We Salute You

To the forty-five year olds who filled in for the Twos, “just this week”, all season – We salute you

To the mums who carted around the other kids whose parents “were too busy” – We salute you

To the parents who continued on committees well past their kids’ last games for the club – We salute you

To the kids who ran the boundary for three games in an afternoon – We salute you

To the players in U/17 D Grade who just loved playing with their friends on a Saturday – We salute you

To those that served on association committees, forsaking your club allegiances – We salute you

To the parents who took on team manager duties, bringing spare oranges and lollies each week “just in case” – We salute you

To the girls who organised teams in mid-week night comps just to keep in touch with the old gang – We salute you

To the coaches who ensured that each kid got a fair go, regardless – We salute you

To the parents that allowed their front room to fill up with club uniforms and hoodies, “drop in anytime and we’ll fix you up” – We salute you

To the sponsors who gave willingly, not really expecting a return from their outlay – We salute you

To the umpires that picked out that free for the little kid on the outside of the pack – We salute you

To the parents that knocked off work early, drove to Berwick from Doncaster on a Friday night, only to see their team forfeit again – We salute you

To the players who didn’t win a game all season, but will be back for more next year – We salute you

To the bloke on the gate and his wife serving fat red saveloys in fluffy white rolls – We salute you

To the kids that decided that movie tickets would be a better gift for the coach than grog – We salute you

To the umpires that stopped the game to explain “stepping” to the eight year old WD – We salute you

To the girls that thought they’d give footy a go – We salute you

About Mark 'Swish' Schwerdt

Saw my first SANFL game in 1967 - Dogs v Peckers. Have only ever seen the Dogs win 1 final in the flesh (1972 1st Semi) Mediocre forward pocket for the AUFC Blacks (1982-89) Life member - Ormond Netball Club -That's me on the right

Comments

  1. Malcolm Ashwood says

    Well done.Swish sport does not occur with out plenty of volunteers

  2. To the junior umpires who rock up early on a Saturday morning and can’t move from the centre, they are so hungover – we salute you

    To the (mostly) ladies in the canteen that keep the gravy an appropriate texture and temperature to go on a container of hot chips – we salute you

    Loving the local sports stories coming out this week, Swish – all possible because of countless volunteer hours

  3. For those about to ruck, we salute you.

  4. Nice work Swish. I’m sure this list could keep on going, and going.
    I will say though,as coaches wife, we did enjoy the drop of red generously gifted by the team.
    Nice way to see the season out.

  5. Mark 'Swish' Schwerdt says

    Thanks all

    Book – you’re a prime example of that

    Dave – it always gets back to drink and food with you

    Mickey – I’ll keep lobbing them up, you keep whacking them through cover

    Kate – how’s cricket season looking?

  6. And 11 out of the 18 applicable to the Swish family. I salute you for all you’ve done, Dad.

  7. To the staff working on match day – we support you.

    Glen!

  8. To the girls and boys playing footy for fun, exercise and community more than winning, we salute you

Leave a Comment

*