Kermandie Football Club (The Robins) - Southern Football League

Kermandie Football Club - the robins

The Kermandie Robins is a Regional League club in the AFL Southern Tasmania competition of Australian Rules football.

A Proud History

The Kermandie Football Club was formally constituted in March 1887 playing under the name of LIVERPOOL in black and red stripes. The Kermandie name was adopted by a second team in the town and when the two teams challenged for the right to be the Geeveston representatives, the Kermandie team won the contest through their superior height and weight advantage. The name and their colours of RED & BLUE survived many generations as the ROBINS and were the dominant force through the pre 2nd World War competition assisted by some great players, coaches and a series of dedicated committees. They had particularly good seasons under Syd Gane Snr, Clabby Robertson, Max Pitchford and Hec Eyles.

Post War competition was always well contested and Kermandie and Cygnet were the main contenders for the premiership honours with Franklin and Huonville managing one occasionally. By this time there was also a very healthy ‘Junior’ comp which was mainly won by whoever won the Senior flag, although Kermandie had more than their fair share of victories. The club had success winning three out of four premierships in the late 1940’s under Terry Pullen, followed by flags under Don Foster, Dick Clark and Sam Purdon during the 1950’s. The 1960’s saw another batch of great coaches at the helm who steered the club to flags in 1961 (Geoff Hill), 1965 (Alan Appleton) and 1969 (Ron Marney) all having the benefit of some of the best footballers in the area to make up the teams. Some of those worth noting were: Syd Gane Jnr, Ray Britcliffe, Ben Burgess, Max Eaves, Harry Langford, Doug McKibben, Albert Cordwell, Ian Riley, Rex Coulson, George Pepper, Ron Marriott, Malcolm Greatbatch, Don McKibben, Greg Martin, Jim Wilson, Noel Evans, Mick Wilson, Charlie Palmer, Bobby Burgess, Jim & Peter Sharp, Brian Thiessen, Peter Martyn, Reg Riley, Vern Gane and Kevin Burgess, the latter two playing over 300 games each. Many of those mentioned overlapped two decades and played with the next generation who included: Laurence Burgess (367 games and 6 B&F), Kelly Eaves, Ken Burgess, Royce Giblin, Raymond Rowe, Ian Scott, Geoff Gane, Dennis Conrades, Charlie Burgess, Max Walker, Mick & Teddy Penwright, John Russell, Phillip Rowe, Robert martin, Jim Bell, Micky Hardy, Noel Mewett, Peter Eaves, Terry Rowe, Stephen Clennett, Jason Britcliffe, Rodney Ford, John & Chris McKibben, Ted Phillips, Kerry Wilson, Tony Doyle Lou Rees, Jeff Knight, Michael Wilson and Phillip Martyn.

The 1967 bushfires changed the format of the competition with the inclusion of Kingston and Channel (both teams made up from the disbanded Longley Association.). From 1970 the Kermandie club was unsuccessful in winning a flag, breaking the drought in 1988 with a win in the reserves, although three teams had played off in several grand finals. (The under-age competition had been going since 1956 but to date, despite fielding some very good teams, the club does not have an under-age premiership).

The years from 1970 to 1992 were very competitive, but the Huon Association went back to a 4-club roster in 1997 when Kingston and Channel left to join the S.T.F.L. Kermandie were premiers in 1993 under Wayne Coulson with a great team line-up and the club doubled up with the Reserves as well. In 1996 the Seniors pulled off one of the closest finals in history under Rodney Kean’s leadership. The Huon Association was disbanded in 1998 with all remaining clubs forced to join the larger competition due to Franklin’s inability to field teams. Some of the talented players during the period from 1970 to 1996 were: Wayne Coulson. Paul McKibben, Steven Sharp, David Doyle, Craig Work, Tim Conrades, David Wilson, Erik Martin, Steven Knight, Tony Martyn, Geoff Jones, Tony Coulson, David O'Neill, Bradley and Cameron Ashlin, Shane Norris and Craig Studley.

The first season in the S.F.L. was a learning experience, as without time to properly prepare and sign up some top players, Kermandie suffered many humiliating losses. They had been forced to alter their club colours and insignia adopting the Adelaide Crow stripes, adding gold to their former red and blue and renamed themselves the Kermandie Bushrangers. With the appointment of a new coach , the club embarked on a 3 year plan to make the teams more competitive. Under Jock McGregor’s guidance and a good recruiting panel, the club managed to win a few games for the 1999 season giving some of the top teams a bit of scare with some close results.

