Newsletter 2 - April 14, 2023
HOST OF RECRUITS FOR NEW SEASON OPENER
EVERY new season brings a sense of optimism mixed with apprehension as is the case with Prahran as the Two Blues approach the season opener at Oakleigh this Saturday in their new jumper design.
There are many familiar names but also up to six club debutants which will have supporters searching for team sheets to identify new faces.
Practice match form under second season coach Brett Dickinson, has been encouraging but there is no substitute to playing for four premiership points.
Last year the Two Blues defeated Oakleigh twice, but any team with a gun full-forward like Aaron Cloke who kicked 75 goals last season has to be respected.
Players will wear black armbands on Saturday as a tribute to long time member and supporter Pat Coonerty who passed away last month.
CONGRATULATIONS to co captains James Musster (pictured left), and Rory Brodie (pictured right) on their announcement at this week’s Season Launch.
For Musster, it will be the seventh successive season as captain or co captain, while it is a first time appointment for Brodie; the 2021 Best and Fairest.
Joining the leadership group will be Jake Stent-Powell, Zac Podmore, Jesse Waters, Shaun Chapman and Joe Bell (Whiting). Reserves co captains will be Blake Graham and Tom Bowes.
SEASON LAUNCH
AN eclectic mix of past players leant a sense of home coming at Wednesday’s Season Launch, hosted at our temporary new facility, DW Lucas Reserve in East Malvern.
Past players from the VFA Prahran era and Southbank days mixed with the present day list as the countdown to the season opener continued.
Photos: Trevor Evans
Left to Right: VFA Premiership Players Paul ‘Squizzy’ Taylor (1978, 87), Frank Torcasio (1987), dual Best and Fairest Simon Lennox (1992-93), Serge D’Angelo (1978), and Will Walford (1987).
Left to Right: Past Southbank players Will Walford, Fab Maya, President and Southbank player, life members and premiership players Russell Linford, Peter Wabbis (2023 Football Director), and Neil Wallmeyer, past player Tony Plaza, and triple Southbank Best and Fairest, Simon Melican (1995, 96, 97).
JACK MATHERSON 250 CLUB GAMES THIS SATURDAY
JACK Matherson logs his 250th Club game on Saturday when he takes the field as Reserves Coach v Oakleigh.
It is the latest milestone in a stellar career that started with his first Senior game at age 16.
Matherson has played with distinction in every key position on the ground during his 223 senior games. His career highlight came in 2011 when he was a member of the premier and champion Prahran Assumption team, Division 3.
Joint captain with Adam Sleight in 2013, and the sole captain in 2014 and 2015, last season he accepted the challenging role of Reserves Coach which he performed with distinction.
Matherson continues a family tradition as his father Kevin was a Southbank premiership player, 1986 Best and Fairest and life member. His mother Tracey is former Secretary and Best Clubman at Southbank.
THOUGHTS WITH DALE TAPPING AND FAMILY
FOR those who may not have read the inspirational health battle of our 1987 premiership player Dale Tapping in last Saturday’s Herald-Sun, it is well worth a google search.
Dale is half-way through a 16 week course of treatment for a blood cancer type myeloma, diagnosed earlier this year.
Taps played 105 games with the Two Blues and spent more than five years as our Community Sport Program Manager. He ventured into the coaching ranks at Sandringham Dragons, VAFA Clubs Old Brighton and Old Scotch, and then onto Assistant Coach roles at Collingwood, Brisbane, and now Essendon.
All of his former teammates, friends, and supporters wish him well in his health battle. The diagnosis is reportedly positive.
RENEW / BECOME A VALUED MEMBER OR SPONSOR
OUR Club relies heavily on our Memberships and Sponsorships - we will greatly appreciate whatever support you can provide - simply click on the following link and select how you would like to support.
https://prahranfootballclub.com.au/collections/membership
- Club Member - $60.00
- Jack Morgans/Prahrantonians Member - $200.00
- Player Sponsor - $400.00
- Sponsors - Bronze, Silver and Gold all available.
A sincere thanks to all our members and sponsors who have already renewed for 2023 - your support is greatly appreciated.
For the latest PFC news and to sign up as a member, click on www.prahranfootballclub.com.au