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ISSUE #35 • JUNE 2014

R A I D E R S 1 9 9 4 p re m iers h i p

2 0 y ear a n n i v ersar y edi t i o n

M A L’S

TRY THE FAMOUS FIST PUMP IMMORTALISED IN OUR FIRST COLLECTOR’S

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CURRENT RAIDERS COACHES Talk about facing off in the 1994 decider PLUS: GWS, NEAFL V WAFL, WALLABIES, BRUMBIES, STATE OF ORIGIN & LIVERPOOL FC

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PLAY CANBERRA MARCH 2014

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#35

From the

Editor

CONTENTS JUNE 2014

Moore Intensity for the Wallabies

Giro d’Canberra

What a great selection Stephen Moore will be as Wallabies captain. His “old-school” ethos is exactly what the Wallabies need. Many supporters have been disillusioned watching some Wallabies get beaten and then walking off the field having a laugh with the opposition. I realize a lot of the players are friends off-the-field and that ‘s great, but having a laugh after a loss really calls the players pride in their performance into question. You want players that hate losing in your team, not bad sportsmen, but players that will shake their opponents hands and walk into the change room somber after a loss.

Three Canberra cyclists competed in the Giro d’Italia this year, once again proving that cycling has a strong tradition Canberra. Michael Matthew, Michael Rodgers and Nathan Haas all performed very admirably, between them taking out three stage victories (out of the 20 individual stages) at this year.

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Along with one Stage victory Canberra prodigy Michael Matthews also held the winners pink jersey, the Maglia Rosa, for an impressive six stages and after a disruptive lead-up to the event Michael Rodgers left no one in doubt of his ability on the bike, winning two stages including an incredible mountain top victory on the famed Monte Zoncolan.

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Could you imagine making a huge error at work and then walking around the office/site laughing – I don’t think you would last too long there.

Playing for your country is a massive honor few can achieve and should be treated with the respect that Moore shows every time he walks on the field.

Mills and Spurs Patty Mill’s San Antonio Spurs will once again meet Lebron James’ Miami Heat in the NBA final series.

With the burning desire to erase the pain of last years defeat (the Spurs came within 13 seconds of a championship ring in game 6 last year) the Spurs will hope to secure the series for Veterans and future hall of fame trio Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker.

World Cup Soccer B(r)id(e) Revelations have arisen that the 2022 World Cup hosting winning bid by Qatar was won through bribes and therefore the estimated $44,000,000 spent by the Australian Government on our bid was destined to fail from day 1. With this in mind surely the Australian Government would have a very strong case to sue FIFA and recover that doomed cash?

Enter Patty Mills: with the unfortunate injury to Tony Parker Patty can expect to shoulder more of the point guard duties during the 7 game series.

His performances in the 2014 finals run so far should fill him with confidence and we have no doubt he will play a big part in a successful campaign. Games will be shown live on ESPN. Get around him Canberra!

Editor

Nathan Minerds Creative Director

Anthony Nankervis Cover Photography

Lightbulb Studio Feature design

Goosebumps

WRITERS

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RAIDERS 1994 PREMIERSHIP 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Nathan

PLAY FEATURE

Editor

Antony Perry Brett McKay Brendan Parnell Russ Gibbs Josh Matic Todd Davey Lyndall Parker

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AFL It all comes down to three AFL GWS: Season so far NEAFL Football Liverpool gives fans reasons to believe Menslink Clyde Rathbone launches this year’s ‘Silence is Deadly’ campaign Rugby Union State of Play: Ewen Mckenzie shows his hand with first squad selection Rugby Union Brumbies on track but with some work to do Rugby Union Vikings Academy triple success Rugby League Is State of Origin killing the NRL? ActewAGL June Events Calendar

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ben Coughlan Ben Southall Nudgepix Photography Amandakelly.com.au Joseph Purdam

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Disclaimer: PLAY Canberra is a monthly magazine distributed to over 500 locations in Canberra on the first Thursday of the month. The opinions, view and comments expressed in PLAY do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or publisher. PLAY Canberra is not responsible for the information submitted in the ads by the advertisers.