The 2000 season was the ultimate when the Seniors won the Grand Final against a former Statewide League team, the Derwent Hawks. Talented players during this year were Michael McGregor, Brett Griggs, David Reynolds, Andrew Lovell, Jason Philp, Todd Pepper, Adam Dermoudy, Jed Simpson, Bradley and Cameron Ashlin, Shane Norris and Craig Studley.

Recent History

29/8/02

Disappointing end to season

Saturday saw The Kermandie Kangaroos season come to a disappointing end. After looking the better side and likely winners for the first three quarters we surrendered a 20 point three quarter time lead to go down by 9 points. To Claremont's credit they hung in there all day and with the home ground and home crowd advantage took the opportunities that it was given. Best of luck to them for the rest of the final series.

The Kermandie Kangaroos held it's Best & Fairest count for the Seniors, Reserves and Under 17's on Sunday 25-8-02 at the Clubrooms.

The Seniors was won by Todd Pepper (157 votes) from Adam Dermoudy (144 votes), David Wilson (96 votes) and Mark Bradley (94 votes). The Reserves was won by Craig Wilson (93 votes) from Matthew Henley (92 votes), Leigh Savage (80 votes) and John Rowling's (75 votes). The Under 17's was won by Brad Joseph (115 votes) from Damian Williamson (99 votes) , Jay Aitchison (91votes) and Troy Knight (84 votes).

The Kermandie Kangaroos Football Club wishes to thank it's coaching staff and players for their efforts throughout the 2002 season. We would also like to thank all that have sponsored and supported the club in 2002.Special thanks to our major sponsors Phillips Timber Supplies, Scott Mc Kibben , Forestry Tasmania and The Kermandie Hotel. To all our hard working selfless volunteers a big THANK YOU , without the countless hours you put into the club , there is no club. We hope to see you all next season.

Remember the End of Season Trophy Presentation Dinner , September 14th 7.30 pm at the Clubrooms ( Spit Roast Dinner ).

The Club will be holding it's A.G.M at the Clubrooms on Tuesday 22nd of October 7.30 pm . All welcome ( COME ALONG AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE ).

23/8/02

Goal for goal but Kangaroos win

The first round of the 2002 finals held at Kermandie saw three good games of finals football.

Congratulations to Huonville for winning the Under 17's and Channel for their win in the Reserves.

The Senior game started with the usual pace and hardness at the ball of a final, with the teams going goal for goal in a very entertaining quarter of football.

The second was following the same pattern as the first, before Kermandie through Darren Johns managed to kick three goals in a row to open up what proved to be a match winning lead.

The second half again was goal for goal . Every time Kermandie would open up a three or four goals lead, Channel would fight back.

In the last quarter Channel narrowed the margin to within a goal, but in the end Kermandie, with it's more experienced players, managed to steady and come away with a 13 point win.

We now travel to Claremont to play Claremont in the first semi final.

Saturday night at the clubroom we are holding a Rock & Roll night. Dean Mc Kibben is proving the music . $ 5.00 entry. 7.30 pm.

Sunday the Club is holding it's B & F count at the clubrooms from 12 noon. ( Under 17's / Reserves and Seniors). All players and supporters welcome.

11/8/02

Only a senior win from last roster match

From the last roster game of the season Kermandie could only manage one win .

The colts game followed an all to familiar story .Once again the boys tried very hard but were over run by a much more skilled and much bigger team. Season 2002 was a good effort from a very young team, but the boys are only one year into the three year plan. A big pre-season will see an improved performance next season. So stick together boys and we will see you all on the track in January.

The Reserves game was also a familiar story with the team running out propped up by two or three colts players. The game started promisingly enough with the Kangaroos looking the better team for the first quarter and a half, until the lack of training and fitness once again let them down. To the players credit they did not give the game away, trying hard right to the final siren. Once again another season that the reserves have had a side that could have made the finals, but a combination of bad luck with injuries and lack of hours on the training track sees them finish out of the finals.

The senior game was played in fine warm conditions with a breeze to the bottom end of the ground. The Kermandie team had put the game beyond doubt by half time and in the second half rotated the bench, giving most players a rest and trying some in different positions. The senior team now hosts Channel in a knock out elimination final. So to all supporters get along to what will be a great day of finals football, the last game at Kermandie Oval for the 2002 season.

The Blue & White ball was held last Saturday night at the Kermandie Hotel . Although the numbers where down all that attended had a good night. To the staff at the hotel , Dean Mc Kibben ( music), Simone Phillips (decorations) and Adam Coulson a big thank you.

