Dear Team, 

I have been meaning to write this letter for some time. 

I apologise for my tardiness.  I believe people are too quick to criticise and often much slower in offering congratulations or thanks, as in my case. 

I have had a few points of contact with the club over the last few years.  Firstly, I was fortunate enough to travel to Sydney with many other Eagles members for the first game of the season in 2007.  (This was a present to myself midway through my Radiotherapy treatment for Breast Cancer, almost 4 years on and all is going well.)  Thanks to Ash Hansen for his generosity in attending the pre-game function aboard the ferry taking us to the stadium.  He spoke very openly about what was happening at the club as well as signing autographs and posing for photographs.  I know many of those aboard the ferry were very impressed with Ash.  Another one point win over Sydney.  It was a wonderful weekend. 

Last year, two of my nephews turned 18 and for each of their birthday presents I purchased a team guernsey.  I then took the guernseys to an open training session to see if I could obtain some signatures on them.  I was overwhelmed by the incredible generosity shown by the players and John Worsfold in coming forward and not just signing one, but two guernseys. 

You may have just thought you were signing a jumper.  Well yes you were, but you also brought much joy to my nephews, one of whom lost his father to stomach cancer in January 2009.  When Michael opened his present, he was absolutely thrilled.  His joy was shared by his brothers and sister and his mum in seeing her children experiencing some happiness after so much pain.  So what may seem to be something so inconsequential to you means so much more to us.

Thank you!  

I have also had my American cousins visiting (from Boston) during pre-season 2007 and 2009.  They were fortunate enough to attend a very hot pre-season training session and were amazed by how fast and athletic you were and how generous you were in having photo's taken and giving autographs.  You have some new fans in the States.  (I've attached a photo of my Yank cousin Kathy with Mark Nicoski)

Thank you for your hard work this year.  Although we did not get the results on the board, I know you did put in the hard yards during pre season and regular season training and hopefully those results will be forthcoming in the near future.  I have seen glimpses throughout the year.  We just have to get those glimpses to happen in the one game and on a regular basis! 

Well there you go.  I hope that this reaches you before you all head off in different directions for the end of season. 

Take care and enjoy your time off. 

Love and kind regards to you all, 

Brenda Maclean