34 ATHLETICS

Kelsey-Lee Roberts qualifies for Commonwealth Games 35 HEALTH & FITNESS Winter Weight Blues 36 PLAY BY THE RULES Sport to tackle homophobia & transphobia 39 TENNIS Leadership Day 40 TRAIL RUNNING Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa

AFL

IT ALL COMES DOWN TO

THREE

WHY THIS YEAR’S PREMIERSHIP ALREADY LOOKS TO BE HEADED OUTSIDE VICTORIA • BY TODD DAVEY

THE MIDWAY POINT OF THE SEASON IS PERHAPS THE BEST INDICATOR OF WHERE A TEAM LIES IN THE PREMIERSHIP STANDINGS AND WHAT COULD POTENTIALLY HAPPEN COME SEASON’S END. Whilst it may be a fraction early to write off reigning premiers Hawthorn and perpetual contenders Geelong, the race to the 2014 flag looks like it could be down to a three-horse race.

Could the first non-Victorian Grand Final since 2006 be once again on the cards?

THE POWER FROM PORT After a magnificent 2013 campaign which saw Port Adelaide jump from the lower rungs of the ladder to semi-finalists has thus far proven to be just a glimpse into what the Power are capable of.

Their meteoric rise draws parallels to the 2007 Hawks – who, after an elimination final victory over a much more fancied opponent went on to contest and subsequently win the 2008 premiership.

The boys from Alberton are poised for a top-4 finish after disposing of three of the last four premiership winners, and are playing a brand of football that could see the cup travel west for the first time in almost ten years.

Given the way the Power have dominated the competition, nothing now is beyond the realms of possibility.

Pass mark? A preliminary final.

FORMIDABLE FREMANTLE FLAG FOCUS After their first Grand Final appearance in the clubs history, many pundits expected the Fremantle Dockers to continue with their terrific 2013 form and fight it out for a top-two finish in season 2014.

All has not gone according to plan in the West so far however, with the Dockers battling both form and fitness issues thus far, which sees them languishing towards the lower half of the top-8, three games off the pace-setters Port Adelaide.

Expect all that to change come the second half of the season though with the Dockers regaining key personnel with their eyes firmly fixated on bridging the gap between the ladder leaders and themselves.

Compounded by a favourable draw which sees them play just three of the teams currently in the final eight – two of which at Paterson’s Stadium – and the pre-season prediction of a top-two finish may just come to fruition.

If last year is any indication, home ground advantage for the Dockers almost effectively gives them safe passage into the Grand Final.

Pass mark? A Grand Final berth.

BUDDY’S BONDI BUDDIES After a lackluster start to the season which saw the Swans drop three of their first games; including an embarrassing loss to cellar dwellers and cross-town rivals GWS, Sydney have finally clicked into gear.

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The Sydney-siders have won six in a row, and after a record demolishing of perennial powerhouse Geelong, the 2012 premiers look ominous coming into the second half of the season.

Their midfield is deep and works hard both ways, their defence is amongst the finest in the league and the forward line may be the most potent the AFL has ever seen.

If the Swans can remain injury-free, a sixth flag beckons.

Pass mark?

Nothing short of a premiership will suffice.

AFL

GWS

SEASON SO FAR PRIOR TO ROUND 11

BY ADAM LANGENBERG

If you had have told Greater Western Sydney fans at the beginning of the season that their team would have a win-loss record of 2-8 after eleven rounds, they probably would have taken it. They would have accepted too that the Giants would look red-hot at some moments, and diabolical at others.

It’s all part of the growing pains of a side chock-full of youth.

The Giants haven’t quite erased the beltings, succumbing to successive 100+ point losses to West Coast and then Richmond, hardly powerhouses of the AFL. The upset win over Sydney, the immensely entertaining battle against the Bulldogs, the near win against the Hawks and a resolute performance against ladder leader Port Adelaide prove the Giants are a side that’s fun to watch and difficult to beat when they’re at their best.

There’s been some significant individual improvement. Adam Treloar has become a key cog in the midfield, Devon Smith is kicking goals with regularity, Josh Kelly’s class has been enough to impress and earn a Rising Star Nomination and Curtly Hampton is adding consistency to show he’s not all raw talent and flair. Throw in the improving match fitness of Jeremy Cameron and the amount of steel recruits Heath Shaw and Shane Mumford have added and its easy to see why the coaching staff is very optimistic about the sides future.

