Ellenbrook Eels

Welcome

The Ellenbrook Eels Senior Football Club was established in 2002 on the back of initial interest from three local residents Vaughan Roberts, Ben Franks & Troy Newick. The Club competes in the West Australian Amateur Football League (WAAFL) with 3 senior teams and the colts team. The Masters (over 35's) play every second Sunday and are a vital part of our growing club.

With Ellenbrook being such a young suburb in the Swan Valley, the club prides itself on being a “family based club” with regular events including family gala day, Auskick half time matches and the Saturday night family dinners.

The Club is based at the Ellenbrook District Open Space, Maffina Parade, Ellenbrook.

2011 was the clubs 10 year anniversary and yielded the clubs first flag with the reserves taking out the C4 Reserves Grand Final. This was backed up in 2012 & 2014 with the club claiming the C3 reserves flags.

President’s & Coaches’ Update – Round 1 to 5

Wow – what a massive few months our club has had! It seems like just yesterday that I was sweating out a Vietnamese Curry in Ho Chi Minh City while everyone else was sweating it out at our very first pre-season session in January!

So much has happened since then and it hard to believe we are already 5 rounds in to season 2017 where our sides currently sit 1^st, 1^st, 4^th and 5^th !

Of course we will never forget the 25^th February , our first scratch match of the year at Bassendean, where tragically one of the Basso boys collapsed during the reserves game and despite some heroic efforts , he never woke – RIP Steve. I am sure in future years we can honor your memory with a memorial match between our two clubs.

One more scratch match a couple of weeks later against higher opposition at Bullcreek Leeming and we were into Round 1, I will leave the on-field reviews to our coaches who have provided you with a brief overview of the year so far for their respective teams – please continue to get right behind Woodsy, Sayls, Kev and Jezza boys they are doing a fantastic job!

Our events so far this year have been roaring successes – we kicked our social calendar off with our annual quiz night at the DOS and a great night was had by all with over 110 people attending and most staying back for a bit of a dance and some questionable karaoke after!

The season launch event, Round 1, Masters Carnival and ANZAC day were also well attended and I thank you all for getting right behind these events and creating a fantastic vibe around the place!

Our next event is the Beerpong Tournament on May 27 with all 32 teams now sold out, there is a waiting list so please see Big Red if you are interested in getting involved!

Thank you to everyone who has bought into what we are trying to build at ESFC this year – the commitment shown by the playing group on the track this year is as good as I have seen at any football club and for that to translate into comraderie and mateship off the field is an absolute pleasure to see. What is even more pleasing is to see plenty of families having meals together after the games – we truly are ‘One Club, One Family’ and I am sure when clubs travel out to our patch at the DOS and see what sort of club we are building out here – they would feel just a little bit of envy.

Off-field I am extremely proud to report that we have officially sold-out every major sponsorship package available , this is an amazing joint effort by our committee and I cannot thank you all enough. Securing such fantastic sponsors for the Ellenbrook Eels enables us to provide our members with the best equipment and facilities possible while reducing the burden on our members (Stay tuned for some exciting projects we are working on behind the scenes!).

Please welcome on board our new Sponsors in 2017:

Proform Products – Romano’s Pizzeria – Polyflor – EMS Revolution – Ellenbrook Physio – The Brook – Print Media Group – Zambrero’s Aveley

And please continue to support our returning Sponsors:

Suburban Smash Repairs – Cutting Edge Butchers – Ellenbrook Dry Cleaners – The Professionals (Matt Jones) – VCS – KDD Conveyancing – FHM Adult Shop – High Quality Patios – Jetts Ellenbrook – Ellenbrook Door’s and Screens – Bike Force Ellenbrook – Central Midland Steel – Casscat – Prime Trophies Malaga – Earthquake Civil – Accelerate Accounting

And now – over to the coaches

Andrew Coxall

ESFC President

COACHES UPDATES:

Justin Wood – Senior Coach :

After a first up loss in round 1 we have now put 4 wins in a row together to sit atop of the ladder after round 5.

The most pleasing part is, that we have had 13 new players make their League debut for the club in the first 5 rounds, some of these being our future leaders coming from our colts program. With so many new players coming into the team we are still getting to know how each other plays and will continue to gel together the longer the season goes.

We have played some really good footy in patches but we are yet to put it all together for a full 4 quarters in the same game. We will continue to work hard as a group as we have great depth with our reserves currently unbeaten and therefore there is plenty of pressure for spots which will continue to make individuals work hard.

We have a big 4 weeks ahead with games against good opposition to make it to the halfway stage of the season, if we can make the most of our opportunities in these games and come away with some wins we will be in a really strong position for the 2^nd half of the year.

 Kevin Andrews – Reserves Coach :

After a very solid pre-season, it was great to get the2017 season underway.

