Well it’s official, regrettably the 2020 CDFNL season has been cancelled.  Although we saw it coming, the news is numbing and disappointing, but from here on, we can get a head start on 2021, aiming for a bigger and better year than ever!

I was confident 2020 would be a very successful year on field/ courts for the guz, so let’s use this as a platform and aim for a big season thereafter.  Noting the AFL Barwon memo leaves the door ajar for a modified return to play for the juniors, the BFNC will gauge local interest pending further league announcements. 

I urge you to remain in touch with the club, your mates and the community to coordinate recruitment, social events, sign up coaches and to focus on your own health and fitness in the off season.

Pending further state government announcements, we will aim to host several club functions between now and year’s end, including red ticket day, a 20/20 footy/ netty V cricketers match and a Saints Xmas bash.  The club is also making inquiries into how it can utilise the clubrooms for casual gatherings when required. 

I would like to thank the committee, community and players for their support of the club over this very difficult time, mindful a cohort of stakeholders were keen for play, but overall, a mountain too high.

A huge shout out to Dara, Pete and Co on the development of the ‘Birregurra FNC – towards 2025’ initiative, including the coordination of a focus group, master plan and club survey which will provide the platform to promote and enhance the club into the future.  

The Rec Reserve Committee are also busy, eagerly awaiting the outcome of a lighting grant application and coordinating works programs and upgrades at the oval.  Next Monday a sub committee including BFNC reps are meeting with an architect to revisit plans/ drawings for the social/ changerooms upgrade hopeful of securing future funding opportunities as they arise.  

And finally, to our valued sponsors and members, thank you for your patience and support of the club in a season like no other!  The club will soon announce how it will manage/ wrap up its 2020 membership and sponsorship program now the season has been formally cancelled.

Looking forward to catching up again soon and thereafter, the 2021 season.

‘Come what may you’ll hear us shouting’

Mick Paddick

President BFNC