What started as a mission to get retiring South Fremantle CEO, Brian Ciccotosto, to attend the East Fremantle Football Club President’s Luncheon for only the second time ever this Saturday (his final Derby as CEO) has resulted in the collaboration of both clubs to honour two outstanding servants.
This week the Sharks and the Bulldogs will play for a Cup named in honour of Brian Ciccotosto and East Fremantle life member Bob Uittenbroek.
With some conjecture about whose name should appear on the Cup first, it was decided that the only fair way to determine this was the toss of a coin, which fell in Uittenbroek's favour.
The two clubs will now play for the Bob Uittenbroek and Brian Ciccotosto Cup each year; adding a third trophy to the all-important Derby rivalry, with the Sir Hughie Edwards Cup being played for on Anzac Day and the Foundation Day Cup being played for on WA Day.
It is fitting that the inauguration of the Cup will coincide with International Round given Brian Ciccotosto’s Italian heritage and Bob Uittenbroek’s Dutch heritage.
There will also be free kids activities on the day and a Super 8’s Carnival following the League game which will feature 16 teams from the East Fremantle District. The Sharks will also honour their 1992 Premiership Side (A Derby Grand Final victory) with an after match reunion function.
East Fremantle will be looking for a clean sweep of Derby victories over South Fremantle in 2012, while the Bulldogs will be chasing their first Derby victory under coach Paul Hasleby against his old club, while also looking to deliver Brian Ciccotosto with the ultimate retirement present.
After being served cold shark at his only other EFFC President’s Luncheon appearance, Ciccotosto has been assured that his attendance this Saturday will not be met with the same fate.
About Brian Ciccotosto
Playing Career:
1967-1978
211 games
Former Captain (1975 to 1977)
1970 Premiership Player and Simpson Medallist
5 State Games
All Australian (1972)
Life Member South Fremantle FC
Administrator:
Appointed Development Officer in 1985 and later appointed General Manager/CEO in 1989, held the position from 1989 until his retirement at the completion of the season.
Brian was General Manager/ CEO when South Fremantle were premiers in 1997, 2005 and 2009.
About Bob Uittenbroek
Bob is an East Fremantle Football Club and West Australian Football League Life Member, having been involved with both for around 40 years as an employee and a volunteer. He has served on countless football committees and raised thousands of dollars for WAFL clubs along the way.
Bob joined East Fremantle Football Club as Secretary in 1973 and progressed to the role of General Manager in 1978, a position he held until 2005 when he retired after 32 years. Bob experienced successful years of on-field performance at EFFC including premierships in 1974, 1979, 1985, 1992, 1994 and 1998.
Bob was elected back onto the EFFC Board of Directors in 2008 and was the driving force behind the club’s hugely successful Player Recognition Day that saw many past and current players acknowledged for their contribution to the club’s heritage.
Over the past few years he has also run the WAFL Raffle, raising thousands of dollars for the WAFL clubs, and has completed his fourth season as EFFC Membership Director. In addition to this, Bob also assists the Gosnells Football Club on a regular basis.
Bob was made a life member of the West Australian Football Commission in 2011 and is a life member of the East Fremantle Football Club.
