I Fvelcome all Amateur Football followers to this, our one day in September - Grand final weekend . fhis weekend brings down the curtain on a p ;mendously successful year for our issociation . have seen very competitive football played in all sections of our competition, and of course have had great success in our representative games also . lll of our clubs should be justly proud of their ear, and I say that sincerely and regardless of chether or not they achieved on field success . : s I have said on many occasions the VAFA is , 2001, not only about providing a well run football competition, it is about, at club level, providing an environment where young men and women can also enjoy those intangible hings such as mateship, dependence, trust and support that when added together enrich yreatly our everyday lives . We are all passionate about our great game and our individual clubs. Often we are so engrossed in obtaining success for ourselves that we lose sight of what we are really about . The tragic events that occurred in the United States last week really do put into perspective the place Australian Rules football has in the overall scheme of things . Don't ever forget it is only a game that we are playing. This football year would not have been the success it has but for the magnificent support of my Executive Committee and our staff . I thank every one of you for your contribution and the passion you have for our Association . Congratulations to those clubs who have already won Grand Finals or who have gained promotion to higher sections for 2002 . In particular I congratulate Fitzroy Reds and ientonâ‚Ź Amateurs on both being "Premiers and Champions" in each of their sections , it is a wonderful effort to be the "premier"
club, but it is an even greater achievement to go through th e s e a s o n undefeated . To those in this week's games I wish every success to the competing clubs. This weekend is in that ;•- the A Section Gi we h ; e two participants ?o in n in an A section grand final - L Kevins . It is a wonderful ac ' 'e: ent by both clubs and I congratulate .iem on it .
In B section, the teams that finished first and second on the ladder after the first round matches -Old Ivanhoe and De La Salte, play off for the pennant. Both clubs have great respect for each other-both on and off the field -- and I am sure we will see a great game-good luck to you both . There has been a changing of the guard in A section with the Old Xaverians not playing in this year's grand final after having won the last six A section flags . When people talk of the Old Xaverians' achievement, they tend to focus only on their first XVIII . Consider also the fact their second XV11I have won four of the last six reserves section premierships, their UI19's five out of the last nine and their Club XVIII team nine of the last ten! .
This is a remarkable record and shows the strength of the Old Xaverians' club and the reason they have been so successful , Something for all clubs to aspire to! ! No doubt they will bounce back in 2002 . Good luck to every one this weekend. Thank you for your support this football year . Enjoy the break and I look forward to seeing you in 2002 .
Richard Eva :
:sicient