James Frawley

Guernsey Club Sponsors 2010 - Queensland Demons

Thanks to the generosity of many of our members, we have managed to raise the funds to sponsor James for 2010 season. These people cannot be thanked enough and although we have only just committed to the sponsorship, we think we have chosen well for our player.

What a start to 2010 James has had. A fantastic effort v Collingwood & Adelaide, competitive against Richmond and had a brilliant game v Brisbane to nullify one very formidable opponent in J. Brown.

The winner of the Signed guernsey is Graeme Eglington and the winner of the signed team poster was Terry Sinclair. Congratulations to you both!!  Chip is having a fabulous year and I am so glad we got him as our player.

After the Richmond game, the club held a sponsors function. None of our sponsors were able to attend the function however a couple of very loyal and dedicated Melburnians represented us on this occasion and have sent a report back on the night. 

***********

Thank you so much for giving me the pleasure of representing the Queensland Demons at the sponsor function on Sunday night.

The night was held in the Yarra Park room in the Olympic stand.  

It was fantastic to see all players in attendance as well as some administration staff.

Chris Connolly opened the night. He is an excellent spruiker and really warmed the crowd up by emphasising the ground the football club has made up over the last two years on and off the field.

We have training and recovery facilities that standards wise are leading the way in the AFL. He was not too kind about the Junction oval facilities and he let the crowd know it was no where near AFL standard.

Chris interviewed Jack Grimes and Matthew Bate as well as their sponsors. Jack was incredibly impressive. Composed and at ease in front of the crowd. When asked where he wanted to play he indicated near the goals as he fancies himself as a goal kicker.Chris also got Brent Moloney up to the microphone to do some spruiking and it was immediately apparent the love this guy has for the club. He nominated four players to come and sing the club song, when he was looking around the room for volunteers he yelled out  where do you think you are going Matthew Warnock. Warnock is apparently very crowd shy but to his credit he got up and did an excellent job.  

Chris then got all the kids in the audience to come and sing the song as well. It was a real feel good moment.

 Chris then invited a family to come to the front of the room. A young couple with four young kids probably 9 and under. Chris told of how the two met at a Melbourne game, both being keen Melbourne fans. They now have four kids, all passionate Melbourne fans and are always attending the games. He described them as a real Melbourne family. The kids all had the Melbourne gear on with their favourite players number on the back

 Chris then invited Don McLardy to the microphone. Chris described Don’s effort and commitment to the club as the equal to Jimmy Stynes. He said whilst Jimmy is the face of the club Don is the driving force behind what has gone on for the past two years.He also stated that Don’s efforts in helping Jim through his battle with cancer is part of the reason Jim has been so strong during his battle. I am sure Chris was trying to get the message across the impact Don McLardy is having on our club.

The players that played that day all arrived around 5.30. They had warmed down and showered. They all made themselves most accessible to the fans and were very forthcoming and engaging. I noticed James Frawley was getting ready to leave and as well he was on crutches. I quickly gained his attention and introduced myself. I told him I was representing the Queensland Demons. He was very grateful for the sponsorship and was keen to pass on his thanks to all that contributed. He did apologise for having to leave and he was clearly disappointed that he could not spend a little time with me. I have heard it from inside the club that James is a quality person and I saw evidence of this on Sunday night.

I had good chats with Colin Sylvia, Tom Scully, Jack Watts, Jamie Bennell, Jordie McKenzie and brief chats with nearly all the rest. I had an extended chat with Aaron Davey. He had his three month old boy in his arms and his two girls always by his side. He is such a terrific person

The night was a credit to the club. I had my 10 year old with me and he thought it was the greatest night ever. Food was good and the bar service was exceptional.

Again thank you so much for the opportunity to represent you all. It was night my son will remember for the rest of his life.