The Suburbs premiers look to be on track for their second Gallaher Shield final appearance in a row. 

While that is reason for the club to be in good spirits, it’s not the only exciting thing happening out at Shadbolt Park.

Club chairman Stefan Crooks said there is a lot of excitement within the club at the moment, for a number of reasons.

“2017 has seen Suburbs re-enter the women’s competition, fielding a development team for the first time in many years,” said Crooks.

A hard working junior committee has also ensured the club has met their community targets with more than 500 junior registrations consistently for the past few seasons.

Off the field, the club finally has consent to get stuck into phase three of their re-developments.

“This will see the old changing rooms demolished and replaced with an extension to the clubrooms to house all our memorabilia and history.

“There will be a second story that will be set up classroom-style, allowing for after school programmes and corporate meeting,” said Crooks.

 Funding is underway and the club aims to start construction before Christmas.

 The finished facilities will be ready to open alongside the club’s centenary celebrations in 2018.

“Our Old boys are currently piecing together the clubs’ 100 years; there will be lots of exciting things to look forward to in 2018.”

Events will see several functions, a centenary jersey and old boys match during the year.

While there is plenty to look forward to, Crooks and his club members are very aware that they have a big day ahead of them tomorrow.

“We’ve had a solid 2017 to date and are embarking on trying to win the Gallaher Shield back to back. Firstly, we must get through this Saturday’s semi against College Rifles.”

College Rifles have tripped Suburbs up twice so far this season, the west Auckland club will hope it will be ‘third time lucky’ when they take the field tomorrow.