2013 Now THAT is how you finish the season

Now that is how you finish a season and it was just reward for the effort of the previous four weeks, motivated by our disappointment in the last encounter with the Brumbies.

The bookies had us at $4.05 for the win and the media were so certain of the result that I hedge my bets that a number of reporters had prewritten their articles before kick off.

As a group we had belief that we could secure the win and I am proud of the 80 minute performance that the team delivered for each other, the coaches and the ever faithful Sea of Blue. We have proven that we are capable of playing an entertaining and effective brand of rugby that can beat any team on the day.

It has been a tough year with many ups and downs but it is the highlights that will be remembered longest and the final performance will provide the launching pad for our 2014 pre-season.

In 2013 we were able to match it with many of the teams that will be competing in the semi finals this weekend. We tasted success against the Brumbies, Crusaders and Reds and were close against the Bulls and Chiefs.  We must learn from those performances and be able to recapture the intensity of those matches each week.  If we can master this form we will see more victories.

In 2014 our focus and goal will be clear: consistent 80 minute performances playing the brand of rugby that gets results and that we love to play.  We are a hard team who have executed an intelligent game strategy that frustrates opposition teams by not giving them room to play their game.

A lot of time and effort was given to structured defence and this requires commitment from every player on the pitch and requires each player to work hard for their team mates.  Our commitment to this approach was best demonstrated against the Brumbies.

This season we welcomed 13 new players to the Force family with five of those successfully making their Super Rugby debut.  It was the relaunch of the club in both personnel and culture.

Next year will be the first year since 2011 that we have consecutive years with the same head coach and captain.  We are establishing a nucleus of key players to build the team around all of whom are united by a strong culture based on professionalism, accountability and commitment to the team.  Anyone who is recruited to the Force moving forward will need to buy into this culture to be part of the group.

On the back of the unfortunate long term injury to hooker Nathan Charles was the introduction of Heath Tessmann. From his first game in Force colours it felt like he belonged and he has played well all season.  To see someone given an opportunity and run with it was great.  He was rightly a team and fan favourite.

Rory Walton was another new member who was also given his opportunity through injury (Hugh McMeniman).  No-one will ever question his passion and commitment to the team and its values.  His joyous celebration during his Super Debut victory against the Crusaders is a season highlight.

The Force has not always had a great showing from our marquee signings but this season we got our value for money.  Alby Mathewson has maintained his title of “Mr Unbreakable” as he was one of only two players to play in every game this season (Chris Alcock is the other).  Alby is a consistent performer who will be a key player again for us next year.

We part ways with a number of teammates, three I wish to specifically mention because they have had a big impact on the club are Brett Sheehan, Toby Lynn and inaugural member Richard Brown.  Each is a big loss to the club for what they delivered on the field but also what they offered off it.  Thank you for your efforts lads and all the best for your next chapter.

Next season we will welcome new players to the fold.  Some have been announced and over the next couple of months the remaining places in the roster will be filled.

I hope that the fans will join me in anticipation of the 2014 season.  This season was the relaunch – next season we build on these foundations and ride the momentum of the win against the Brumbies.

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