FOR THE DIARY

Upcoming major events for Drouin football and Hawks netball clubs. Football and netball sponsors’ day luncheon. Social club, Sunday, July 14. Drouin home game versus Warragul. Auction night and dinner. Social club, Saturday evening, July 27. Bonanza night. Social club, Friday, November 29.

These include fitness adviser Pete Edwards, chiropractor Sharandeep Singh who attends Tuesday and Thursday training sessions to help injury recovery, trainers Sean Binney, Eddie Forwood (also sports chaplain), Heather Daldry and club legends John Atkins and Don “Hec” Hogan along with team manager Brendan Butler.

Senior playing coach Jordan Kingi has solid and knowledgeable back-up from playing assistant Eddie Morris, line coaches Steve Bethune and Robert Ferguson, and Glen Awty and fourths’ coach Nic Fogarty that also contribute in the coaches’ box.

Fogarty took over the fourths this year that comprises many new faces, especially graduates from the Drouin junior football club.

The side has won two games, is improving every week and is a group with a lot of talent that augurs well for the future.

Mr Soumilas said the club’s inability to attract sufficient regular players that led to the decision not to field a thirds’ (under 18) team this year was being addressed and he hoped would not be repeated next year.

The reserves’ side has been hindered by the inability of many of the side to train regularly through work, other commitments and travel.

Despite that it has played some highly competitive football, especially as the season progresses.

Mr Soumilas said there is a good feeling around the club and the past players’ group formed last year recently held a highly enjoyable and successful luncheon featuring former Hawthorn star Robert Dipierdomenico.

We are looking forward to the rest of the season and would love to see big crowds, especially at the home games, to throw their weight behind the Hawks, he added.