Football Season 2016

With another season done and dusted it occurred to me that I hadn't done a football post all year. I don't like to fill the blog with too much family stuff, just enough to keep the family interstate up to date.

This year started back in April with a preseason cup across all the leagues, it also saw my three guys spread across three different clubs.
John once again for his 5th year now was sports trainer at Springwood Pumas, looking after all their senior teams. He has after that many years got his routine perfected (mostly) and apart from a few new players here and there knows his team and who needs what treatment and management.
I'm a little bias possibly, but he does an amazing job working from 10am to 5pm most Saturdays for 6months plus two training nights. He would never admit it though.
 

 

My big boy (in more ways than one) started the year at Park Ridge playing a few games there before a few reasons saw him returning to play at Springwood. It was an up and down season for him, illness and injury saw him miss a couple of games. Those games he did play he played well (imho), his team the reserves along with the seniors made it to the Grand Final, which they both lost.  Sadly he didn't get chosen as one of the best 22 on the day so didn't get to play the grand final, but cheered them on from the sidelines rather passionately.

For a second year Dan played at Mt Gravatt having a busy time with work and not always being able to train so settled into the reserve side for the season. Sadly we never got to see more than a few of his games, but made it to the important ones. They made it to finals, and we did make it to watch them,  but got knocked out in the second round.

I spent the majority of games with a camera in hand, trying to get that perfect shot. I then spent many hours at home editing and uploading said photos for the guys to proudly share and make their profile pic's. That person that said many years ago that boys wouldn't be interested in photos should be eating their words about now. The guys are so into shots of themselves playing sport.

Whilst footy season is one we all enjoy as a family at the time, I can't say that I'm not glad its over for another year. Time to chill out, spend some weekends doing what we want to do and hanging out with friends and family for a change.


Thanks for visiting
Lis :)

Footy season is here again

  

This years footy season is in full swing again so our Saturday's for the next few months are now occupied with driving around the South East to various grounds to watch my boys play.

John is once again sports trainer at the club, looking after all 3 senior teams, made a little challenging this year with the Under 19's not always playing at the same ground as our reserves and seniors.

Josh has come back to play this year after a little break so I have both him and Dan playing together for the first time in awhile.

 We are of to a pretty good start so lets hoping we can continue and get to the grand finals again this year!


Thanks for visiting
Lis :)

A dream 12 years in the making

If you read  my blog regularly then you would of seen my post here about our club teams making it to finals. Sadly our junior teams all went out in the first round, and our under 18's out in the 2nd round after playing a team they had never played before - but that's a whole other story.
Everyone was super excited and proud when both our seniors and reserves made it into the grand final! A huge effort on everyones part and as my title eludes, its been 12 years since the club had both teams in a grand final!

The day started early with John needing to be there just before all the players to set up and be ready to start strapping as soon as they started rolling in. I had the camera out nice and early grabbing shots of the players as they arrived, as well as any spectators bravely being there 2 hours before game time hah. There were alot of nerves and alot of excitement from pretty much everyone involved and soon enough the National Anthem was played and the game began.
I wont bore you with game details too much, I could never say it as good as Stephen Purdy did here. It was pretty intense though and LOUD there was a sea of blue and gold supporters, that loud that we didn't even here the siren go to end the game. All that mattered was the free kick to Dan Bridge  and his super goal that put us 5 points up and WINNERS!!!
The celebrations started, presentations  made and the trophy awarded to Luke, Ben and the boys!!

Not a soul left the ground, everyone was pumped and ready to cheer on our senior side to the same victory! The reserves eventually joined us bringing their very own special kind of loud to the sidelines. Whilst the senior game wasn't as close so not as tense it was just as exciting and that last quarter the boys just kept it going and when the final siren went the boys came away WINNERS by 49 points!!

The crowd went nuts, the ground was invaded and as I said to John later that night, Ive never seen so many grown men cry. Tears of happiness were everywhere! I think the cutest thing I heard was young master Jack who was very concerned that "Daddy is crying"
There were hugs and fist pumps to go with those tears and lots of screaming. I must thank Tish for pulling me out of the huddle after the team song, I was sure I was going to get crushed!
Presentations started and wise words uttered, Zaine was awarded best on ground and the boys couldn't of been prouder. Premiership medals were handed out then the premiership trophy was handed to  Tony and Mark and that's when the celebrations really began.
Celebrations continued back at the club later that night and im sure went well into the morning for most, then the next couple of days for the players celebrating Silly Sunday and Mad Monday.
All the photos have now been uploaded to the Springwood Pumas facebook page, so go have a look and relive the day or just have a sticky.

