Coasters reflect on unprecedented campaign

EXCITING times are ahead for Surf Coast Football Club following its most successful year in the club’s history.

The Coasters have farewelled 2024 with five league championship pennants for the first time since the club was conceived in 2001.

Surf Coast secured championships at the Under 13 Girls level, Under 15 Boys, Under 17 Boys, Geelong League Division 1 and capped off by the club’s historic State League 4 promotion to State League 3.

Club president Brett King said he had been extremely proud of what the club has achieved in 2024.

“From a club overview, we’ve had some really great success this year, and while success isn’t necessarily based on the number of trophies you win, more the club’s vibe and feeling, we’ve done well this season,” King said.

“From the engagement of the members, we’ve heard a lot of praise about their love and care for the place, and from that we are able to branch out to acquire new members and continue to grow the club.”

The Coasters had 710 playing members in 2024, a 45 per cent growth from last year.

Among the club’s coaches is Surf Coast Under 17 coach Ash Carthew, who helped his side to a Grand Final win on penalties.

Carthew helped lead two teams at the Under 17 level in 2024, providing knowledge to more than 30 junior players during the season.

Ash said the players have enjoyed the culture this year, which helped fuel the teams’ on-field successes.

“With 33 boys across the two teams in Under 17’s, it was a big jump from 2023 with 16 or so, so we ended up picking up a whole new squad,” Carthew said.

“It built a really good environment, the players would also watch the Saturday men, be here at the club for Thursday night meals, all of them showed great club spirit this year and that flows right through the club.”

Infrastructure-wise, the club will investigate the feasibility of improving its synthetic pitch to a higher standard in future years.

The club will officially celebrate the end of the season with its Senior Presentation Night at Grant Pavilion on October 19.