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Apart from the beltings, the season’s biggest disappointments have been Jed Lamb’s poor form, Toby Greene’s off-field indiscretion and the injuries that have prevented Tom Boyd from wowing fans.

Once they’re operating at peak capacity a couple of weeks after the bye, the Giants will continue to improve. They’ll start playing three and four quarter performances, rather than impressive bursts. I predict they will sneak a couple of surprise wins and close out the season with six victories to their name before challenging for the lower reaches of the top eight in 2015.

NEAFL

LOCAL NEAFL PLAYERS KADE KLEMKE (QUEANBEYAN), AARON VANDENBERG (AINSLIE) AND SEAN ELLIS (AINSLIE) WERE THREE OUT OF THE 23 PLAYERS PICKED TO PLAY IN THE NEAFL REPRESENTATIVE SIDE AGAINST THE WAFL SIDE ON SATURDAY THE 24TH MAY.

BY HOLLY ROURKE Although the NEAFL side recorded a disappointing loss 6.11.47 to 19.18.132, the Canberra boys did not disappoint, kicking three out of the six goals kicked on the day.

disappointing that we couldn’t show what we are made of,” says Klemke.

The Western Australia side had the upper hand in the match right from the get go, and continued to lead the game for the four quarters. The NEAFL squad stayed within 35 points of the WAFL side for the first half of the game, however in the second half, the boys seemed to loose their steam, with the end of third quarter seeing the side down by 54 points.

“The WAFL side plays football with class. They have superior skills and I think that hurt us. We were coached really well and we gelled together quickly as a team. We hadn’t really trained together much and that might have been where we went wrong, but I don’t think we could have done much more” Klemke states.

Although the NEAFL side did consist mainly of players from out of state (8 players from the Northern Territory), the Canberra boys still managed to make their mark.

Local Kade Klemke was one of the standout players in the match, being named in the team’s best. Klemke’s outstanding performance was of no shock, with him coming from a strong AFL background. Klemke is currently a playing coach at the Queanbeyan Tigers Football Club and has been a part of the NEAFL competition for three years. Prior to moving to the Tigers, Klemke was recruited to Essendon, playing all of his games there for the Bendigo Bombers in the VFL. He is also no stranger to the representative program, playing in the rep side for the Eastern Conference in his first year in Canberra.

Klemke also mentions that whilst they had a strong team, there skills may have not been good enough.

At 22, Aaron Vandenberg is still a young, developing player. Coming from small town Tathra straight to the Ainslie Football Club in 2011, he is very familiar with the NEAFL competition.

Over the years, Vandenbergs skills have vastly developed, winning the best and fairest for Ainslie last year. Vandenberg has plenty of experience in the representative program as well, playing for the NEAFL Under 23 side last year.

Vandenberg states that the team’s performance was a good indication that the team has a lot to learn.

“The loss definitely showed that there’s a big gap between the two teams. We were not as smart with the ball as they were and it was a far higher standard of football. Hopefully we can get ourselves right for the game against Tasmania,” said Vandenberg.

Klemke states that although is was a great opportunity to play against such a stand out team, it was disappointing to lose by so much.

Vandenberg also said that the fact the team hadn’t trained together until a day prior to the game made the match a little more difficult.

“It was really disappointing to lose by such a great amount. It would have been great to get a win over such a quality state. The rep side is a good opportunity to make the NEAFL known as a competitive football competition, so it’s

“We all got along really well and we seemed to gel fairly quickly, but it’s hard to play in a team with someone you don’t know. I’m used to playing with people where I know what their football is like.

With the players in the rep side, I didn’t know what

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their next move was going to be, so I found it hard to communicate. It was good playing with people who all played football to such a high quality though“ says Vandenberg.

Sean Ellis, 27, also had the opportunity to shine in the representative side. After playing at Tuggeranong for years, he then made the move to Ainslie Football club, where he has become a consistent stand out player. Again, this was not Ellis’ first time in a representative side, with him playing against GWS in the representative side in the Under 23’s.

