Leader Article: Jets to take off in Southern

Source: Bayside Leader - Tue 5th February, 2013

THE way Black Rock president Nick MacMillan sees it, clubs can go two ways when they are demoted a division. They can wallow in disappointment and continue to slide or they can take the chance to rebuild for better times. Black Rock is clearly adopting the latter course. Known for years as the Rockers, the club has been rebranded the Jets, has a new committee, a new senior coach and a renewed determination to engage their community. Black Rock had a rugged 2012, struggling for wins and being demoted to Division 3 for being ‘‘unfinancial’’ with the Southern league. It has since come to an arrangement with t he league to pay the owed money in installments. MacMillan has returned for a second stint as president, joined on the executive by Andrew Ferguson (secretary) and Marty Wickham (treasurer). Well- connected former Cheltenham player John Burke is coach, assisted by best and fairests Steve Baranski and Cory Durie and the returning Andy Dewar. In another positive, exciting key position player Mitch Carter has returned. (Article: Mitch Carter On Board for 2013) Bourke is keen to attract players who miss selection from neighbouring clubs due to excess numbers. He said they were better off playing than ‘‘spectating or sitting in a pub’’. (Article: Join Us: Don’t Sit on the Sidelines, Come and Play Senior Footy) ‘‘It was out of our hands,’’ MacMillan said of relegation. ‘‘The decision was made and we’ve accepted it and we’re taking it as a positive. We haven’t been competitive for a few years so we’re going to use it as a platform to rebuild. We’re on the improve already.’’ The new Jets logo will be launched at a major club function at Sandringham Masonic Hall on Saturday, April 6. ‘‘ Our Jets branding is aimed at being more identifiable in the local area,’’ Ferguson said. ‘‘ We want everyone to know who we are, where we are and to have a reputation as a club that welcomes everyone and gives back to the community. ‘‘Our aim is for the launch night to be a community and networking event, welcoming people from outside the club to come and connect with others from the local area.’’ (Event: Black Rock Jets Take Off – 2013 Launch Night) Brighton Toyota, Bendigo Bank Beaumaris and Anytime Fitness Moorabbin are major sponsors. Black Rock is training is on Mondays and Wednesdays. Prospective players can phone John Burke on 0437 142 212.