2018 OFF SEASON AND 2019 OUTLOOK

The 2018 / 2019 off season has been a a busy one for the Howick Hornets.

The Hornets playing in the AFLNZ Premiership have been making an impact and creating a buzz around the leagues.  After 8 rounds and 8 "team of the week" the Hornets have a strong showing in each and every round. The Hornets have ended up 2nd of all clubs in New Zealand for most nominations.  The Hornets received 28 nominations behind the AAFL premiers University Blues (34). Tyson Schmidt tops the Hornets with 6 nominations followed closely by Harley Jenkins with 5 nominations and in descending order Jay Green (4), Ryan White (4), Steph Tabaillou (3), Travis Walker (2), Max Urwin (2), Elliott Bennetts (1), Wade Eatts (1).

2018 Hornets Young Gun Dan McCarthy has stepped up and is now included in the AFLNZ Academy 2 squad. He has played a few games in the Premiership and managed to achieve the rising star award for Round 7.  He is currently playing for the NZ Academy team who are taking on Mornington Peninsular Junior Squad.

The AFLNZ Premiership finished off on Sunday 14th April. The Grand Final were preceded by a Grand Final Breakfast. Here the team and competitions awards were given out. Harley Jenkins finished 2nd in the leading goal kicking award. Harley managed to kick 17 goals; only one behind the eventual winner. Tyson Schmidt finished 6th on the ladder with 12 goals. Tyson also snapped up the Central Giants Best and Fairest award for his efforts in the team. Jay Green who was outstanding for the Western Crows picked up their Best and Fairest award and also was awarded the Premiership Best and Fairest award. Harley, Tyson & Jay were all picked in the 2019 Premiership Team of the Year. It is safe to say the Hornets have made a huge impact to AFLNZ Premiership. 

The Grand Final was played between the Southern Saints (Harley Jenkins & Travis Walker) vs Western Crows (Jay Green, Luke Williams & Ryan White) and after four hard fought quarters the Western Crows were victorious. Well done to all Hornets who participated in the 2019 AFLNZ Premiership.

In other news, after 7 well served years Will McKenzie is stepping down as President of the Howick Hornets. Will along with Terry Carroll started the Pakuranga Panthers in 2012 and persevered with the club as it struggled in its early years. Will saw through the re affiliation with Howick Rugby League Club which has seen the club grow in players and supporters. Will is not completely stepping away from the club and will continue to serve on the committee with a focus on improving the playing fields and club rooms. Ryan White has been elected as the new club President. Ryan has played for Howick for the past 6 years and served on the committee for the past three years. He is enthusiastic and will continue to lead Howick on the path to be the greatest AFL club in Auckland. 

After a few committee member have left for overseas; the Hornets have appointed three new committee members for 2019.  Blake McCombe,  Elliott Bennetts & TJ Jhagroo have all stepped up to help run the club. All three are excited to be formally part of the club and will bring fresh ideas for the club. 

The Hornets are welcoming in a new sponsor for the 2019/2020 season. Z Building & Interiors have come on board as a Platinum Sponsor. ZBI are able to help in all avenues of the construction process. They can provide; 

• Project Management
• Carpentry (Supply & Labour Only)
• Plasterboard Lining
• Suspended Ceilings
• Re-Cladding
• Painting & Decorating
• Steel Stud Partitioning
• Insulation

Contact  Wade at wade.zbi@outlook.co.nz or 0272044566

Exciting times ahead for the Hornets!

2019 - 2020 Platinum Sponsor Z Building & Interiors