Ellis states that even though they didn’t win against the WAFL side, it is still a great experience.

“It’s a very professional standard of football, it’s a really good experience. We are hoping to come back and get a win against the Tasmania representative side though” Ellis says.

With a loss already behind them, the boys are hoping to even out the playing field and prove the NEAFL side’s ability against Tasmania on Saturday the 21st June.

“The loss definitely showed that there’s a big gap between the two teams.

We were not as smart with the ball as they were…”

FOOTBALL

LIVERPOOL GIVES FANS

REASONS TO BELIEVE

Liverpool’s astonishing rise from obscurity during the 2013-14 Barclays Premier League season marks the beginning of a new era for the club • BY Antony Perry On almost all accounts, Liverpool’s 2013–14 Barclays Premier League campaign was a success.

Their objectives were met and surpassed, status as the league’s second-best team was achieved and records – a slew of them – were broken. The Anfield faithful sung jubilantly along the way, spurring their team on to the kind of heights Liverpool used to hit with ease, yet ones they had fallen well short of in recent seasons.

Liverpool didn’t win the league, but they came darn close to doing so in what was one of the most enthralling seasons in recent memory. Pipped at the post by Manchester City, who claimed their second top-flight title in three years, some would say Liverpool wasted a glorious opportunity to claim their first league title since 1989-90. But no one expected them to win the league let alone finish in the top four, thus making the club’s season even more spectacular.

Brendan Rodgers, the manager, guided the club on a revelatory journey in his second season in charge. Liverpool marched from obscurity back to the Premier League’s top table and reclaimed their seat in commanding fashion, exceeding all expectations held by fans and rivals along the way.

Steven Gerrard, the captain, was instrumental throughout, playing in a deeper role than ever before as Rodgers looked to reinvent the aging

talisman. The manager succeeded; Gerrard’s transition from an attacking role to a defensive one was seamless. Once the marauding central midfielder, the skipper acted as a permanent anchor, the disciplinarian protecting the back four while still setting the tempo of the passing and contributing goals and assists. And at 33 years of age, Gerrard proved he was still one of the best in the game, such was the enthusiasm and tenacity with which he played.

Playing Gerrard in a more withdrawn role meant there was more space for those operating in the opposition half and in the final third. Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling were the biggest beneficiaries and the trio glittered like precious metal throughout the campaign. They made up the supply line for Liverpool’s most devastating weapon, consistently supplying quality ball for the attacking duo of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

Known as the SAS for good reason, Suarez and Sturridge were undoubtedly the most potent attacking force in the Premier League last season.

The pair, with all their flair and verve, piled on a combined total of 52 goals, more than half of Liverpool’s season tally of 101 goals. Suarez, who missed the first five weeks of the season through suspension, contributed 31 of those strikes, equalling former United man Cristiano Ronaldo

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and Newcastle legend Alan Shearer’s record for the most goals in a 38-game campaign in the process.

Sturridge contributed to the club’s massive goal tally on 21 occasions – the second highest individual total in the league – and was equally as impressive as his Uruguayan team-mate. The pair’s appetite never seemed to be sated. Whatever the situation, whoever they were up against and regardless of what they had already achieved on the day, the pair always wanted more and would often make the opposition suffer for their voracity.

Rodgers, having recently been rewarded for his fine job with a new long-term contract, now faces the difficult task of keeping his squad together.

He must also acquire new talent to cope with the demands of competing in the Champions League, Liverpool’s reward for finishing second. Rodgers needs to succeed on both those fronts if Liverpool are to improve on this season’s tremendous effort.

Something tells you Rodgers and Liverpool will do just that.

Liverpool turned a corner in 2013-14, leaving behind a period of uncertainty and adversity. They have ushered in a new era of hope and expectation on Merseyside. There is newfound belief in the club and Anfield has burst to life. You get the feeling the best is yet to come.

MENS’ HEALTH

In front of a hundred or so college students at Melba Copland SCHOOL last month, Clyde Rathbone, together with school principal Michael Battenally and Menslink CEO Martin Fisk, launched the 2014 ‘Silence is Deadly’ campaign.

