Sanctuary Lakes Football Club is experiencing a boom in junior numbers, girls teams and off-field helpers as it seeks to improve on an impressive 2016 season.
After finishing fourth in the Western Region Football League’s third division and being knocked out in the first week of finals, the Sharks have been enjoying a busy off season, according to vice president Stuart Schaper.
“There’s been a hell of a lot happening since the season finished,” Schaper said.
“We’ve got a new executive committee, we’ve appointed a new coach for three years, our junior numbers are up and we look like having a junior girls side … there’s a bit of a buzz around the place.”
Schaper, who is going into his first year on the committee, said more people were willing to chip in this season, giving president Gavin Young some much-needed assistance.
“We always seemed to struggle in the past to get people to go on the committee, like most clubs probably, but that certainly wasn’t the case this time,” he said.
“Gavin has done a lot of work over recent years, so it’s good to have extra people on the committee to help him out.”
The Sharks have appointed Point Cook local Darren Findlay as head coach for the next three years, bringing his VFL coaching experience with Port Melbourne and Werribee to the club.
“Darren was already around the club a bit with his boys in the juniors,” Schaper said.
“We’re hoping that will help to get the senior and junior clubs working better together. After all, the juniors are the future of the club so we have to look after them as much as the seniors.
“He’s a passionate local man and wants to drive the club to success on the field … hopefully that can translate to some local recruits and a strong season.”
Schaper said early indications were that the junior sides would increase in number from seven teams in 2016 to 10 in 2017, including an under-16 girls side in the inaugural WRFL junior girls competition.
“We’ve had good success with our under-14 and under-15 sides winning premiership,” he said.
“It’s good to keep strong numbers and good players coming through the ranks.
“It’s exciting for the club to be a part of the new girls’ competition, too. We’ve had an information night and got a good response and some good player numbers, so we look like we can field a side in the first season, which is fantastic for the club.”
