As most of you may have seen on Social media releases in recent days, the league has informed Cranbourne that they will be unable to appeal the decision to reject their application to come back in to the MPNFL fold. What this means for Seaford FNC is that it has been officially confirmed that we will be relegated to Division 2 in Season 2019. Whilst the club has always strived to compete at the highest level we possibly can, having not played finals for 5 seasons now this gives us the opportunity build back up from Div 2 and hopefully play finals in Season 2019 bringing back a winning culture to the club. We are excited by the prospect and hopefully our supporters can continue your loyal support and get behind us in Season 2019.

Prior to this news being released, SFNC senior men’s coach Ben Murphy informed the Club that he will not continue coaching Seaford in 2019.

Ben, who signed on as senior coach in late 2015 ,and who still had a year to run on his contract, met with the club following the home and away season end of season review. Both parties agreed that in the best interests of the playing group and for Ben and his young family that he step away from the cut throat role that it takes to be a senior coach and have time away the game he passionately loves.

Ben won the respect of the everyone within the club when he walked through the doors instilling a coaching program not many of players had witnessed before. In his first two years we went from 2 wins in 2015 to 8 wins 1 draw in 2016 to 11 wins in 2017. But unfortunately due to large list changeover in 2018 plus increased level of competition with the introduction of Divisional football we haven’t been able to capitalise on his fine work he was able to build on in the previous years, despite being one of the most competitive bottom placed teams in recent years, having been very competitive in most games we played including wins against Pines and Bonbeach.

The future of SFNC is in strong hands though as our Playing Assistant Coach, Zac Vansittart, will take over the reins for 2019.

Zac we feel will be a fantastic appointment for our paying group. Zac is already much admired and loved by the playing group and Tiger faithful for his courageous attacks on the football field.

Zac will continue to play in 2019 and is no stranger to player coaching role as he had done previously at his club Bunyip FNC before relocating to the area where he teaches at Carrum Primary School.

Another pleasing aspect is that practically the senior playing list has recommitted to season 2019 as no doubt the future looks bright for the club with the recent confirmation of the changes required for RF Miles Reserve are being planned as we speak.

SFNC would like to thank Ben for his hard work and commitment during his tenure at the Club and wishes Ben, his wife Stephanie and his young family all the best for the future.

More news regarding 2019 playing list and coaching will follow in coming weeks as there is plenty happening at the club behind the scenes!

Regards,
Dale O’Neil
President
Seaford Football Netball Club