A WEEKEND OF EMOTION & MIXED RESULTS

It was a weekend with plenty of emotion and some mixed results

View this email in your browser A WEEKEND OF EMOTION & MIXED RESULTS CONGRATULATIONS JB … WHAT AN AMAZING CAREER & LEGACY! After more than 20 years, 3 premierships, 2 Mulrooney medals, 332 games of 1st Grade AFL in Canberra and the SANFL (South Australia), 284 games at BMFC, 10 best and fairest awards (9 at Belconnen and 1 at North Adelaide) James ‘JB’ Bennett has announced his retirement. Making his 1st Grade debut in 2004 at 16 years of age, James followed the path set by his father David, and older brother Lexie, to play football for his beloved Belconnen Magpies Football Club. James’ personal accolades are truly significant and highlight his incredible talent and the enduring impact he has had on the local competition. He has always led by example, and this is clear through the respect he receives from his teammates along with the competitive instinct he displays towards his opposition each time he takes the field. James played his final game in the elimination final against Eastlake on Sunday 1 September, and whilst not the result he and the team were looking for, the camaraderie, connection and determination this group has displayed over season 2024 was clearly evident. James is looking forward to spending more time with his family, wife Sophie and children Poppy, Darcy and Vivienne and will be back at the Belconnen Magpies Football Club in an off field role in 2025. Congratulations JB on an amazing career. The Belconnen Magpies Football Club have been honoured to have been a part of your journey and your lasting legacy. The 1st weekend of the finals provided many things … some great wins, some heartbreaking losses and a moment in the Club’s history that was marked with emotion. Friday night started with loads of support out in force for our Rising Stars teams. The Rising Stars Men won an absolute nail biter by 1 point against Eastlake. Some intense scrambling defence in the dying minutes of game enabled the boys to claim a heart stopping victory. The lads progress directly to the Grand Final which will be played at EPC Solar Park on Friday 13 September at 7:50pm. The Rising Stars Women went down fighting hard against Tuggeranong but were unable to win their way through to the Preliminary Final. Congratulations to the girls on a great year and we look forward to seeing this group build into the season ahead. The 2nd Grade Women won their Elimination final with a great win over Tuggeranong on Sunday morning and go through to the Preliminary Final against Ainslie. The back end of the girls season has been fantastic and we are sure they can continue their great form this weekend. The 1st Grade Women played on Saturday in the Qualifying final against Queanbeyan and after an excellent 1st half, Queanbeyan got the better of the girls and kicked away for the win. There is another opportunity this weekend in the Preliminary Final against Ainslie and a win will put the girls through to the Grand Final to play Queanbeyan. The 2nd Grade Men started out well in their game against Queanbeyan on Sunday but were unable to sustain the pressure they were consistently under. The boys tried hard all day but unfortunately couldn’t get up for the win and their 2024 season is now over. Well done to you all for your efforts over the year and we look forward to seeing what lies ahead in 2025. The 1st Grade Men came up against Eastlake on Sunday but unfortunately the campaign for back-to-back premiership just wasn’t meant to be. The battles between these 2 teams over the season has always been fierce and this was no different. If only a few of those near misses had been goals then the result may have fallen our way. A massive thank you to the coaching and support team for your commitment to this group over the season. ROUND 1 FINAL RESULTS 1st Grade Men Elimination Final - BMFC 4.10  34 defeated by Eastlake 11.7  73 1st Grade Women Qualifying Final - BMFC 3.4  22 defeated by Queanbeyan 6.5  41 2nd Grade Men Elimination Final - BMFC 3.1 1 9 defeated by Queanbeyan 6.12  48 2nd Grade Women Elimination Final - BMFC 5.7  37 defeated Tuggeranong 1. 4  10 Rising Stars Men Qualifying Final - BMFC 6.7  43 defeated Eastlake 6.6  42 Rising Stars Women Elimination Final - BMFC 1.3  9 defeated by Tuggeranong 9.14  68 PRELIMINARY FINAL 1st Grade Women - BMFC v Ainslie @ Gungahlin Oval. Saturday 7 September at 10:45am 2nd Grade Women - BMFC v Ainslie @ Gungahlin Oval. Saturday 7 September at 9:00am Good luck to all our players. Do yourself, your team and BMFC proud. Go Pies! *Please note: there will be an entry fee at all games Player Profiles BLAKE ‘CHAPPO’ CHAPMAN – One of our hybrids, Chappo is a versatile ruck/forward combo now that he has FINALLY learnt how to kick straight! Chappo is a strong contested mark, has great vision as to where to position himself to maximise scoring opportunities. He is also one of the best blokes you will meet! LAURA ‘LAUZ’ NELSON – Laura had an interrupted start to this season due to injury but has managed to get back to footy in time to get the women’s team into a prelim final! Lauz uses her strength, power and agility in ruck contests to out-muscle her opponents. She also loves to tackle! Laura is our friendly social organiser who loves to help out in any way she can! Save the date … Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 12 October 2024. Lock it into your calendars now. More details to come so keep an eye out on our socials and newsletters! Photo Gallery Stacey was out again over last weekend capturing some great photos of our women’s teams. 1st Grade Women 2nd Grade Women Thanks again Stacey - you’re a star! Club Lime Memberships available We still have a few 12 month Multi Club gym memberships available to purchase for $800 - a saving of almost $600. If you are interested please get in contact with Emma at football@belconnenmagpies.com.au AFL Nines - Register now Spring is here, it's time to stay fit and connected with your mates in the off-season. AFL Nines is footy fun without the pressure. It's the perfect way to stay active and social with your best mates, and maybe even show off a few new tricks! Seriously, check out this video showing all the fun there is to be had playing AFL Nines. Sponsors Spot For 37 years SFL has been the business to go to for all food distribution for cafes, clubs and restaurants. SFL also has the option for home delivery so you can enjoy the same quality that you get from the best restaurants and cafes throughout Canberra. They specialise in seafood, meat and bakery goods. You can also sample some of SFL’s goods at the Nest and at home games. Thanks Scotty, you’re a legend. Are you interested in becoming a Sponsor? Contact Emma at football@belconnenmagpies.com.au PLAYER SIGNATURE DISH The perfect meal to pull togther that tasty and easy to whip up Give it try!! Links AFL Finals Function with guest speaker Alistair Clarkson - Friday 6 September 2024 2024 AFL Canberra Season Draw All in Sports - LIVEstreaming Inside the Nest Podcast - Like and subscribe and you’ll know when the next episode drops. Prosport photos - some great photos from recent games. Do you know someone that would like to receive the weekly newsletter. Send them this link so they can sign up and subscribe. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with all the news you need to know. Forward to a friend Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe