2026 AGM President's Address

Good evening everyone, and thank you for coming along tonight.

When we stood here twelve months ago, the outlook was not so strong. We had come through one of the most difficult periods in the club's recent history. We were struggling for senior numbers, we couldn't field a second grade team, and there were genuine questions about what the next few years might look like.

Fast forward to today, and the picture is quite different.

Second grade were minor premiers. Third grade were minor premiers. First grade were competitive all season. Fifth grade made significant strides forward. Most importantly, our junior program has become the benchmark for baseball in Canberra, with strong numbers, strong participation, and strong results across every age group.

That turnaround does not happen by accident. It happens because of people.

Players who commit to training and games every week. Coaches who invest countless hours developing others. Parents who spend their weekends driving, scoring, canteen volunteering and supporting the club. And a committee that has worked year-round on the hundreds of tasks that most members never see.

I'd particularly like to acknowledge the committee and volunteers who have carried a huge workload last season. The club simply does not function without you. Whether it's registrations, finances, field preparation, junior coordination, canteen operations, coaching, fundraising, or administration, every one of those contributions matters.

One of the things I am most proud of is that we are not just growing numbers. We are building a great culture.

We are creating a club where juniors want to stay, where families want to be involved, and where senior players want to contribute beyond their own team. That's what creates long-term success. Not a single premiership season, but a sustainable club that keeps getting stronger year after year.

As we look ahead, there is plenty to be excited about.

We have a strong pipeline of junior players moving into the senior ranks. We have momentum across the club. We have dedicated volunteers and a clear direction. And as we continue towards our 60th anniversary, I genuinely believe the Eagles are in the strongest position they have been for many years.

To everyone who contributed this season, players, coaches, volunteers, families and sponsors, thank you.

We're proud of how far we've come, but we're not finished yet. There is work to be done this coming season, in particular around strengthening our finances and ensuring that we get our fundraising right for our 60th anniversary. I urge anybody who is interested to make a difference for the club in 2026/27 that they should join the committee and make an impact where they can.

The future of this club is bright, and I can't wait to see what we achieve together next season.

Thank you.