON (The Mercury February 2, 2019).

The North Hobart Football Club is deeply saddened by the recent passing of highly respected, valued volunteer and club life member, Jenny Grubb.

Jenny was very well known by all who frequented the NHFC canteen on game days, over many, many years.

Jenny was also part of the NHFC catering team who provided excellent meals and service in catering for the various mid-week luncheon events and special events often held in our club rooms.

Jenny is a special friend to so many people at our footy club. The North Hobart Football Club extends its sincere sympathy to Jenny’s family and friends.

In term of her NHFC connection, Jenny's son, Greg, was a former player and long-time member of the club as well as being head coach of many of NHFC's women's football program teams. In addition, Jenny's grandson, Aaron, came through the junior footy ranks with NHJFC before moving on to play under-age, reserves and senior football with the Demons.

Pictured below: NHFC Life Member Jenny Grubb

Our Men's Development League (DL) team had a fantastic 2023, and the full benefits of this year won't be seen until 2024 and beyond within our senior team.

We were able to have 13 players experience DL for the first time, and 3 of these boys participated in the DL finals campaign, whilst the others participated in the U16.5's and U18's finals campaigns.

Four players who commenced the year in DL (or lower) went onto make their senior debut this season - which is a fantastic achievement for these boys and also for the future of our football club at senior level.

Having so many of our next generation play DL football this year and contribute in a great way was super exciting and rewarding! The proof is there, that we have many future senior footballers in our ranks and these boys are very likely to be part of the group who play senior finals footy and pushing for our next senior premiership.

We also had a number of players that were able to knuckle down week after week in the DL and then get their reward in the senior squad as the season progressed - which is another great sign of where we are headed as a football club.

The cherry on top for the 2023 season, was ending a significant men's premiership drought for our great club, with a 10-point win over North Launceston in the Grand Final.

A massive thank you to all our supporters, volunteers and board members for all your amazing support in 2023.

I can't wait to see all the benefits of our successful 2023 next year, as more of our boys step up into regular DL and Senior football in 2024.

Go Dees!

Cheers
Tilbs (Brad Tilbury - Men's DL Coach & Player)

Picture below: NHFC - 2023 TSL Development League Premiers in action. A great win!

Elise Barwick became our second player to be drafted to the AFLW, being recently selected by the Gold Coast Suns. Elise debuted in AFLW Round 6 versus Richmond, played again in Round 7 and has been selected to go again in Round 8.

AS many would know Elise tried her luck in the SANFLW with the South Adelaide during 2023, following a stellar season in the SFLW with North Hobart - that resulted in our first SFLW Division 1 flag and Elise winning both the SFLW Division 1 Best & Fairest award and best on ground in our grand final win.

We all wish Elise all the best in her AFLW days ahead!

Well what a season that was!

Before we get into the football side of things, I would like to thank Goose (Mark McConnon) for the contribution he has provided over the last 4 years. He has made the difficult decision to step down and concentrate on his umpiring and family. I am sure he will agree that over the journey there has been some really challenging times but some unbelievably rewarding times and I am sure he wouldn’t change a thing. To be part of coaching group that has secured two premierships is something I am sure he will cherish.

Secondly I would also like to thank all the coaching staff - Chelsea, Claire, Laura, Jim and Shannon for their outstanding contributions over the season. It was a really big ask for Chelsea, Claire and Shannon to take over our reserves team with limited preparation and under quite difficult circumstances. However, we showed the North Hobart spirit and battled through and made the finals which was a real positive, and something that we should be proud of and take into next season.

Let’s get the word out and make sure we have the numbers to have two competitive sides next season.

Not only have Laura and Jim taken on Assistant Coaching roles but they also coached our U16 and u18 teams respectively, with Jim also being part of the Devils. It is truly an amazing effort, and we all appreciate the time and effort you both put in.

Having the U18s train with the seniors has helped to break down barriers and exposes our younger players to senior football by allowing the group to train together and receive great one on one advice.

