Southern Highlands Storm paid tribute to outgoing coach Steve Baines as they reflected on a challenging year for the new club.
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The seniors held their presentation night in virtual format last week where Third Grade captain Daniel Lovell was also named player of the year as voted by his teammates.
Baines, who also featured in some games for the side, said he was incredibly thankful for all the support he had received in taking charge of a side that was thrown together in 2020 after the merger of Bowral and Moss Vale.
"I just wanted to say thank you to everyone in the Highlands Storm community for all the help during season 2021," he told the club via Zoom.
"Unfortunately it was cut short due to the COVID situation. To all the strappers, water runners, coaches, managers, parents who took the kids to the game, I appreciate all your help over the season.
"There's some outstanding junior talent we have in this area. The Under 16 boys, thanks for allowing me to help when I could and hopefully we'll see them all trotting around in the Under 18's next year."
After making the Group 6 Third Grade grand final in their inaugural season, the Storm then moved to Group 7 where they found the going tough against some strong opposition.
Despite only recording three wins in the curtailed campaign, Baines said it was a highlight watching the side grow.
"This year we knocked off top-of-the-table Sussex Inlet in the last game at Loseby Park and we only had 14 men," he reflected.
"So just for your guys to show your true character, not only as men but as a football team [was amazing]. Also to get me out of a retirement to play a few games was pretty awesome to be honest."
President Peter Howard also paid tribute to Baines' efforts, as well as the playing group in another COVID-affected year.
"I really have to take my hat off to our coach Seven Baines," he said in his address.
"Steve's decided to move on and try something different next year but we hope he's involved with the club next year as well.
"To the players, I'd like to thank all you boys. You've been fantastic in what was a very tough year for you all but there were some fun times as well, I think you all enjoyed the bus trips down the coast.
"It worked well. The whole Group 7 competition was something different for us this year, something that we haven't been used to."
Howard said skipper Lowell had earned the player of the year gong and that the club would take time to reflect before casting their gaze towards 2022.
"We had a number of guys really put their hand up this year with some great performances on the field but none can deny this guy.
"In a few weeks time we'll start talking about next year but for now it's all about this year and what you guys have done."
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