In the immediacy of Friday’s game there is no doubt we are all feeling disappointed. That is only natural. However, when we look at the season we had, and the preliminary final, we should feel great pride in the efforts of our AFL team this season.

Football is a game of high emotion and passion. The emotional investment is the risk we all take and each year, we hope it will be worth it in the end.
 
Our playing group this year was the most united and invested that we can recall. They care about each other. They care about the club and want to make a difference in our community. They are great ambassadors on and off the field.
 
This year saw us continue to invest in young players.  We saw continued development from the likes of Jake Kolodjashnij, Jack Henry, Esava Ratugolea and Brandan Parfitt. Three Cats in Jordan Clark, Gryan Miers and Charlie Constable also received rising star nominations.
 
Look at Friday night and how many young players were critical to our team. What it means is that we are looking to the future whilst, at the same time, doing everything we can to contend for the premiership.
 
To fall a game short is disappointing, but on reflection, we are immensely proud of what our team has achieved.
 
As a club we are committed to achieving success both on and off the field. This year saw GMHBA Stadium become the first stadium in Australia to have a permanent sensory zone, which allows those with sensory needs an opportunity to attend the football and enjoy our great game.

This was followed by another first, with the removal of gambling advertising at GMHBA Stadium.
 
Our Deakin Cats Community Centre welcomed its 100,000th visitor since opening its doors in 2013. We are proud of the difference our club makes and we will continue to strive to positively impact the community.
 
We are so proud of the way you all embraced the introduction of our inaugural AFLW team and the ongoing support you provided all four of our teams.
           
This year, we reached our seventh consecutive membership record, surpassing 66,000 members for the first time. Thank you for your support and passion across 2019.
 
So, while we are disappointed, we should look to the future with excitement. We should take the time to reflect on the journey we have been on in 2019. Stand Proud, it has been an exceptional year.


Thank you,

Brian Cook & Colin Carter
Chief Executive & President