Newcomb look to send powerful statement in 2022

A MILLION-DOLLAR pavilion upgrade, inaugural senior night matches and a program involving more than 380 juniors are just some of the reasons why 2022 is expected to be a breakout year for one of the BFNL’s long-standing clubs.

Season 2022 can’t come quick enough for the Newcomb Power Football and Netball Club, despite a couple loose ends expected to be tied up in the next few months.

“First and foremost, the number one challenge between now and the end of last season has been reengaging our members for both juniors and seniors,” Newcomb president Matt Farrow said.

“The excitement at the club is certainly there, but the motivation to get involved is the key to getting our season off the ground.”

The Power, based out of Grinter Reserve, are preparing to “blitz” the competition come April when football and netball seasons commence on the back of several new facility upgrades and a consistent growth across both sports at the club.

The upgrades include the extension of Newcomb’s pavilion and new state-of-the-art changing rooms equipped with a gym, sauna, and ice baths to aid in athlete recovery and injury prevention.

The pavilion’s construction, made possible by the City of Greater Geelong’s budget allocation for 2021/22, totalled $925,000 and is expected to be completed around May, an already delayed projection.

As a result of the delays, the club has been forced to alter its financial and season structure in the meantime with no home games scheduled for a portion of the season.

Another exciting feature for Grinter Reserve is the new and upgraded lighting system provided by the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 impacted Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.

“We are aiming to have our first senior home game under lights this season for the first time ever on either May 14 or May 28, which
will be super important for the club,” Farrow said.

“When that will be I can’t say yet, but we are really looking forward to that and with various upgrades going up it is certainly overdue.”

Junior coordinator Scott Smith has also been working tirelessly behind the scenes to maintain numbers from the ground up, including female participation.

“We have players ranging from five years old through to 18 and started with only one junior side 10 years ago to the point where we now have over 300 kids in football alone,” Smith said.

“These numbers in large part allowed us to be seen as a club worth investing in by council which has led to all these upgrades, now we are in a position to start focusing on a plan that will continue to see us grow.”

Farrow and Smith estimate the club is around two seasons away from fielding Newcomb’s first senior women’s side.

The club’s registration day is scheduled for February 20, where more players are hoped to sign on with the Power for future seasons.