It is with disappointment that I inform you of a tough decision Nick Gieschen has had to make in announcing his retirement from league football due to his increasing work commitments as a player Manager.

Nick who we recruited from Victoria this year has been unable to consistently train and apply himself to his football as he would like due to the ever growing demands of his working environment.

Nick who is a quality person and a true professional in every aspect will be missed by all here at the Club.

Results
Rounds 1 to 3 has so far seen a mixture of excitement, concern & disappointment in our on field results. Although at times we have played some exiting football the overuse of the footy, lack of concentration and a injury list long enough to wipe out most small country's, has hurt us badly.

I as Football Operations Manager want to ensure all our supporters, members and sponsors that the coaching group are working tirelessly to turn things around.

We as a Club need to give the new players time to settle amongst our playing group before judgment can be made on how well we are traveling. I think it is really important to remember Round 7 last season when the Glenelg Football Club were sitting on a 1 - 5 win / loss record and went on to compete in the finals with some success.

We all want to be winners and we want it to happen quickly, however you and I know that it does take time and a lot of hard work before we can reach any great heights in this game we love so dearly.

So! I ask you to keep the faith, support your team and make sure you come out and watch the boys play against the Eagles, Panthers and Magpies at home over the next three games.

The Future
Injured players - Culpitt & Trotter we are hopeful will resume playing this week against the Eagles! The Crows should release Kite to resume the following week against South!

Doyle, McLean & Phitzner should all return in time to play the Magpies while Phillips who hurt his hand in an off field accident will not be available before our Round 11 game against the Eagles.

Unfortunately we have no guarantees Matt Thomas, Jericho, Massie or Campbell who are currently listed as injured by their respective AFL clubs will return to us once they have recovered from there individual setbacks.

Encouraging
Is the performance of some of the young guys playing at Reserves level. Walker, Alwan, Schulz, Speight and Brunloi have all been terrific performers in all games they have played and are knocking on the door demanding a senior birth.

In closing! It would be remiss of me not to wish Hugh Minson all the best for his future after the disappointing news he received last week regarding his horrific knee injury. It is a tragedy that someone so young and with such a bright future can be struck down so early in his career. Let's hope when back on his feet we see Hugh's friendly face involved in some way around our football club. He will always be welcome.

Mark Ross
Football Operations Manager