The mercury sizzled its way to a scorching 39.8 degrees on the day, but it didn’t stop more than 65 keen, current and soon-to-be players.

Panorama are fresh off winning both Bathurst District Football’s men’s and women’s first grade competitions in 2018, the men claiming a 3-1 win over Mudgee and the women claiming a 2-1 win over CSU in the deciders.

Panorama treasurer Ben Fry is confident that the team can back up the success it enjoyed last year.

“Having finally sealed the first grade women’s and first grade men’s premierships in 2018, we regroup and re-engage our quality player base to continue to develop both sides,” he said.

“The 2019 double premiership is in our sights. We aim to add many other grades to the trophy cabinet too.”

The club had over 200 registers players in 2018, the club is looking to register even more.

“We’ve had interest pour in through our website and social media channels,” Fry said.

“To have more than 65 players turn up for the ‘pre’ pre-season kick around, even in the heat, is a true testament to the fantastic culture this club and its members have created.

“This year is going to be huge and as the committee and I prepare for yet another influx of new sign-ups, we’ve also re-hashed some of last year’s commitments to the club’s members.”  

The elected committee includes Beau Yates as president, Brent Osborne as senior vice-president, Brock Collins as vice-president, Ben Fry as treasurer, Darryl Grant as secretary and Ronnie Taylor as registrar. 

Panorama is also exploring options to acquire a home or training space outside of the Proctor Park-Police Paddock precinct.

“We continue to work proactively with state and local government in trying to secure a home ground and/or training space,” Fry explained.

“Very much a work in progress, the goal is to be able to fit our monumental player numbers and equipment into a guaranteed, self-controlled space.

“This will allow our club management the opportunity to develop teams and players more intimately and efficiently, paving the way for club progression and opening the doors to other competition options in the future.” 

As well, the Bathurst District Football will host its annual general meeting on Wednesday, January 23.

Starting at 6pm, its was originally scheduled to be held at the clubhouse at Proctor Park, but it has now been moved to Charles Sturt University, building 1470 (the Ochre Medical Centre).