That now brings an end to the footy season for us, that means weekends are now ours to do as we please.
Thanks everyone for a super great year!

Thanks for stopping by
Lis :)

Finals fever hits Puma land

The home and away season finished last weekend with great results for  the Springwood Pumas club. For the first time in the history of the club all eligible teams have qualified for finals! What an awesome effort, well done to all players, coaches and others involved!

Our under 18's had a good season finishing 4th in the combined colts team finals, giving them the week of and a double chance! The boys head up to Redlands tomorrow afternoon for whats looking to be a wet, muddy game of footy. Good luck boys!
On a personal level Dan had an up and down season playing in all 3 senior teams over the season - 18's reserves and seniors - injury wise, well sometimes I think the boy should just give up lol he had 2 trips to hospital and a few minor injuries but has come into the important part of the season healthy, fit and eager to play good footy.

John was kept busy this year looking after all 3 of the senior teams and occasionally helping out the junior teams. Dan also sat and passed his SMA level 1 and helped John out when he could.

Our reserves finished the home and away season of with a wet, muddy game against Robina to finish as minor premiers!! They have the week of and get to take on Robina again next weekend in 2nd round of finals. Good luck to all!!

The seniors also despite their first loss of the in the last round finished minor premiers!! They too get the week of and will take on Burleigh next weekend. Good Luck guys!!

Like I said a great home and away season which we are hoping will see us celebrating in a few weeks with multiple premiership cups!!
If you would like to come support our teams then visit our facebook page for all game info!

Thanks for stopping by
Lis :)

Footy is Back!

Its that time of year again, footy season! Didnt we just finish last season like last month? It certainly seems like we havent had that much of a break. I should be thankful that I dont have to drive to and sit at trainings anymore, thankful for a hubby who is needed and a son who drives!!!

Three of my men folk are involved with the Pumas again this year. John is once again the sports trainer and looking after the teams on his own this year - think that might have to change, Dan is playing in the senior group more this year hoping to improve his game. Jay is helping out around the club with boundary umpiring and water carrier. Me, well once again this year im taking photos! (for any players or supporters reading this they are uploaded to facebook usually by Wednesday following the game - where life allows).

This year the whole structure has changed and there have been alot of changes (which I think are still ongoing), we have had a few practice games so far and the seniors and reserves kicked of their 1st round with wins from both sides! Well done teams!!
The 18's are hopefully kicking of their season this week or next, goodluck to them too!

At times during the footy season im sure you will hear me winge/complain about being at the footy all day, about how id rather be at home or doing something else. Honestly I really do enjoy it, love watching my boys play sport and the social aspect is good too! Catching up with the girls and having coffee/wine and chats is always a good thing!

Heres hoping for a fantastic season for all Puma teams!!

Thanks for stopping by
Lis :)

The year that was - My sports nuts

As anyone who know our family knows our boys are major sports nuts.This past year was no different from previous years with a full on year from March to September. All 4 of my boys threw themselves head first into their chosen sport and had a great year.

Lets start with my biggest boy, John once again took on the role of sports trainer at Springwood footy club. Looking after all 3 senior teams, he was kept pretty busy throughout the year with the boys having a few major injuries and quite a few minor ones.

He also got to work with some of the AFL league teams when they travelled to Qld to play either the Brisbane Lions or the Gold Coast Suns. Hawthorn being a first for him this year much to Josh's delight!

Josh's football season started of well with his confidence over his knee alot better than the previous season. He did have a minor injury in one of the practice games with saw him sidelined for a little bit.

His footy  season was put on hold though when he made the Under 21 Logan Thunder Representative Basketball  side! The games clashed with footy so he had to choose and well a rep side naturally won!

Daniel, well what an up and down year he had. Starting in Under 18's as one of the more senior players, filling in for the reserves whenever they needed him to, as well as helping out around the club however he couuld.
 

 He had a few injuries this year, a couple of trips to hospital, but nothing major that kept him out for too long. He hated it when he couldnt play and more often than not would play on through the pain.

We were so proud of him when he made his senior debut, being picked to play up alongside some amazing talent and from all reports he held his own!

My littlest man also got involved once again helping out with the junior teams at the club, umpiring the under 6's to 10's. He looked so big out there amongst the little ones!

He also had the opportunity to take part in the youth finals for AFLBJ as a boundary umpire, getting valuable experience along the way.