This season was extra special with all three teams making finals our U18s, Reserves and Seniors with the U18s winning the flag in Jim’s last season as coach. A fantastic effort by a super group of young women and a super coach.

In 2023 we had 18 players make their debut in our senior side - and every single one of them contributed when given the opportunity. Some of our U18s doubled up and helped out our reserves team and really made an impact. With ten North Hobart players participating in the Devils program, things are really looking bright for the future.

I would also like to acknowledge the work that the NHJFC do to support the women’s program and the way that we try to work together to create the best environment for the girls to continue to improve. One of the areas that I think is really working well is some of the senior women taking on coaching roles for some of the junior sides. While coaching can be difficult at times, it is also very rewarding when you can see the improvement of the team. I would really love to see this continue into the future.

Finally, in closing I would like to thank the players. What an amazing bunch of young women you all are to overcome, what was a very poorly organized 4 team / 12 game season. With all the stops and starts, to overcome the weather conditions of the grand final and prevail, is a credit to each and every one of you and you should all be super proud of your achievements.

I hope you all can stay hungry over preseason as we get to work defending our title once again.

Darren (Rocket) McConnon - Head Coach - NHFC Womens Football

Pictured below: NHFC - 2023 SFLW Premiers Division 1; Laura Negri - well deserved Grand Final B.O.G.; Time to celebrate!

The following excerpt from The Mercury of Friday 28 September 1923, with notes provided by "Onlooker"

We thank Mick Hawkins for coordinating a Tribute and light lunch to celebrate the career of the great club man - John Devine. Sixty guests were in attendance at the Plaster Stand Noth Hobart to hear a number of past players from out club and other footy backgrounds talk of their connection and camaraderie with “Father Divine”, as he was known to many.

Among those who spoke at the Tribute were Fred Woller, John Sharrock, Trevor Best, Des Graham, John Bingle and others from Clarence FC, Hayden Neilson, Trevor Leo, Peter Hudson, David Beattie, and Biddy Badenach.

We were also pleased that Justin Devine was in attendance and gave a brilliant summing up and thank you message to those there on the day.
Here are some of the faces that were involved in the tribute. Top - left - Des Graham; right - Justin Devine. Bottom - left - Michael Hawkins ; right - Trevor Best.

As reported in an earlier edition, it was great to see Jye back at the Demons and getting around his mates during his earlier mid-season break from AFL club Essendon. As we all know Jye played at NHFC and the state Devils for several years until 2021 when he went to SANFL club South Adelaide. He was subsequently selected to join Essendon in the 2021 mid-season draft. Jye played 21 senior games in season 2023.

Now the 2023 AFL season is finished Jye has been spotted back at his old school helping out the students with a recent special project, and as we'd expect from Jye, generously giving back to others.

The following excerpt is from the "Jordan River Learning Federation Senior School" Facebook page.

"As part of our Year 7 & 8 combined EHASS unit, students were required to select a hero and give reasons as to why they believed their chosen person was worthy of that title. As a passionate Essendon fan, Declan chose Jye Menzie. What a special surprise for him to have Jye visit our school today to sign some merch and personally thank Declan for his support. Big thanks to this true hero indeed for giving up his time, Declan couldn't have been more thrilled."

Pictures below: Jye pictured with Declan - helping out in his old school community.

The goal of the Demons family is to promote relationships between Demons clubs around the world. We all play under the same banner, so why not celebrate our accomplishments together? We can work together to continually grow and develop our players, coaches, committees, executive and club. Let’s ensure that if there is a flag to be won, the Dees are winning it.

We are a global community. The Dees family was started by the High Park Demons in Toronto, Canada to promote footy around the world. Whether you want to visit London, England, Boston, USA, or join the Dees in Toronto, there is a Dees jumper and new friends waiting for you. If Canadians, Americans or Brits want to hone their footy skills, there is a master class awaiting at an Aussie club!

