Andrew Richardson, NWFL President -
It is with great pleasure that I welcome everyone to today’s NWFL Grand Final day, the 34th since the formation of the NTFL in 1986 and one that nearly didn’t happen.
What a year it has been and continues to be as we deal with the COVID 19 pandemic and the resulting Government restrictions.
This afternoon sees Burnie battle it out with Devonport for the second year in a row to determine who will be crowned the region’s top club.
Burnie finished on top after the home-and-away rounds, 2 games clear of Wynyard, with Devonport finishing third by percentage from Penguin in fourth with Ulverstone, East Devonport and Latrobe missing this year’s final four.
Burnie progressed into the Grand Final with a Semi Final win over Wynyard. Devonport accounted for Penguin in the other Semi Final and then Devonport defeated Wynyard in the Preliminary Final to earn the right play Burnie in the Grand Final.
In the shortened season, Devonport and Burnie did meet on two occasions with Burnie winning out on both occasions.
We go into this weekend’s games with four clubs represented – Burnie, Devonport, Wynyard and Penguin.
Burnie and Devonport meeting in the Under18’s at Penguin on Friday evening, Penguin and Wynyard doing battle at Ulverstone on Saturday morning and Burnie and Devonport again in the senior final at Latrobe on Saturday afternoon.
There will be no Mead Con Darrel Baldock Medal or Ambassador Quest this season as we deal with COVID restrictions.
We will however have a Best and Fairest count with that function to be held next Friday 16th of October at the Penguin Football Club. We are hoping to livestream the count to all clubs so they can enjoy and witness the count from their own clubrooms.
Vicki has again carried out the League’s administration duties and has been outstanding in all areas, coping with a very heavy workload at times. It is a tough gig and she has shown a great ability to handle everything that has been thrown at her. This year we had Morgan Hughes appointed to oversee the Junior’s and Women’s Competitions but Morgan had to return to Victoria when he was stood down due to COVID. Barry Gaby and Emma Humphries were then responsible for these competitions upon their resumption.
Umpires coach Phil McCulloch has continued the good work from previous years.
The uncertainty of this season did impact the umpire numbers in the initial stages, but these were increased to the extent that umpires were also provided for Junior games.
We thank all involved for their work in the recruitment and retention of umpires - there is no game without umpires!
It was great to be able to witness the end of careers for to stalwarts of the Umpiring fraternity when Ian Clarke and Geoff Rootes stood in goals for the last time during the Under 18 game between Devonport and Ulverstone in August. Congratulations to both men on outstanding careers and to the Umpiring Association for allowing them to stand in their last game together.
A huge thank you needs to go to all clubs and volunteers that have been able to get the 2020 season off the ground and successfully abide by the stringent restrictions placed upon us by the Government.
To the Players at all clubs that are playing for no payments or reduced wages and to the Umpires who also took a cut in pay to assist in getting our competition underway, thank you.
To all our valued sponsors who have continued with us and those that have come on board this season we thank you for your support.
Finally, good luck to all clubs, coaches, players and umpires participating today.