Entering my second year as Senior President, I reflect on what an honour and privilege it has been to serve Wanneroo Rugby.

It is here I’ve met some of the finest people I’ve known in my entire life.  Year after year, I stand in awe of the persistence, determination, and sheer grunt force of the people that enable this club to thrive. 

I’d be remiss not to share a bit of my own story to give context to my feelings.  

This will be my 12th season playing for the Roodogs. I first stepped foot in The Kennel in 2010 after a Kiwi co-worker (the legendary Dave Nally) insisted I was a complete waste of a big rig if I didn’t come play rugby.  Fresh off the boat from the good ol’ USofA, I was keen but clueless. It took me almost two years just to make any sense of what was happening in the ruck. Looked like a damn roadhouse brawl.  But from the start, I was completely hooked.

I grew up playing the standard slate of American sports; baseball, basketball, and football (the real one…that you throw…with your foo…hand). But something about this egg-chasing game felt very different.  Rugby isn’t just a sport, it’s an entire culture, a lifestyle.  My brother and I were welcomed to the club with open arms that first season. I felt immediately at home. So many players and coaches took the time to explain, teach and holler at us.  That’s rugby.  That’s Wanneroo. 

Over the years, I’ve witnessed some truly magical moments at The Kennel. 

We’ve also had our rough patches.  There were a few years when our men’s teams would only muster a couple of wins in a season.  Players were dropping like flies. We’d have 20 blokes at Thursday night training to cover 3 teams.  I’ve played in a Reserve Grade game where we kicked off with 10 lads until the 3rds boys had time to run across from the other pitch to fill in.  Many of us have felt the joy of playing a full match only to back up with another full match in a higher grade, against fresh opposition.  There were times when we felt completely demoralized. 

My, how times have changed. 

As a great Australian once said, “It’s the vibe.”

The vibe at Wanneroo is strong indeed.  There has been a resurgence the past few years.  There’s been many moments to celebrate on the paddock.  The clubhouse has been vibrant.  We’re seeing our players succeed at the highest level with several from our family playing in Super Rugby and SuperW; with hopes to crack the Wallabies and Wallaroos. 

Entering 2022, preseason training has been chockas.  We’ll have our 4 men’s teams fully loaded and we should see some healthy competition within the playing group.  In all grades, we’re there or thereabouts.  The belief is building that we can contend with any club and all teams have their eyes on a top-4 finish.  Of course, the Divaz maintain their high standard of performance and consistently finish towards the top.  The expectation will be no different this year.  But even they are seeing some new signs for enthusiasm with the continued growth of the women’s game and new girls coming through our U14s and U17s pathway.  We look to see them repeat as Minor Premiers and avenge their Grand Final heartbreak from last season. 

The 2022 FMG Premier Grade (1st, 2nd, 3rd grade) fixtures have been released and we look ahead to our first battle at home on 2 April against Paly.  RugbyWA is still finalizing teams and competition structures for Community (4th) Grade and the ATA Women’s competitions and these will be released in due course.  There is also a new Women’s 10s competition that RugbyWA is pursuing to help grow the game and bring along other clubs who don’t yet have the numbers for 15s.  Wanneroo is poised to make a statement at every level.

Finally,  I’d like to acknowledge another aspect indicating the health of our club.

 That is the growth of the volunteer base.  We’ve seen many new people put up their hands to take on responsibilities.  This is outstanding and it has allowed us to create more rugby magic.  Case in point was the Country of Origin 7’s held in January which would not have happened without the vision of a few and the hard work of many.