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Back (L to R):
Front (L to R):
Season's report
Season 2001 saw a continuation of the principles of commitment, attitude and respect being used to establish who would represent the Lions at the highest level. The acquisition of Adam Powell proved a great addition to what was essentially the same squad that had finished fifth in 2000 and had made the Statewide Cup Final.
The season started positively with three successive wins to finish the pre season cup and the belief that a positive league season lay ahead. With most coaches tipping a close competition this year the Lions kicked off their season with a 3-1 victory over Clarence. A record run of seven games unbeaten followed to start the season, the highlight being a 2-1 victory over South Hobart in an fantastic display which saw the Lions replace South at the top of the table after round 7.
Yet again our defensive organisation and discipline were outstanding as we continued to blunt the best of attacks with Chetcuti, Newy, Driess and 16yo Grant Bourne outstanding. At the other end our goal scoring ratio peaked at a three year high of two per game with the influence of Adam Powell and the developing partnership with Iles & Palmer significant.
With 10 players unavailable for an Easter Monday trip to Devonport our bubble burst with a 5-0 exit from the Statewide Cup despite dominating the first half. Soon after successive 1-0 losses to Olympic and then Zebras brought us back to earth and the realisation that we still had a lot of work to do to reach our goals.
Whilst the start of the second round started positively with a 7-0 victory over Clarence Chetcuti (3 goals) and Iles (2), the loss of Chetcuti overseas, Palmer to injury and then Iles for three weeks with illness limited our attacking options and the goals dried up. Further 1-0 losses to Knights and Uni along with waterlogged training grounds tested our commitment to the fullest.
Great credit to the group for rolling up their sleeves. With our training mixed between 6:30pm at Sandfly on Tuesday & 6:45am starts at Queens Walk on Thursday I think the group have shown more commitment than any other team I'm aware of and got their just rewards with a run of successive wins over Dosa, Metro and Olympic to push back into the top three before ultimately stumbling 2-1 against South Hobart in the run home and finishing fourth.
Painfully and despite a very good performance a 1-0 loss to Zebras saw us exit at the elimination final for the third successive season and left us wondering what could have been.
At the end of my third season I would like to thank the fantastic commitment and respect that the group have shown to one another through the year, you've been a pleasure to work with. I would also like to acknowledge the role model behaviours of our captain Mike Driessen along with his
vice-captains Charlie White, Warren Iles & Scott Pepper.thanks gents.
To Adam Powell a tremendous first season for the club leading by example on the park and proving your maturity and commitment to work to team values and in turn earning a great deal of respect along the wayand to Grant Bourne, congratulations on a tremendous first season. A sixteen year old who's ability and performances suggest a great future in the game.
I would also like to thank Nick, Ziggy & MickT for their tremendous support through the season.
So to the future. Personally I will be evaluating any immediate coaching plans against spending some well needed time with family. For the future of the players in Kingborough I hope that the newly formed committee provide the leadership and direction to take the club forward as well as an enjoyable environment to play in.
Greg Calvert - Senior Coach.
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Final match statistics - league position : 4th.
| P |
W |
D |
L |
For |
Ag. |
Pts. |
| 18 |
9 |
4 |
5 |
31 |
14 |
31 |
Goal scorers
| 9 |
Adam Powell
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| 7 |
Warren Iles
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| 3 |
Daniel Palmer
Stephen Chetcuti
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| 2 |
Mark Hughes
Michael Diessen
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| 1 |
Charles White
Michael Wells
Michael Easton
Scott Pepper
Nathan Vagg
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