I just finished the best meal of a steak, avocado, broccoli, and mushrooms—basic ingredients, but they came together in such a delightful harmony that made each bite incredibly satisfying. As I savored this awesome meal, I found myself contemplatively pondering how I ended up in this moment. It brought back memories of my past, specifically a promise I made to myself a decade ago; I had vowed that I wouldn’t coach again after my last experience. Yet here I am, reflecting on the time that has passed and the choices I’ve made since then. It’s interesting how life takes unexpected turns, and sometimes, we find ourselves indulging in the things we thought we’d left behind.
Thats me on the left of the photo.
I would tell the story, I’d say, you see, I had coached for around 30 years, but for 20 of those years, it was really serious for me; it was like my second income, although it wasn’t much since the A.F.L. doesn’t pay too well when you’re in their program. However, I did it out of my love for the game more than anything else. Just watching kids grow with their sport was incredibly rewarding. I cherished the moments of teaching them not just about the sport itself but also about teamwork, dedication, and the importance of hard work. As they transitioned from teenagers into adults, I witnessed them shining so brightly, many of them achieving great things not only in sports but also in their professional lives. Seeing their growth and development, both on and off the field, truly made my efforts worthwhile and reinforced my belief in nurturing young talent.
Middle row, second from the right, Lol i was nearly 10 years old.
My parents put my age up so I could play football as I annoyed them so much; Haha, cute kid! I was into my second season, and I played for 30 years, with four of those years dedicated to playing Rugby League. Through this journey, I also took on the role of a coach, immersing myself in junior football, where I found immense joy in teaching and sharing my passion with the younger generation. I took various courses to enhance my skills and deepen my understanding of the game, which led me back to university to complete my Year 12.
This experience was crucial; it propelled me toward earning a degree in coaching, with a focus on development coaching, as well as certifications in strength and conditioning levels one and two. I worked diligently to refine my craft, always striving to be a good coach. My commitment to these endeavours not only allowed me to contribute to the sport I love but also shaped me into a more knowledgeable mentor and leader within the football community, inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential on and off the field.
The story goes, which is my story and I’ll stick by it, in these programs there is what I hate, and that’s politics. It’s a constant frustration to be knocked all the time, especially considering our accomplishments. It amazes me as we played 20 games a season, a grueling challenge in itself, and we managed to reach the finals three years in a row. This group showed tremendous resilience and dedication, battling through each match with determination. Although we lost those grand finals, the very fact that we played in them is a testament to our hard work and teamwork. We pushed ourselves and got the boys to the last game of the season, the most important one at that, proving that our efforts were not in vain and demonstrating the passion we shared for the sport.
With a lot of hard work in the making, we put together an A.F.L. Academy for junior football: first year 70 kids, 12 coaches; third year 290 kids, 50 coaches—it just kept growing.
For me, it was a demanding schedule of 4 nights a week, dedicating 3 to 4 hours each session, along with nearly every weekend, totalling around 20 hours. Balancing this commitment with raising two of my own kids and working part-time as a gardener and groundsman at Saint Mary’s Girls School was a true test of my endurance. I did that tirelessly for nearly twenty years, and over time, I just became completely burnt out; it eventually got to me. I started to lose my passion for the sport I once loved, leading me to make a firm decision to step away, vowing never to coach again. However, ten years later, things took an unexpected turn.
I found myself back in the world of sports, now serving as the head development coach, overseeing all the club, players, and coaches, as well as my own squad year 6s, and helping them to perform at a very high level. It has become my mission not only to enhance their skills but also to build the club into a thriving community where everyone—kids, parents, families, and coaches—feels valued and excited to return year after year. The focus is on creating an enjoyable environment that promotes growth, camaraderie, and a lasting love for the game, ensuring that our club stands out as a beacon of positivity in the community for many years to come.
Journey Through Life 67
Journey Through Life... 