He also did his part to help out with the senior teams, running water to players whenever they needed him to.

2013 was a pretty successful season for our under 18's, making it to the semi final before being beat by a pretty full on Sandgate side (thats a whole other story) and our seniors made it to the grandfinal but got beaten by a much determined Palm Beach side.
Regardless of results so proud of everyone for their efforts this year. I love that my boys are all involved in sports and enjoy being a part of their journey.

Thanks for stopping by
Lis :)

White boys can jump.

 A few months ago my oldest son Josh came home and told us that he was trying out for the Logan Thunder Basketball Senior Rep Team. He has always been a tall boy and we did at I think 8 yrs take him to try out for basketball, but he was so uncoordinated and gangly it turned into a bad idea. Fast forward 11 years and a solid football career behind him and he has started showing a liking for it again and even playing in a mens league midweek.
He was super chuffed and we were so proud when he got the notification that he made the team!!!

At 6ft 7 and just under 100kg (yup huge) and years of playing ruckman at footy was a perfect fit for basketball it seems. He has had to put his football on hold to play, but he is loving his basketball.
Court time hasnt been all that forthcomming so far but he is one of the rookies and im sure that will improve with time. When he is on the court though he impresses (well me at least if not always the coach).



























So proud of my boy who has shown over the years a love for ALL sports not just one, having played Ice Hockey at State and National level, umpired ice hockey and soccer, played AFL and won 2 premierships as well as taking part in all school sports teams and winning the major award in his last year and now the Rep basketball team!!
Looking forward to seeing what else the future has in store for my boy!

Thanks for stopping by
Lis :)

Climb aboard the Puma Train!

 After what only seemed like a few weeks break the footy season is well and truly here with us again.We started the season of with a few practice games before the regular home and away season commenced and all teams looked set for a great season!
Jay put his hand up to umpire the clubs junior teams again this year and headed of to complete the trainings required for all club umpires. He loves getting out there on a Saturday morning and helping the kids have a great fun game of footy. Its funny watching him, my baby boy who looks so small at home with the rest of my boys looks so big on the field with the little Puma's.
Jay has already and will more than likely continue to help out with our senior teams, running water or filling in for boundary umpires when the need arises. 

 Dan starts his 2nd year of Under 18's stepping up this year as one of the older boys and taking on the role of ruck man with gusto! He loves his footy and would play 5 games a week if he could, so stepping up and playing for reserves is something he will do whenever asked.
 

 Josh started the season well  having a few good games before having to put his footy on hold for awhile after making the Logan representative basketball team. Will have more on that in another post.

Its a whole family affair for us with John once again taking on the role of Sports trainer for all 3 senior teams as well as looking after 1st aid for the club. Its a big job and long Saturdays but he really does enjoy his what he does. I love the concern he shows for his players (some of who he barely even knows) whenever they get injured.
 

Our footy day starts early, having to be at the ground for the first game by 9am (even earlier if Jay is umpiring juniors first) and usually ends around 5pm after 3 senior games + packing up. It makes for an exhausting long day for all of us but it also means that footy is all completed on the one day and unlike previous years we have no footy on Sundays.
I have taken on the task again this year of taking photos of all 3 games, trying to get those spectacular shots of the game that everyone loves to see (especially the players themselves). I spend all day with a camera in hand and have noticed that I'm seeing more of the game than when I just sat there and watched!
We have just completed round 6 and all teams are doing really well, the 18's and reserves are competing really well but the biggest improvement this year is our senior team who are yet to lose a game. Sitting top of the ladder and having just this weekend come away with a club record, beating Wilston Grange for the first time in the clubs history!! Well done boys, lets keep the Puma train going!!

I have a few creative posts lined up to share over the next few days so stay tuned.

Thanks for stopping by
Lis :)

Chance of a lifetime

 Ever since I met my hubby all those many years ago he has shown an interest in 1st aid and helping people. He was a member of St John Australia when we met and continued to work with them for many years after that. After we moved to Queensland and got involved with the local football club he partook in a Sports Medicine Trainers course, he then spent most weekends a year helping out the various teams with first aid and sports injuries etc. Always wanting to better himself he upgraded his qualifications and became a SMA level 2.

He became a member of Sports Medicine Australia and picked up a few extra events to attend and use the knowledge he had learnt. With all of our boys involved in AFL he decided to email all the clubs that travel to Brisbane/Gold Coast to play and offer his services. He was stoked to get some positive replies and be able to work with such an elite level of sport.

