A night of celebrations

There was lots to celebrate last weekend at the club, not just the football and netball wins over Leopold.

We finally had the opportunity to unfurl the premiership flags from both our men’s and women’s Senior 2019 grand final wins putting us in the history books as the first club in our league to achieve this milestone.

We also hosted the official opening of our redeveloped clubrooms and an opportunity to formally thank those who made a significant contribution to the project.

Club Life Member and councillor Peter Murrihy led the proceedings which included thanks to Christine Couzens MP, City of Greater Geelong councillors & staff, Plan Group, Elaine Costa and the Costa Family. All of these people made a significant contribution to the funding, approval and completion of the project.

We were treated to an amazing “Welcome to Country” ritual as well as a blessing of the new rooms by Fr Jim Clarke, both stirring and emotional customs that drew applause from our guests.

Most fittingly, Kevin McMahon was singled out for particular acknowledgement for his unrelenting and long term commitment to this incredible project and his shifting focus to the next phase involving our ground extension. We should all be very grateful for Kevin’s dedication and for the support of our President Jock, his family and business in assisting with the building works.

Club legend Jock McMahon was announced as our Number One Ticketholder for the 2021 season and in his speech made special mention of Anthony Costa (dec) Jim Mathieson (dec) and Don Mathieson (dec) who have all been honoured by the name of our ground, bar and new pavilion. All three men would be incredibly proud of the completed space and the impact it will have on the lives of many people and their families.

We used this moment to also award our latest Life Members Kate Blood, Joe Villanti, Terry Jubb and Fiona Greig with their life member badges.

Thanks were offered to our members who over many years have supported fundraising activities, attended social events, bought auction items, raffle tickets, pledged money online, bought drinks at the bar and food at the canteen. All these proceeds have contributed to the success of this venture.

We finally have a space that reflects the needs of a modern day sporting club and meets the needs of a club that has one of the largest membership bases in our region. A plaque signifying this momentous occasion was unveiled and will be mounted on the clubroom walls to mark the occasion. We look forward to sharing the new Don Mathieson Pavilion with our members young and old.