This is my recollection…..
In March 2006 whilst attending the State Surf Life Saving Nipper Championships at Warrnambool a discussion around our local kids playing footy was struck up by Libby Mears, Clark Veale, Sue and Geoff Brown, Mark and Leanne Rice, Suzie Reeves and myself.
Next thing you know, we were all throwing around ideas of entering a team into the Geelong junior comp, only problem was we didn’t know who to ask, where to play, what to call ourselves. In fact we really didn’t have a clue. Due to the unbelievable hard work of all involved soon enough the ball was rolling. We found ourselves in negotiations with Football Clubs, Football Leagues, Suppliers, the list was endless. Midweek meetings, loads of phone calls, media interviews, photo shoots. Clark, Geoff & Mark went on a recruiting drive and before too long had produced the nucleus of a team. We worked on the old theory…..’If you build it they will come!’ Clark Veale was appointed coach, Greg Day supplied the original Aireys inlet eels song, a home ground was secured and the moniker of The Eels was chosen... a popular choice. Before too
long the ball was really rolling.
The first game was played against Torquay on Saturday April 22, 2006. The first game was more than an event; people came from everywhere to support the Eels. The picnic like atmosphere and official pre match festivities were soon overshadowed by what took place on the field. The Eels won that first game and sang the song with earnest. Ned Reeves kicked the first two goals in Eel history and Lochie Donne was awarded the first ever Clyde Freak Anzac day Medal. The first season was a huge success on and off the field. On the field 10 wins from 16 games. Off the field it was far greater. A club was born.
The second season came and two teams took the field. The Under 10s were coached by Paul Leonard and the Under 12s by Clark Veale. The Under 12s were awarded the premiership for finishing on top of the ladder, the first Eel premiership. Lochie Donne won the Under 12s best and fairest and Ned Reeves won the Under 10s.
Season 3 came around in 2008 with the 10s and 12s both having great years. Clark again coached the 12s and Paul Leonard coached the 10s for the second time. Both teams had great years, the 12s won 11 of 15 games and the 10s managed to win 13 games. Lochie Donne again won the Under 12 best and fairest to make it 3 in a row while Ned Reeves won his second consecutive Under 10s best and fairest. Tom Veale, Ned Reeves and Jack Rice all became the first Eels to play 50 games.
2009 saw new coaches in Michael Coutts (12s) and Mark Jaska (10s) take charge in the clubs 4th season. Both teams again had great years. 2009 may well be remembered as the year of the Browns with Harrison Brown winning the Under 12 Best and Fairest alonside younger brother Seb Brown taking out the same award for the Under 10s. To cement their dominance a proud Geoff Brown was named Eel Parent of the Year.
This is a short introduction and only the beginning of the history of the Aireys Inlet Eels, the future is on display every Saturday during footy season. Bring it on.
Justin Reeves