The season opener was an away game versing SNESA. The game was played in warm conditions which took toll on the boys. A very scrappy game and being the first hit out we knew the standard was not going to reach great heights. To get the 4 points was the plan, and that is what we did with a 62 point win.

Game 2 was home for the Anzac tribute match against Belmont, who had advanced from a C4 grade. This game was a bit harder than the week before, Belmont had some big boys in this team but our speed at ground level was the difference. We brought home a 53 point win.

Game 3 was against the team that knocked the Reserves out of last year’s finals, Mosman Park, at home. Some of the boys got their revenge, but a win was  all we wanted. We came out with a hard earned 40 point win.

Game 4 was away to Manning. Knowing that in previous years was an easy game, l still like to think that you need to play good footy to beat anyone. History repeated itself and we came away with an over 100 point win.

Game 5 was home to Coolbinia. A club that had been demoted from C2. This was one of those games where you’re not sure what was coming .They had some big bodied players but youth was definately on our side.We had a good day out coming home with a 73 point win.

So 5 wins from 5 games is a great position to be in and we are playing some great football. There are going to be some big challenges to come in the next few weeks, with the top 3 sides being our next opposition.  The Reserves this year are going ok at the moment but our main focus is the League side. We are seeing great numbers on the training track with everyone working hard to keep their place.

This is the best position l have seen this club in for a long time. The depth is good and we are getting great vibes about this season, so we look forward to the next bracket of games and hope the wins keep coming.

Our next game is away at Piara Waters. Carn the Eels!

Paul Saylor – Colts Coach :

After 4 games, the 2017 colts are 2 wins and 2 losses which were only by 1or 2 goals each, the colts team has changed so much this season with a lot new young players joining the Eels for the first time which is awesome for our great club. 

The boys are enjoying training and are starting to play well together, even with a few of the colts selected to play league the other players are stepping up and playing good football.

Are we as good as 2016? Yes I believe we are and hopefully the boys believe that they are.

Finally thanks to everyone that has sponsored and supported all the colts again. 

Jeremy Thorn – Thirds Coach :

After a shaky start, the mighty Thirds have gone from strength to strength this season. After three seasons at the helm, Paul Menaglio has stepped down to hand over the reins to me this season. Change is often met with a degree of excitement and fear and I feel we had both in doses leading into the start of the season. 

Round one saw us a long way from home in Warnbro and in very tricky conditions. We clearly took the start of the season too lightly and the result showed the punishment we probably deserved for that mistake. Training had been lacklustre and guys are making irregular appearances on the track. In reflection the game highlighted three key areas that we need to work on. Skills, Communication and Intent. 

Anzac round was a chance for redemption.  We started slow against Willetton and that’s what cost us the game. We had an honest look at ourselves at half time and come back after the break with much better intent. We got within a whisker at the end and if that game had have gone five minutes longer I’m sure we would’ve got over the line.  Instead we went down by four points. What became clear from that match is that, the guys that had been putting in the work on the track were the same ones who stood up in the second half and got us back into the game. 

Next we had old rivals Noranda at home.  This was always going to be a tough match as they look like they’re going to be one of the front runners this season. Again were rolled early and had to mount a fight back. The boys showed a lot of heart and kept on coming back but in the end Noranda were too good we went down by four goals. 

Going away to Swan Valley we were now  zero and three on the ladder but confidence was building with in the group. We got up in an unsatisfying win. And kicking skills were dreadful and a few home truths had to be told. The prospect of playing finals were starting to look highly unlikely, unless we improved our disposal. Not only that but the club is growing and just turning up on Saturday will no longer get you a game in the Thirds. Having said that the intention for the ball from the boys was good and the team was starting to gel and really own their roles within the team. 

Last week, coming into the game against Jandakot, the training had never been so good. The talk was up, the disposal was fantastic and the feeling amongst the boys was the best it had been so far this season. The question was, could we take it into the game on Saturday. The start of our clash was great, we continued fantastically and held up defensively to finish the game off with a massive 90 point victory at home. Best players were all over the field and our structures were impeccable.

There is a great comradery amongst the group now and all the boys have improved since round one. The Thirds have never been better than they are now and with pressure on for spots I can only see the trend continuing upwards. The Thirds have emerged from a side circus full of mixtures and ring ins to a serious football team whose spirit rival that of the higher grades at Ellenbrook football club. Something that myself and all members of the football club are very proud of. Go you mighty eels.   

Adrian Hughes – Masters Coach

The Mighty Masters Men were blessed this year with Round 1 as a home carnival.

This attracted over 700 players to play across both grounds and was sanctioned by WA AFL Masters as a complete success.

Going into 2017, we have seen some new players slide straight into our side and have an immediate impact. Our elder statesmen have continued to provide plenty of run with special mentions to the mid field who seem to have the ball on a string at times.