Look forward to hearing about your Demons brethren throughout the world!

The members of the Demons family are:
High Park Demons - Toronto, Canada
Boston Demons - Boston, United States of America
Wandsworth Demons - London, England
North Hobart Demons - North Hobart, Tasmania
Pennant Hills Demons - Sydney, Australia
Box Hill North Demons - Melbourne, Australia

As the 2023 season draws to a close, I proudly reflect on a year characterised by hard work, enjoyment, and above all, improvement. From the outset, our mission was clear: to elevate our skills, enhance our competitiveness, and savour every moment on the field. And through dedication and teamwork, our club not only achieved these goals but also discovered the true essence of footy.

Hard Purposeful Work:

Hard purposeful work was the cornerstone of our success. The sweat and determination poured into every training session, every sprint, and every drill laid the foundation for our achievements. It was the extras and the dedication that set us apart. The North Hobart Football Club became a testament to the power of hard work, proving that with determination and perseverance, any challenge can be overcome.

Enjoyment:

Amidst the drive for improvement, we never lost sight of the joy inherent in the game. The laughter shared in the rooms, the cheers from the sidelines, and the jubilation after each goal reminded us of why we fell in love with football in the first place. I’m proud of our players for embracing the thrill of competition while revelling in the camaraderie that football fosters.

Improvement:

Our players, coaches, and support staff demonstrated a remarkable work ethic that translated into tangible improvements on the field. Seven hard-fought victories in the Seniors were the fruits of our labour, a testament to the countless hours of training and the resilience displayed in every match. Each win was a reflection of our commitment to progress, showcasing not only individual growth but also the collective strength of our team.

Development League Triumph:
A shining beacon of success this season was our Development League team, which clinched the premiership. Their victory illuminated the club, highlighting the depth of talent and the promising future that lies ahead. The triumph of the Development League team symbolises the dedication and hard work invested by both players and coaches, setting a standard of excellence for the entire club.

Behind the Scenes:

None of this would have been possible without the dedicated efforts of our coaching staff and support personnel. My assistant coaches Brad, Cal, and Doug played a pivotal role in shaping our players' skills and mindset and I thank them for that. Bear Robinson for all his work in opposition analyses, thank you. Luke Curtain, our Football Director, provided invaluable guidance, while Sammy Yee's high-performance training standards pushed our players to their limits, enabling them to reach new heights. I am also deeply appreciative of the hard work put in by our trainers and physiotherapists, whose expertise kept our players in top condition throughout the season. Thanks again to everyone.

Gratitude to the Community:

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our invaluable volunteers, whose tireless efforts behind the scenes are the backbone of our club. Your dedication ensures that our team can focus on what they do best – playing footy.

Youthful Promise:

The successes of our under 18's and under 16.5's teams highlighted the promising future of our club. Under the mentorship of Matt Ferguson and Sid McCulloch, these young talents not only improved their skills but also found immense joy in the sport, foreshadowing the passion and talent that will drive the North Hobart Football Club forward.

Excitement for the Future:

As the leader of this team, I am incredibly proud of the strides we have made this year. Yet, what excites me even more is the boundless potential that lies ahead if we continue to stick together. The unity we have forged, the lessons we have learned, and the memories we have created are the building blocks for future successes. The prospect of facing new challenges and reaching greater heights is not daunting but invigorating, and I have unwavering faith in the talent, dedication, and values of this team.

A Heartfelt Thanks:

In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to every player, coach, staff member, volunteer and supporter who contributed to the North Hobart Football Club's journey in 2023. Your hard work, dedication, and passion have made this season very special. Let us carry the lessons of this year forward, remembering that through improvement, enjoyment, and unyielding hard purposeful work, we can achieve greatness.

I am very proud of where we stand today, but I am even more excited about the heights we will reach in the future. Together, we can become unstoppable. Go Dees!

Adam Bester
Senior Coach