MENSLINK

BRUMBIES LEGEND CLYDE RATHBONE LAUNCHES THIS YEAR’S ‘SILENCE IS DEADLY’ CAMPAIGN The campaign aims to turn around the perceived macho mentality of not asking for help and bottling up all your problems, thinking you need to solve everything yourself. Last year, Menslink took this message out to over nine thousand students across the ACT and Queanbeyan, with feedback from schools showing a near doubling of male students getting help for issues ranging from bullying, family pressures, relationships, anger, parental separation; even major depression and anxiety.

The message is simple. As Clyde tells the young guys “talking about it (your problem) is the best thing… and not talking about it is the worst thing you can do.”

Principal Michael Battenally told Play Magazine that, as a result of the program, “my school starts another year where young men are encouraged to gain confidence to talk to someone about what matters to them. These young men are better equipped to help out a mate or another student because they are more aware of when to help a friend or another student.

“At the 2013 Menslink program held at our school one of our year 11 boys, Jared, told us all about how he was concerned about a mate at another school and he was keen to find out how he could help him. With the benefit of some Menslink advice,

Jared acted on it and that same mate is now safe and getting on with positive changes in his life.”

The program features video interviews with Brumbies coach Steve Larkham and players Fotu Auelua, Ruaidhri Murphy and Clyde, who talk openly about hassles they have had in their lives and how talking things over with a mate or a counsellor helps them get through. Players on the day also come and talk openly with students about getting through their own hassles in life (on and off the field) as well as helping their team mates out. A couple of young guys, Connor and Lloyd – who themselves have come through some pretty tough times – also tell their stories and how getting a counsellor or a mentor onto their team helped turn their lives around.

The main feature of the program though is the wide ranging Q&A session, where students are encouraged to ask questions of Menslink, the players and the young guys. Time and time again, we have been impressed by the length and depth of questions from the young men. In one school, the Q&A session lasted over an hour, even though students had also participated in the program last year. Young guys ask questions relating to how to help a mate in trouble, how to get help yourself, how to overcome the fear of getting help, how to start a conversation (RUOK?) and what to do in a range of life situations: from bullying to

relationship breakdowns to exam stress and family problems. This program has shown that – in the right environment – more young guys are starting to feel that it’s OK to get help. Most importantly, as the overwhelming feedback from schools shows, they are on the lookout for their mates and will step in and lend a hand if their mate is struggling. As Menslink has seen first-hand, this help can turn lives around.

This year the campaign is proudly supported by both ACT Policing and the Snow Foundation.

As Deputy Chief Police Office David Pryce told us, “asking someone if they are okay is such a powerful gesture: it gives permission for someone to ask for help. I support the Silence is Deadly campaign because the consequences of emotional isolation, especially in young men, can be severe. Tragedies can be avoided if more men can be encouraged to speak up and seek help. This is not a weakness, it is actually a strength.”

For more information about the campaign and Menslink, visit menslink.org.au or silenceisdeadly.com.au

RUGBY UNION

STATE OF PLAY:

EWEN MCKENZIE SHOWS HIS HAND WITH FIRST SQUAD SELECTION

BY Brett McKay

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie has laid all his cards out on the table, in selecting his first squad for 2014, to take on France in three Tests in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney in June.

And it is ‘his squad’ for the first time in his tenure as Wallabies coach. The squad he took on for The Rugby Championship last season was largely inherited from what Robbie Deans used in the three Test series against the British and Irish Lions this time last year.

Even for the Spring Tour to finish the 2013 rugby year, new players brought into the squad was more out of a need to fill injury-enforced holes, rather than any major judgement calls on form or players, or selecting certain players to enable a certain style of rugby to be played.

This squad represents the first chance McKenzie has had to get around the Super Rugby sides and observe who’s playing well, and who’s not.

And while it hasn’t always been said of Wallabies squads, the squad he has selected absolutely reflects the form teams in the competition.

The ACT Brumbies, NSW Waratahs, and Western Force have supplied 26 of the 32 players named in mid-May, while the Melbourne Rebels and the battling Queensland Reds contributed just six players combined.

