Berwick Miner John Fuchs lays a brutal hit on his opponent in Gridiron Victoria action last season. The Miners celebrate their 20th anniversary on 12 May with a rematch of their inaugural game against the Croydon Rangers. By Marc McGowan
BERWICK Miners Gridiron Club will reminisce 20 years of existence when it takes to the field on 12 May in a rematch of its inaugural match against the Croydon Rangers.
The Miners lost that 1988 contest 12-6 and will be eager to enact revenge to start the Gridiron Victoria season on a positive note.
Berwick has come a long way since those initial days, winning titles in 1991, 1994 and 2003.
The Nunawading Warriors knocked the Miners out in the semi-finals last year before winning Victorian Bowl XXII.
The Miners will have a greater focus on defence in 2007, but much will depend on the performances of quarterback Jamie Stafford and captain and running back Shahid Malimar.
Berwick head coach Dale Warren has high expectations on the eve of the season and is hoping for improvement across the playing ranks.
“We need Jamie to step up, obviously, but more so the whole offensive line,” he said.
Warren has been impressed with Malimar’s pre-season, which has seen him add strength to his renowned speed.
“Shahid’s been in the gym and put on a bit of muscle. He’ll be the team captain this season after developing through the juniors and being with the senior side since 2004,” Warren said.
Sam Walker will be the back-up quarterback after guiding the Miners’ under-19 side to the Riddell Bowl before succumbing to the Bay City Buccaneers.
Other players to step up from that squad include Daryl Cutler (offensive line), Michael Tupai (linebacker), Sam Wilson (defensive end) and Daniel and Ricky Logan (both corners).
Dante Newton will switch from free safety to linebacker and offensive linesman David Carson has joined Berwick to bolster that department.
The biggest struggle Warren has endured in enhancing the Miners’ prospects is attracting new players.
“It is a very minority sport in Australia,” he said.
“We need to be able to recruit Aussie Rules and rugby players that want to play something different,” he said.
“We take on any size of player and put them in a position, whether they are five foot eight or six foot six.”
The club is attempting to get in contact with past players and sent out 100 newsletters on Monday.
“Getting in touch with 400 players over a 20-year period is very difficult,” Warren said.
City of Casey deputy mayor Kevin Bradford will toss the coin at the 12 May match, which will start at 2pm and include a wrestling demonstration at half-time.
Berwick will also name its team of the double decade and have a barbecue after the contest, with highlight videos from the 1990s to the current day being shown.
