The 2022 season is now complete after we held our presentation dinner on Friday 30th September, with 195 players, supporters and staff attending. The function was held at The Sanctuary, Adelaide Zoo. Chris Horner provided the venue and his staff looked after us with a magnificent meal and service during the evening. Alice Kerins did a tremendous job organising the night and the events committee did a great job setting up the venue.
At the presentation dinner we acknowledged a number of players for their achievements during 2022. I congratulate all award winners. Listed below are the major awards winners, announced on the evening.
BEST AND FAIREST
A GRADE MEN W. ABBOTT
A GRADE WOMEN L. GAMBRANIS
B GRADE MEN A. VALANA
B GRADE WOMEN C. COLGRAVE
C GRADE MEN P. CUTTING
D GRADE MEN J. MBIBI
SUPPORTERS BEST PLAYER W. ABBOTT
MENS LEADING GOAL SCORER A. TWYNSTRA
WOMENS LEADING GOAL SCORER O. LYNCH
MENS BEST DEFENDER J. ARMFIELD
WOMENS BEST DEFENDER L GAMBRANIS
MENS BEST FIRST YR PLAYER C. HODGES
WOMENS BEST FIRST YR PLAYER A. HINTON
Another special presentation on the evening was a formal vote of thanks to our much loved media man, Matt Overy. Zac Borlace led the thanks and presented Matt with a signed Iggies guernsey and caricature. The whole room rose in applause to thank Matt for all the work he does behind the scenes.
Coaching update
Subsequent to the presentation dinner, our senior coach Damian Boots and Football Director, Kevin Whitford have decided to resign.
Damian and Kevin have put in an enormous amount of time and effort into the playing group and Club over the last four years. Even though the Club retained its position in Division One with a stirring win at Port Districts, Damian and Kevin thought a change would be good for the Club. The Club is indebted to them both, as they were instrumental in leading the OIFC to its highest level in its 50 year history.
Damian’s passion and commitment has seen the Club compete in finals in all four years of his tenure. He has invested countless hours into building the Club and taking time to develop relationships with the players, coaches and support staff.
Kevin also brought another level of professionalism that has greatly benefitted the Club. His game day knowledge along with his medical expertise was invaluable and he devoted countless hours in building the Club.
Damian and Kevin have offered their assistance in transitioning to a new coaching panel and I thank them for that. I also thank them again for their invaluable contributions to the Club and wish them well in their future endeavours.
A panel has been formed to seek a new senior coach and we have already met an outstanding candidate. We intend advertising in the near future to see who else is out there and will provide an update as appropriate.
After five years of leading the women’s program, Tom Sexton has also decided to step down. The Club was indeed fortunate to have had Tom lead the women’s program for the last five years and we are appreciative of all his efforts and countless hours spent in building the program and supporting all the new players to the Club. Courtney Rossi and Airlie Waters offered the players' thanks and gratitude with a lovely presentation and standing toast at the presentation dinner.
We are undertaking a search for Tom’s replacement and will provide an update as soon as possible.
Henry Curtis has also advised me that he will step down as C grade coach in order to return to a playing role. I would like to thank Henry for his efforts over the last two years and welcome his replacement, Nathan Bailey.
I can confirm the following coaches for the 2023 season:
B GRADE MEN Tim Rice
C GRADE MEN Nathan Bailey
D GRADE MEN Andrew Twynstra
B GRADE WOMEN Brian Gue
Each of the grades will have assistant coaches and support staff announced in due course.
As I have said on a number of occasions and at the presentation dinner, the Club has grown to a large size and it takes an enormous amount of time and effort to field six teams every week. The contributions of our coaches and support staff should not to be taken for granted, but rather acknowledged and appreciated. We will again be seeking assistance with on and off field roles in the next few months and I hope to see a number of supporters offer their time and expertise. I am always happy to have a chat and discuss where individuals may be able to contribute, so please do not hesitate to reach out if you think you can assist.
I look forward to another good year in 2023 and will keep you up to date as we navigate our way through the next few months, before pre-season training begins in December.
PAUL KIRCHNER
PRESIDENT OIFC
0418 812 239
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