History ...
A History of the Bobcats
In the Beginning
The history of the Maclean Bobcats Senior Soccer Club can be described in
many ways. Colourful, clouded, fruitful and funny are all words that come to
mind in varying degrees. The Bobcats were and still are considered the most
social club in the region and a Bobcats history could be filled with stories of
great conquests on the field and at the bar, but many of those stories are for
another time and place.
This version of the Bobcats history has been compiled
by current players & may not be the most complete and is sure to spark some
debate. Feel free to provide feedback via the contact us option if you anything
to add.
The Bobcats were founded in 1981 by Alex Johnston a local Maclean
businessman who worked with industrial machinery - namely Bobcats - hence
the name.
Bobcats make history with grand final win
History called and the Maclean Bowling Club Bobcats answered when they overcame the Coffs United Lions to win the North Coast Football First Division Grand Final 2-1 in an enthralling encounter at outstanding BCU Stadium in Coffs Harbour. In doing so the Bobcats became the first and only team to have won the premier league in both the North Coast (Coffs/Clarence based) and Far North Coast (Lismore/Ballina based) premier league divisions to underline the brilliance of a generation of home grown talent.
Against the previously undefeated Lions the Bobcats could not have started better when they hit the lead after just two minutes in a grand final played in front of a generous and parochial crowd. A series of one touch passes down the left hand side finished when Travis Armstrong whipped in a cross that was met by a determined Fraser Robinson who slotted in the Bobcats first goal to give the Maclean side a dream start. From there the Bobcats were riding rough shot over there more favored rivals and the Lions had no answer to the Bobcats movement and passing game and only the brilliance of their goalkeeper kept the score respectable. A hand ball in the box provided an opportunity for Kevin Crofton to double the Bobcats lead mid way through the first half and when they went to the break at 2-0 it was the least they deserved. In reality score flattered the Lions at half time as the Bobcats had hit the woodwork three times and there keeper Josh Wiseman was in inspired form making five saves that seemed destined for the back off the net. Meanwhile Bobcat keeper Graeme Courte was looking equally assured but only called upon to pluck the occasional cross out of the air.
The Lions are renowned for their fighting spirit and came out in the second half prepared to once again run the Bobcats down. Within ten minutes of the restart they pulled a goal back when they scrambled the ball over the line and the Bobcats faithful were fearing the worst as Coffs threatened to make another second half comeback. But to a man the Bobcats dug deep and continued to create chances of their own only to see Wiseman between the sticks continue on from his outstanding first half performance and keep the Clarence side at bay. The final 10 minutes could only be described as frantic. Coffs throwing everything at the Bobcats as the game was heading to its finale but inspired by their vocal supporters the Maclean side was not to be denied as they held on to a memorable, deserved and historic grand final victory.
Truth be known the most outstanding player on the pitch was the Lions keeper Wiseman who kept the score line respectable because without his effort it could have been an absolute blow out. For the Bobcats it was a brilliant team effort and almost seems unfair to single any player out as their man of the match. If you had to it was the engine room of Crofton, Aaron Bylos and Dane Ellis who all got stuck in and inspired the Bobcats to their history making victory.
With a number of retirements and other players leaving the area the Bobcats now look to the future and the future looks good. The FFNC Summer Youth League will be used to blood and further develop their next crop of youngsters but the nucleus of the 2009 Premiership winning outfit will be up and ready to defend their title in 2010.
2009 Maclean Football Club Presentation night award winners.
First Grade
Aaron Bylos and Fraser Robinson - Joint Best & Fairest
Jeremy Walters - Players Player
Lance Knibbs - Coaches Award
Fraser Robinson - Golden Boot
Youth Grade
Riley Elvery - Best & Fairest
Nash Johnson - Players Player
Dan Usher - Coaches Award
Third Grade
Alex Davidson - Best & Fairest
Tom Hardacre - Players Player
Joel Power - Coaches Award
Womens 2nd Grade
Rebekah Teni - Best & Fairest
Natalie Anderson - Players Player
Hannah Smith - Coaches Award
Tracy Want - Golden Boot
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