Captains Knock:
First and foremost, I'd like to say it's a great honour for the Bluebags to have won The Backpacker Memorial Shield. Named after a top bloke who deserves his own Hall Of Fame. This one is for you mate.
I'd also like to thank the Sharks for being there on Grand Final day. Most people had written you off early in the season, but the sparkle was there and you were destined to carry it through to a successful year. As El Coco said, you played an eight game winning streak and that's something to be proud of. I have no doubt that the Sharks possess the very essence of sportsmanship and fair play... and will be the team to watch in F7s 2005.
To the referees: You invariably cop unfair criticism and undue pressure... but I can assure you that most of the people, most of the time, respect your decisions and appreciate the hard work you put in. Without the refs, we have no competition.
To the Bluebags: Well what can say? 2004 premiers! How good was that?
When we started in 2002, we found ourselves entering an unfriendly cauldron inhabited by matto clones, wearing jackboots and looking for ways to burn us alive at the first opportunity. We were semi-finalists and knocked out in controversial circumstances. But we didnt lose heart
the Bluebags are made of sterner stuff.
We backed up in 2003, ready to take on all comers. But without warning, the F7s competition was cut off at the knees. A few hardy souls took up the challenge to revive the F7s with players becoming administrators and referees becoming players.... all with one thing in common: we refused to throw in the towel.
And our charter was simple: finish the 2003 season and keep the F7s going.
And finish it we did with Easts, Bluebags, Souths and Panthers all making the semi-finals while stalwarts from Parramatta, Bulldogs, Sharks, Broncos, Rhinos, and Dragons did what they could with few personnel.
2003 was an extraordinary, if not incredible, season of true grit... the mighty Easts Roosters side ultimately outclassing the Newtown Bluebags in the grand final.
The 2004 comp was fantastic. With teams from 2002 and 2003 re-forming, the growth of the F7s was assured. Next year is looking to be even better.
But I digress...
Throughout this year, the Bluebags fielded 5 players every match as did our opponents. We never had one match against a diminished team and we wouldnt have it any other way.
This is a victory for the Bluebags of 2004 and the full team list has already been mentioned in my earlier post. But Id also like to dedicate this victory to the 2002 team. This included many from the current squad as well as players like Bomber, Bender, ozbash and roopy who were all there from day one.
We also have a great future with a solid troop of new players standing up in 2004.
On a personal note and apologies for the self-indulgence... regarding next season, I feel that Ive done as much as I can. I've been writing F7s essays for three seasons now.
Ill still be there in 2005 to make sure the F7s have a home and the F7s website is kept up-to-date. But Ill be looking for others to take up the baton now.
I can assure you all that whatever happens, the competition will be left in good hands and that there will always be a home for the F7s here at the Front Row forums.
In addition, Ill do what I can to make sure the Bluebags have a squad for 2005
but I wont be seeking nomination for the captaincy. It's time for some new blood.
Thanks again.... it's a grand feeling.
Good luck one and all and have great off-season.
Cheers.
