Coolalinga Central Magazine Issue 1

- INTERVIEW -
As a coach you are not only their coach, you become
much more than that. This is the greatest part of
coaching for me.
Q: What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever done for you?
A: I have not encountered any weird thing done by a
fan. One of the most memorable thing is an older lady
would cook us nice warm scones with jam and cream
every Friday after training. We always looked forward to
Fridays on those cold windy wet nights.
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment in your sports
career?
A: Making into AFL is a dream come true. My number
one’s are winning both the southern districts senior grand
finals. I can’t separate them.
Q: What one or two things do you currently do in your
training that are keys to your success?
A: Skill work, pressure work and good clear instruction.
Communication is key. I am big on skill work, keep it
simple method, and don’t try over complicate it. The
game has certain skills so let’s be the best at them.
The game has changed a lot over the years but it still
evolves around 3 phase, when we have the ball, when
the opposition have the ball and when the ball is in
dispute. So we work hard on the fundamentals of the
game, we have to be great at kicking, handballing,
marking and decision making. I am very determined to
see people reach their full potential, being on field or off
field.
“Nothing comes easy, nothing
is handed to you, you want
something, work hard to make
it happen.”
Q: Any advice to all the young players?
A: Always listen to your coach no matter what level.
Follow your dreams, never give up and there’s no such
thing that you can’t
Q: Now, tell us a little bit about your family?
A: My family has been the biggest influence and support
in my life’s journey. Mum, Dad, brothers and sisters have
been great pillars for me. Leaving home at a young age,
while having the continuous support from them allowed
me to pursue my dream. It also made the transition from
leaving my friends and family behind in Darwin that much
easier, it was simply amazing.
Q: What is the biggest satisfaction of being a father?
A: Coming home from work seeing them smile changes
your whole day in a single moment.
Q: Kids say the darndest thing, what was the funniest
question ever asked by your children? And what were your
answers?
A: Why do you have big belly and why don’t you have lots
of hair on your head like us…bald (according to them), I
smiled, I was stuck for words
Q: Is your father an inspiration to you? What is the best
advice he has given to you that you live by.
A: Definitely! In all parts of my life. I look up to him, listening
to all the inspiring stories he has to tell. He is a very hard but
fair person, he had to be hard to get through the struggles
that confronted him as he is from the stolen generation. He
is a successful person from hard work and desire. He is a
very honest person, calls a spade a spade. Dad’s advice:
Nothing comes easy, nothing is handed to you, you want
something, work hard to make it happen.
Q: What would you like to tell your father this Father’s Day?
A: Thank you Dad for all you have done for me, your
continued support has never waived. I believe without you
and all your values you have instilled in me, I wouldn’t be so
grounded. So thank you for everything and I now can carry
all those values onto my children.
Q: What would you like from your children this Father’s Day?
A: Good morning cuddles in bed.
Q: What would be your reaction if your kids said they want
to take up Rugby league instead of AFL
A: I would be very glad. In fact, I’m encouraging my son
to play rugby. I believe in learning all different sports codes
and gain knowledge from all. Every code has something to
offer and the most important is building confidence from
playing sports. Sports is such an equalizer and breaks down
barriers.
July_September 2017
15