5/8/02

Disappointing trip to Cygnet

On another beautiful day in the Huon Valley, Kermandie travelled to Cygnet and had to settle for the disappointing score line of nil from three. The colts team fielded a near full team for the first time in many weeks. The game although a bit of a scramble at times was hard fort by both teams. The first three quarters was every even with the lead swapping on several occasions. In the last quarter the Cygnet boys got the early break and with victory in sight held off the Kangaroos for a good win. One more to go boys ,see if we can finish off with a win ! The reserves took to the field against the very strong Cygnet side once again undermanned, with the colts players making up the numbers. To the teams' credit they gave Cygnet a very competitive game for two and a half quarters, until the lack of fitness and the better skills of the Cygnet team began to take it's tole. In the end a very easy win for the Cygnet team but well battled boys and like the colts one more to go, if you play with the same endeavour as against Cygnet the reserves may finish 2002 on a winning note. The senior game was a copy of last week, with Kermandie very competitive for three quarters but letting the opposition run away with the game in the last quarter. We can only hope for a full list to pick from come finals time.

The 90's Premiership reunion was held on Saturday night, and was well attended and from all accounts a good time was had by all. This coming Saturday night August 10th at the Kermandie Hotel is our Blue & White Ball . 3 course meal , Dean Mc Kibben providing the music . This will be a good night come and support the people that have put a lot of time into this function. Next Sunday August 11th at the Clubroom the Mini League teams are holding their end of season function. All players, parents and supporters are urged to attend.

1/8/02

Injury depleted Kangaroos given hard lesson

On what was a magnificent winters day in the Huon, an injury depleted Kermandie club was given a lesson in the level of fitness required to play four quarters of running pressure team football. The Colts team could only manage 15 fit players( again ) because of injuries and one or two who lack a little commitment. To the boys credit they contested very hard, but were beaten by a very polished unit. Unfortunately the boys had to endure another top team taking pleasure in playing 15 vs 18 and grinding them into the ground. Many around the ground wondered what good this did the Lauderdale team. Clubs and coaches must realise football is cyclic and following gentlemen's agreements made at league level and showing a little sportsmanship will be rewarded in the long run, and vice versa. The Reserves where also very under manned managing to only field the bare eighteen. All tried very hard but in the end Lauderdale's fitness and better skills saw them run away with an easy win. The two Senior teams hit the ground very fired up and the pace of the game in the first 15 minutes was "hot", with the ball rebounding quickly from one end of the ground to the other. A four goal to nil second quarter saw Lauderdale go into half time with a 16 point lead. After half time Lauderdale's running game got into top gear and the long pre season that they put in is know being rewarded, with four hard running quarters of pressure football ( a lesson for some of our players). Lauderdale running out convincing 43 point winners.

21/7/02

There's always next week

Kermandie travelled to Claremont and the day started badly, with the Reserves jumpers only arriving 5 minutes before starting time. Once again Squid was let down by some who could not put themselves out to travel to Claremont. With only 16 players taking the field it was always going to be an up hill battle, but to all the boys that played - a job well done . From all at the club thank you !

So come on all you reserves players get around Squid ( the best bloke you will meet in a days march ) and finish off the season with a win or two.

The Seniors came out with the aim of cementing 3rd place on the ladder. By half time it was very apparent that Claremont wanted the ball and the win more than we did, with good team football and following a team plan Claremont gave us a football lesson going on to win by 98 points. But the good thing at this time of year is that there is always next week.

Congratulations to Pip and the Under 11 boys for making the Huon Mini League Grand Final .Unfortunately they could not go the last step ,but well done boys on a good season. To all the Kermandie Mini League players a great season . Remember you are the clubs future.

FLYING HIGH: Claremont forward Damien Honey, right, takes a strong mark over Kermandie's Shane Thompson at Abbotsfield Park. Photo By: FRED KOHL CRUNCH: Kermandie's Dave Reynolds is driven to the ground in a tackle. Photo By: FRED KOHL

The 2001 season ended on a high note for some players - Craig Studley won the J Boag & Son/Mercury award and was runner up in the Huon News Player of the Year award while Todd Pepper and Jock McGregor won selection in the SFL Rep side and Jock finished second on the goalkicking ladder.

Contact AFL Southern Tasmania - 6230 1806
PO Box 520, North Hobart TAS 7002 or email admin@southernfootball.com.au