With promising new recruits and a strong coaching line up, the expectations on the club were high.
Sure enough, Rippingale’s vision came into fruition, with the club emerging as one of the most improved sides in the Hume League competition this year.
“We did exactly what we aimed to do, make finals,” Rippingale told the Free Press.
Like most sporting clubs, the impact of COVID-19 presented CDHBU with many challenges.
The usual cacophony of country crowds fell silent on many occasions as a series of lockdowns and cross-border restrictions were implemented to curtail the spread of the disease.
The competition stopped and restarted on numerous occasions but finally came to a grinding halt early September.
“Staying motivated was difficult. However, I’ve said on many occasions now, health is a lot more important than a game of footy,” Rippingale said.
“The Hume League have done a fantastic job to try and keep country sport alive and we were fortunate enough to play 16 games of footy this year.
“Our seniors and reserves went through tough times with the border closures. At one stage we had 18 Victorian players who were unable to play for two weeks, including our coaches Mick Collins, John Pratt, and Corey Smith.
“I called on an old mate of mine, Mark O’Donoghue, who came in and coached the side for two weeks.
“We got through and made it to finals, something we hadn’t done for a few years now.”
For Rippingale, it was those two matches that proved to be the biggest highlights of the season.
“It created tremendous pressure, especially coming up to finals, but it’s those sorts of challenges that build character,” he said.
“The way the boys conducted themselves for the first game against the Murray Magpies without the coaches, just reflected the true character of our club.
“To be behind all day and then have a win was just special. It was more than just a normal win too.”
Rippingale said the season would have been nothing without the volunteers who stood behind the club and helped navigate through the tumultuous season.
“Behind the scenes, our volunteers, felt the added pressure of the COVID-19 guidelines,” he said.
“The way they stuck behind the club with Thursday night meals, operating gates, running the canteen and bar and so much more. Our volunteers are unbelievable. They are the people who we can’t thank enough.
“Chris Scott our football club president does a fantastic job too. He’s just been a revelation for this footy club. He doesn’t get enough accolades, but he has led the board into some different areas and wants to see the club succeed.”
It is well documented that country footy clubs bring people together and build strong community connections. Rippingale said COVID-19 restrictions not only impacted the players but also the supporters of the club and the wider farming community.
“CDHBU is made up of three villages, Buraja, Coreen, and Dayesdale. All three farming communities work towards a common goal and that is to support kids playing footy and netball,” he said.
“For the farmers, it’s their day out on a Saturday. A lot of the older players connect with people in their community and with their mates. It’s a great a social outlet and all part of what it means to be involved in a family club.
“It doesn’t matter where we are on the ladder, people are always supporting and helping the club. Rosters, canteens, gates- it’s all done by these three farming communities.
“That’s what makes it a great club, the people around it.”
Despite not being able to finish the season, Rippingale said he was proud of where the footy club is at.
“It would have been nice to have the opportunity to have finals campaign and give the young blokes a feel for what they could have achieved,” he said.
“I’m not a believer in giving away premierships, you earn and win premierships. Hopefully we can go all the way next year.
“We are in front this year in terms of being prepared for next year. These farming communities love success and deserve to see success.
“My role as a footy manager is to be able to give these people some enjoyment on a Saturday by winning games and being competitive.”
Rippingale said the club has plenty to look forward to with many exciting developments around the club.
“We are in the process of recruiting once again and making sure our recruits are the right fit for our club,” he said.
“Netball is a huge part of our club and the environment too. This year we received brand new netball courts, and now we are on the verge now of new changerooms which is exciting.
“The competition is getting better and better, and we are promising to deliver bigger and better things in 2022. We have a lot of unfinished business.”
12°C