Melbourne Tour SF “Warriors” 2014

Melbourne Tour SF “Warriors” 2014

OUTLINE DESCRIPTION:

The SFFC Development program tour conducted from 9th -15th July to officially complete the 16’s Warriors Program. Some players will continue to be involved with the club via the Colts, where other will be monitored at their Junior Clubs.

The tour party consisted of, PDM David Depane, Chairman Peter O’Neill, Head Coach Jason Matthews, Assistant Coach Simon Maxwell, Team Manager Raelene Foster and Physio Lucy Kennedy. 38 players made the trip over to Melbourne. In total a touring group 44.

GAMES PLAYED:

We played 2 matches, one against Calder Cannon on the Thursday 10th July and the other against St Keven’s College on the Friday 11th July. Both games were very physical and hard fought, but our boys stood tall and did not take a step backwards. Our first game against Calder Cannons were in very cold and tough conditions, the boys were fantastic in their efforts against much stronger and bigger bodies. We eventually went down by 62 points, but the score line did not reflect the contest.

Our second game against St Keven’s was a great result. St Keven’s controlled the game for most, and it was showing at ¾ time when we trailed by 24 points. The boys were magnificent in the last term kicking 6 goals, including the last goal with 30 seconds to go to give a 6 point victory. It really was a stirring victory.

Our coaches Jason Matthews and Simon Maxwell were superb; they had the boy’s attention at all times. The boys listened to every instruction they threw at them, and played for them when taking the field.

AFL CLUBS / GAMES ATTENDED:

The group itinerary was excellent, and the boys were lucky enough to watch 2 games while over there. Melbourne V Geelong at the MCG and Collingwood V Essendon at the MCG.

We gave the players a task of reviewing the Saturday’s game, where later on would give a presentation in front of the group. Their reviews of the game were excellent.

We also attended Essendon’s new facilities at The Hangar for a tour and Carlton Football Clubs premises. Whilst at Carlton Luke Webster spoke to the boys and passed on some great advice on expectations of AFL players.

The boys also had rehab sessions at Melbourne baths and St Keven’s indoor pool.

We also had a number of guest speakers visit us including Brad Hardie, Scott Watters, Corry Delollio and our own Stuart Kemp. Each one of them passed on great words of wisdom to the boys, and the great history of the SFFC. The boys listened with great intent and clearly know what is expected should they wish to pursue their careers further.

INJURIES & MEDICAL ISSUES:

There was only one injury concern to Jaxon Liddelow, who injured his shoulder. He was assisted by Lucy to control the pain, and then taken to a local medical centre for further scans. Thankfully it was just bruising and the pain subsided with some pain killers. Overall it was great work from Lucy and Raelene who were both always on the ball and put the player’s health first, ensuring that everyone stayed well.

COACHING STAFF / SUPPORT STAFF

Jason Matthews has a positive influence on these players. Jason had all players’ attention every time he spoke, his direction he gave to the boys was excellent and was good to see a group of young players play for the coach every time they hit the field.

Assistant Coach Simon Maxwell showed good knowledge and were great support to Jason. Both coaches worked well together, and gave positive feedback to the players.

Raelene Foster did a great job as the team manager and is to be commended on her work and effort to keep all the staff and tour group informed and updated on any issues.

Peter O’Neill has done a wonderful job for this program, and the organizing of this trip for these boys in amazing. His contacts he has around the place, does wonders for this program, and if Peter was not on board, half of the things done on this trip would not have been done. His continued support to this program, support staff and myself is fantastic and he should be highly commended on making the program what it is today.

MEDICAL STAFF

Our Physio Lucy Kennedy did a great job and was outstanding value, she made sure our players were all well hydrated & warm at all times and any medical issues or injuries were assessed and dealt with professionally and efficiently.

Lucy was able to keep us all on track with his advice and knowledge re our player welfare and other related issues that popped up whilst we were in Melbourne.

Lucy has only recently joined our program, but the way she has settled in with the boys and staff was magnificent.

The trip is a valuable experience for the group of boys coming through. Playing tough opponents, watching games at the MCG, tours of AFL clubs and guest speakers, give a new and different view of football for this program. It’s a good way to get to know the attitude of players, and which ones are willing to succeed further with the South Fremantle Football Club.

The SFFC can be reassured that the people involved that undertake to assist the SF “Warriors” Development program are enhancing and encouraging the young men selected to develop into good football players, and valued members of the South Fremantle Football Club and the community.