Manny Mavridis

Klaus Wunch

James Spence

Gillespies

Grahaeme Murray

David Cooper

KIAMA Quarriers presented its new coach to playing staff, members and supporters, at a casual "Meet the Coach" BBQ at Bonaira Oval. Former Wollongong Olympic stalwart, Manny Mavridis, has stepped into the coaching role of the Quarriers first team for the 2010 season, after 15 years at Olympic. In his first senior coaching role, Mavridis is hoping to build on the success of last season's Quarriers youth side, as well as the present senior players onboard. Mavridis has already brought in new signings; Paul Gaffney and Keiran Duncan, all players with a wealth of experience, which between them, can only stimulate the side's attacking style while bolstering the youth players' confidence around them. "Needless to say I am very excited about coaching Kiama next season, with the players at our disposal. I watched the youth last season and was very impressed. Kiama can look forward to a successful future if all goes well," Mavridis said. Mavridis is happy with the players retained by the club for the 2010 campaign; "we can all look forward to a positive outcome, and with the right mix of youth and the experience the new signings bring into the club the Quarrier's supporters should be looking at a top four finish at least," he said. Earlier, the club acknowledged 42-year old Mick Gillespie's contribution to the club, having won the 2009 Player of the Year Award for the second year in succession, as well as taking out the Players' Player of the Year Award. This time however, Mick had more to smile about than usual as it was a double celebration, as his son, Daniel, also won the Youth Grade's Player's Player of the Year Award, and both father and son had represented The Quarriers on the field of play at first team level last season, making a dream come true for Mick. "It was a dream come true to play alongside Daniel, I hoped at the start of the season that it just might happen, and as things turned out with injuries and suspensions to the first graders, Daniel got a chance to play at that level, and he took his chance well. It's a very rare chance in any sport to play alongside your son, so obviously I feel very honoured," Mick said after the awards dinner. New President, Grahaeme Murray, was looking forward to the challenges of 2010 and was confident that the club can progress under the coaching staff and new committee which had been set in place for the ensuing season. "We retained Naysan as the club's Secretary, and Dave Murphy as the Registrar, while Chris Hudson has gone back into the PR role once again. New recruits however, are Paul Bragaa, who is the new Treasurer, and Dave Cooper is our new Vice President. "Paul brings a wealth of talent to the club having been involved with Quicken and Quicken Accounting Software in the past, which should prove valuable to the club's accounts this term. "Dave Cooper needs no introduction to the club, being a Life Member and a valued club member for many years. His contacts and experience will also bring a valuable contribution for our 2010 campaign," Grahaeme said. Other nominated committee members for 2010 are Neil Spence, Peter Tidswell and Larry Berringer. Klaus Wunsch has been appointed the new youth team coach, after Ian Rankin was offered the position of youth team coach at Fernhill. It was too good an opportunity to be missed for Ian and club wishes him the best of luck at Fernhill for next season. The reserve team coach is James Spence and with many veterans promising to return to the club for the reserve grade in 2010, it should be a good season for rookie coach Spence. "All in all we are pleased with the coaching staff we have and the new committee put in place, and we are in a much stronger position this year than we were last year, with everyone knowing what job they have to do prior to Christmas. This can only benefit the lads on the park and settle the players leading up to our pre-season commitments," Grahaeme concluded.