mmg.com.au

Emotion was the main theme of the Seymour Football Netball Club presentation night on Saturday.

From the life memberships awarded to Craig Zotti and Jeff Anderson to the farewell speech from coach Bernie Haberman, there were more than a few tears shed, and not just by the recipients.

Gallery: See more photos from the night here.

Haberman’s usual thought-provoking speech moved many at his last outing as senior coach.

After an emotional thank you to many — including senior players Anderson, Shane Schottner, Brent Colbert and Adam Reid — and particularly his family, Haberman pondered on the definition of success and failure.

‘‘The environment this club creates is what makes it a success,’’ he said.

‘‘Players come back here because of it, they become better men. Success is not what other people say about us, it’s about what we know about ourselves.

‘‘It’s about going out there and daring greatly. In the end failure only occurs if you’re not trying.

‘‘It’s been an honour, I thank you greatly for the coaching, for the playing, the life experiences that we’ve shared.

‘‘I’ve had massive highs and lows ... but I’m a better man for having been here and I thank you very much for having me.’’

Both Zotti and Anderson were almost overwhelmed with their awards. A tearful Zotti said he owed the club much more than it owed him, while Anderson, who retired from playing after the grand final loss to Tatura, received it from his great mate Schottner, who claimed to have a cold that gave him the sniffles.

Stu Locke, who was unable to make the night, joined Zotti and Anderson as life members and expressed his gratitude by text message to the gathering.

Other awards included netball club person (Josie Gunn), Lions Pride (Sandra O’Sullivan), club person (Chris Martin) and trainers award (Ash Walsh).