For most, football season ends with the Grand Final. Off-season, it's a 12 month, year round exercise in planning and delivering. Then rinse and repeat.

Though the cycle goes on, each year must begin and end somewhere and that's why we have an Annual General Meeting.

Last week, the Red 'n' Blacks faithful came together for the AGM.

Again, the Xavs go into their centenary year with a look of administrative stability. President Matt Cosgrave remains in the chair, flanked by Damian Berry and Matt Hannebery. Marina Stevenson still has the books. James Woods and Rachael Dunne, both of whom joined the committee in mid-2022, replace Marcus Allan and Paul Newton.

Cosgrove, who will at the club;s helm for a sixth year, outlined some of the highlights of the year past. These included:

• Providing a game for 386 men and women
• A healthy financial result, though revenues still well down on pre-COVID 2019
• Three players in the Men’s Premier Team of the Year (Marcus Stavrou, Daniel Robinson and Charlie MacIsaac)
• Two players in the Women’s Premier Team of the Year (Gabby Golds and Gabby Henderson)
• The club's first Presentation Night since 2019.
• The continued progress towards the Toorak Park redevelopment.
• Hosting the Reserves and U19 Premier Grand Finals at Toorak Park.
• Four premierships.

The Prez noted that this centenary year will look very different with Toorak Park under redevelopment. He thanked XC's Principal Bill Doherty and Shane Healy for their cooperation in allowing substantial use of Xavier College facilities.

Cosgrove reminded the healthy crowd that the club has already locked in its gala function for 20 May at Centre Piece.

Just a few kilometres away, the witches hats were laid out and the Sherrins removed from their bags. The coaches looked their charges up and down, players wore their summer singlets, and Scotty Mollard sizzled with a brilliant time trial. Welcome to 100.

‍