2021 proved to be our toughest year yet with constant changes to covid restrictions, two lockdowns, and a season cut short without any finals.  I am extremely proud to stay the whole DMJFC community banded together to show determination and adaptation to constant changes.

Despite the cancellation of the 2020 season and the uncertainty of the 2021 season, the club has shown massive growth in players, one of the biggest for the U8-U10 age groups in the league.  DMJFC fielded 244 players in 12 teams, which included 2 x u8, 2 x u9, 2 x u10, u11, u12, u13, u15, u16 girls, u18 girls.  DMJFC also ran two Auskick clinics with a total of 185 auskickers.

The preseason started off a little bumpy with the move to ovals 2/3 and the need to share the facilities with two other clubs.  Once the season was under way, it was smiles all around.  The DMJFC spirit was well and truly back!  It was great to see all the players and families back doing what they love.

The season saw a pause for two weeks at the end of May.  There were some changes made and one round was lost.  We then saw another pause at the start of August which went on longer than expected and put an end to the season after 10 rounds, and no finals.  Unfortunately, 5 of our 6 competitive teams who had qualified for finals missed out on the contention for the premiership.  Our U18 Girls team finished on top of the ladder and became minor premiers.

2022 is showing to be a big year with the addition of a potential 5 teams, including the inaugural open-age womens senior football team, and also the planning on the big move to our new facilities in 2023.

DMJFC seen mostly new committee members, coaches, and team managers this season and I am incredibly proud at how well everyone worked together in a learning environment.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all volunteers this year.  From coaches, to runners, to committee members, they all did an outstanding job in ensuring the smooth running of the club and, most importantly, ensuring the kids can play the game they all missed so much.

A special mention goes to some of our committee members who are leaving us this year.

Jess Riley-King, who stepped in after being a team manager for a couple of years, has worked hard as registrar, especially dealing with the new player points system.  Jess was always available and patient with the busyness of the registrar position.  I wish Jess all the best in 2022.

Justin Audsley, who came back to step in and help us out as vice-president, was great support with his many years of experience.  Cass Audsley, who also came back, has done a tremendous job as canteen manager over many years and will be hard to replace.  Both Justin and Cass have been a huge part of our junior club and will be greatly missed.

Sammi Gonsalves was the 2021 treasurer after many years as a team manager, and several committee positions including team manager coordinator, merchandise, and registrar.  Sammi has been a huge asset over the years and I thank her for all the countless  hours of work she has put in at the club.

Bring on 2022!

Melanie Alder