Dockers’ New President Delivers Frank – But Optimistic AGM Speech

Burnie Dockers’ new President Stephen Dowling has delivered a measured AGM speech, which
contains a frank – but honest assessment of a troublesome past year, balanced with an
optimistic message for the Football Club’s future.

As well as paying tribute to highly regarded retiring President Peter Vincent and a group of
hard working volunteers – Mr Dowling spoke about the challenges which the Club faced during
the 2017 season.

“We just didn’t have the players to support particularly a senior NWFL side … a reserve side. We didn’t have the volunteers, didn’t
have the medical department – everything was split. Plus we’re on the back of two extremely poor years of results – the reserves
and seniors.

The politics of the NWFL in particular – and I say this – as the President just informing the people … the members here at the
moment … made it very, very difficult for everyone concerned. The Club’s always striven to play in the best competition it can. And I
see no reason why we should be criticised and ostracised by other bodies – for what we want to do. It’s a very honourable thing, we
want to do.”

We’ve got some very, very energetic and well-qualified people on our Board. Everyone’s got a different job – and if we all work
together we can achieve great things.” said President Stephen Dowling.

(Click below links to view a short media summary and a longer version of the President’s Speech)

2min 20sec – summary https://youtu.be/Vbmd7dT3c8s

7min 56sec – longer version https://youtu.be/FmCNQ9pocYs
Rob Messenger