There are only 7 games left in the season and we are trying to get a second side up for next year. This will allow a wider range of players that can be fit for age and continue playing the game we love.

Also, a big thankyou to our jumper sponsors Earthquake Civil and Accelerate Accounting.

Platinum Sponsor Announcement

Ellenbrook SFC are proud to announce that Proform Products in Malaga have signed on as our newest Platinum Sponsor for the next three years.

Proform specialize in the manufacture and supply of custom kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes, and custom bench tops. All the components you require can be fully assembled, or in flat pack form for you to put together.
If you, your family or friends are currently renovating or building please give Mark and Renae a call at Proform to discuss your requirements.

As always, please mention you are from the Ellenbrook Eels!

As a proud community club, we’re going from strength to strength in 2017, and we’re proud to have Mark and Renae on board for the journey.
We hope you make them welcome around the club, and don’t forget to visit them online or in the showroom soon!

Phone: 08 9209 6200
Address: 18 Cusack Road, Malaga
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProformProducts/
Web: http://www.proform.com.au

Coaching Announcement

The Ellenbrook Eels are pleased to announce the appointment of Justin Wood to the role of head coach for 2017.

Justin has a healthy coaching resume, which includes four years as coach of the Swan Athletic Football Club including their promotion to the A Grade amateur competition in 2011. Most recently he was a playing assistant coach at Williams in their 2016 premiership year.

Having been exposed to professional environments as a former Geelong , Western Bulldogs and Peel Thunder listed player, Justin brings with him the experience and high standards that the club needs as we strive for improvement both on and off-field.

Our other coaching appointments for 2017 are:

Reserves: Kevin Andrews
Colts: Paul Saylor
Thirds: Jeremy Thorn

We are currently planning a “meet the coaches” session & the annual Eels Christmas Party. Details will be posted on the Eels website shortly. In the meantime please join me in congratulating our 2017 coaches and welcoming Justin, his wife Sharee, son Dylan and daughter Imogen to the Eels family,

Andrew Coxall
ESFC President

President’s Opening Report 2016/17

Dear Members,

Firstly I would like to thank all that attended the AGM on Monday night, the turnout was the best I have seen at any club AGM (40+ attendee’s) which is a reflection of the passion and love that our members have for our wonderful football club. Being voted in as president of the ESFC is very humbling and a duty that I do not take lightly.

Our committee for the 2016/17 season is as follows:-

Executive Committee
President: Andrew Coxall
Vice President: Adrian Hughes / Paul Menaglio
Secretary: Michelle Satie
Treasurer: TBC
Registrar: Callum White

General Committee
Shae Bessell
Aaron Rogers
Brian Taylor
Matt Jones
Jordan Peach
Richard Lee
Vacant

Thank you to the all of the above volunteers, I am impressed with the caliber of people who have put their hand up this year and as they say many hands make light work and I know you all will go above and beyond to help us take this club forward. We are currently liaising with two more potential committee members to fill the vacant treasurer and general committee positions. I will announce these in the next few weeks.

Within the next two weeks we will be announcing our 2017 coaching panel. The quality of applicants that have applied to join our football club for next year is encouraging and a testament to the high regard our club is held in the football community. With all teams making finals in 2016 and a strong youthful list, I am very excited for what our club could potentially achieve next year across all grades, however, as we all know success does not come to those who do not want to work hard so it is up to all of our players to commit to improving their training standards if we are to take this club to the next level.
As a committee we will provide you with the tools and resources necessary however it is up to you, our players, to physically and mentally commit to each other and take this club up the grades.

Our other major focus in the coming months will be to secure sponsors for the 2017 season. As we all know the current economic climate is challenging for business on all levels but particularly the small family run businesses that we rely on for sponsorship that keeps our doors open. It will be the responsibility of all our committee members to actively seek new sponsorship deals that are mutually beneficial to assist in easing the financial pressures that it takes to successfully run a football club.

On a personal note, I have no intentions to reinvent the wheel at the football club this year. I see 2017 as an opportunity to normalize and consolidate our position at the DOS and to build on our already strong culture and traditions. I like to think I am an approachable kind of bloke and if you have any questions or concerns I ask that you come see me personally as I am sure you can appreciate, our committee needs to make decisions that affect you as members and whenever a decision is made, there is inevitably an opposing view so please come to me in the first instance.

In closing I would like to once again thank Ronnie for his stellar service to this footy club. He has gone above and beyond what was required and it certainly has not gone unnoticed by our members. Ronnie, you have left some massive boots to fill and you’ll be a hard act to follow. I hope my time in the role does you proud. I’m sure we will see you down the football club for a beer and a chat at some stage throughout the year but for now enjoy your deserved ‘retirement’ mate.

Regards

Andrew Coxall
ESFC President