CAPTAIN CONSISTENSY REWARDED

From the ashes of a poor WAFL 16s Carnival, Joseph Ugle has been selected into the 2015 WA16s Squad.

While there was some pleasing performances from individuals like Joel MacArthur, Lewis Henry, Isaiah Gidgup, Jerome Woods, Tynam McNamara, Joshua Blair, Riley Poultney, Joshua Baker, Kyle Sermon and Aidan Conway, we failed to play enough team football and were let down by lack of defensive effort and pressure. That hurt our chances in games to succeed.

As we transition from the 16s into Colts, it is now extremely important to double our efforts and work hard to build on the foundations of solid performances by some players of the Squad. This will mean a number of players in the Squad will find it difficult to win a place in the Colts Squad for next season and will have to work to improve their games in a variety of areas. But that is survival of the fittest and how people, teams and clubs become great.

This means we are all now currently behind the mark and need to find a path to substantial improvement and sustained success for the 2016-2017 Colts. That applies to everyone, players, coaches and staff, no exceptions and no excuses, we can’t hide behind the facts. Our effort and results was unacceptable.

The one shining light was Joseph Ugle, who played a consistent brand of ball winning football and as captain was leading the way for others to follow. We knew before the Carnival that we selected the right person to captain the 2015 RWF XVIs Squad and this was further evident with each game that we played.

Joseph is very humble and is the ultimate team player, on and off the field, who works hard to win the ball and can also be a damaging finisher. He leads the group by example and with his bright nature is a positive influence within the group, on and off the field. His enthusiasm and desire for the battle, won him fans within the team and the coaching panel and Joseph is not too proud as he puts the team always before himself. That is the recipe for a very successful and rewarding career. 

With the announcement of the WA16s team, my disappointment of only having one deserving recipient was quickly wiped away when Joe was identified as the one representative for state duties. The Club is thoroughly thrilled that Joe will get his chance to keep working hard at the State level and have the opportunity to make the final 25 on the plane to the 2015 NAB AFL National 16s Championship.  We wish him the best of luck for July and congratulate him on his achievements so far.