 Over the next few years he worked with St Kilda, Melbourne, Richmond and North Melbourne as well as continuing to work with the club our boys played at (now senior level). This year he sent of his normal round of emails and much to the delight of Josh (Huge Hawthorn fan) he was asked to work with Hawthorn last weekend when they flew to the Gold Coast to take on the Suns and the Lions in the NAB Cup.

A great honor as I mention before to work with an elite team, he not only gets to help out in the rooms with massages and taping but is on the ground during the game as well.
 I think I saw the biggests smiles though come from Josh who through Johns asking was allowed to get into the Hawthorn rooms and meet the players and get some autographs.
He also got to meet (and get a photo) with his favourite currrent player, Buddy Franklin. He came home a very happy boy late Saturday night!

The boys have been very lucky with their dads involvement with the AFL teams and got to meet alot of players as well as get into rooms and listen to coaches chats and nutristionists etc not something that everyone gets to do.

Thanks for stopping by
Lis :)

Getting into the spirit

  

My sports mad son has gone to nearly every cricket match at the Gabba this summer I think. When the ad's came on tv about dressing up to go to the matches his mind went into overdrive lol.

He and Richie came up with the idea to paint their torsos with the Aussie jersey....

 He spent quite a few hours searching shops to find the body paint in the right colours and for a good price. Unfortunately he wasnt able to get as much as he needed, so when it came time for mum to paint on a different sort of canvas lol I had to watch how much I used. It was the first time I had used body paint (done face painting a few times) and  I learnt that for next time you have to paint it on quite thick the first time, doesnt really work trying to apply a 2nd coat.

Both boys were happy with how it turned out though so all was good. I was pretty impressed with it myself.

 

Arriving home after dark and trying to get it all of before he got in my shower wasnt as much fun though lol, I made him stand outside on the grass while I used a bucket and sponge to clean him lol luckily it was a pretty warm  night.

Thanks for stopping by
Lis :)

2012 - What a year

 This year as I sit and type out my year in review post unlike other years I dont feel like this year has flown by. The year has been pretty action packed with alot going on in all our lives. There were some sad things that were hard to get through and there were alot of great things that made us all happy and proud.
Creative wise I had a productive year, branching out with a few different things this year, trying my hand at more mixed media and painting and taking my crochet to a new level.

 

 Football season got under way with  all the boys involved in some way. Jayden did the junior umpirinig course and spent the year umpiring the Puma junior teams as well as helping out with our senior group anyway they needed him. Dan started with Under 18's as well as filling in for quite a few reserve games and even a couple of senior games, he ended the year with the Senior clubman award. Josh helped out with runner and water duties until his come back part way into the season. His knee held up well and he had a pretty good season.

Josh started playing with basketball team which really helped with his jumping. John once again helped out with visiting Melbourne teams with AFL games at both the Gabba and Metricon as well as taking part in the Pan Pacific Masters Games again, this year a few different sports to last year and even getting to meet a few "celebrities". Dan had a great year with school sport making it to regionals for both cross country as well as Athletics and various other school sports earning him the coveted Senior school sports award.

Dan competed in his first marathon, running in the Bridge to Brisbane and getting a pretty good time for his first effort.

 Family wise was a little up and down, Josh had his first car accident and whilst we were so grateful he didnt get hurt his car wasnt so lucky. Dan switched jobs from the deli at Coles to nightfill and got alot more hours, making him alot happier with a bigger paycheck! Dan also had his first trip to hospital with a suspected spleen injury courtesy of football. Ended up being ok and after a couple of precautionary days in hospital and a couple of weeks rest he was back into it.
We sadly mourned the death of one of Josh's mates as well as an Aunty and a couple of close family friends.
On a brighter note we welcomed the beautiful Ashleigh into our family, her and Josh are a gogeous couple.

Once the footy season finished and we had our weekends back and time to do things we hung out alot in the yard the boys making good use of the pool with some really warm days. A few family trips out and about with lots of photo taking especially with Johns new lens he got for his camera.
Josh and I flew to Tassie to help dad celebrate his 75th Birthday and had a rushed few days catching up with everyone.
Daniel graduated from school with a flurry of awards nights, formals and valedictorian ceremony.
Christmas was celebrated at home again with the family and we plan on doing the same for tonight.
Seeing in the new year at home with family and a few close friends.

I hope that your year was memorable and that 2013 is just as memorable.
So Happy New Year, have a safe and fabulous night!

Lis :)