McKenzie has spoken of the need for the Wallabies to engage fans both on and off the field, for the Wallabies to return to the glory days of a decade ago, when a Bledisloe ticket was worth more than Willy Wonka’s golden equivalent, and when the Wallabies truly were ‘Australia’s team’.

“Winning is not enough,” McKenzie told the media at the squad announcement, “and it’s important that our journey captures the hearts and minds of the Australian public along the way.”

Certainly, the way the Wallabies played out the Spring Tour, where seemed to run in tries from everywhere, will form the backbone of likely game plans this year, something McKenzie has already acknowledged in saying he’s not interested in starting from scratch; he’d rather continue to build on what worked well in Europe.

He’s picked a group of mobile backrowers, all of whom have been in decent form for the respective sides. The recognition of Western Force skipper Matt Hodgson’s career-best form has been wellreceived, and is well-deserved. Scott Fardy and Michael Hooper appear certainties as either side flankers, but No.8 remains anything but decided.

With Quade Cooper out, and with Brumbies flyhalf Matt Toomua looking a certainty at inside centre, where he starred in Europe late last year, the indifferent form of Will Genia has given the Waratahs halves pairing of Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley a major boost. Kurtley Beale also looms as a no.10 option.

The selection of five back-three players who don’t kick is a clear indication that McKenzie intends to play that ball-in-hand counter-attacking game that served him well in Europe as well. Israel Folau at fullback and Nick Cummins on the left wing pick themselves. The no.14 jersey is a little more difficult, with Pat McCabe, Adam Ashley-Cooper, and revitalised Waratah Rob Horne all in line.

But in truth, Ashley-Cooper has been in excellent form at outside centre for the Tahs, and should remain there for the Wallabies. And then you could flip a coin between Horne and McCabe – who really has been superb this year for the Brumbies – and neither will let the side down.

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Wallabies squad to face France in June: Ben Alexander (ACT), Pek Cowan (WA), Sekope Kepu (NSW), Scott Sio (ACT), James Slipper (Qld), Nathan Charles (WA), Stephen Moore (ACT), Tatafu Polota-Nau (NSW), Sam Carter (ACT), James Horwill (Qld), Luke Jones (Vic), Rob Simmons (Qld), Will Skelton (NSW), Scott Fardy (ACT), Scott Higginbotham (Vic), Matt Hodgson (WA), Michael Hooper (NSW), Ben McCalman (WA), Wycliff Palu (NSW), Will Genia (Qld), Nick Phipps (NSW), Nic White (ACT), Kurtley Beale (NSW), Bernard Foley (NSW), Tevita Kuridrani (ACT), Christian Leali’ifano (ACT), Matt Toomua (ACT), Adam Ashley-Cooper (NSW), Nick Cummins (WA), Israel Folau (NSW), Rob Horne (NSW), Pat McCabe (ACT).

RUGBY UNION

BRUMBIES ON TRACK PEAKED TOO EARLY, OR TEMPORARY SLUMP?

B U T W I TH S OM E W O R K TO D O

BY Brett McKay

Just when last month I’d written that the Brumbies looked on track to repeat their 2013 Super Rugby Finals series appearance, the team hit an almighty form hurdle and suddenly find themselves in a battle to even finish in the top six.

After prevailing in the clash many of us first marked on the 2014 calendar - against Jake White and his competition-leading Sharks - the Brumbies went into a three-week mid-season slump, with a heavy loss to the Crusaders followed by a less-thanideal tour of South Africa, where they returned to Canberra with two losses and just one bonus point.

At the time, it had the effect of dropping the Brumbies from second overall, and leading the Australian conference, to seventh overall, and third in the conference behind the Waratahs and the Western Force.

Frustratingly for Brumbies supporters, is that while the team has played some outstanding rugby this year, it feels like a distant memory.

The expansive, entertaining approach that took down the Force, Hurricanes, and Waratahs in the opening rounds, and the Blues and Chiefs in later rounds, was dumped for the territory-based game that prevailed against the Sharks in mid-May. From there on, against the Crusaders and on the South African tour, it was like the Brumbies were stuck in a game plan they couldn’t get out of.

In Pretoria for the final game on tour, this method simply played into the Bulls’ hands. Where the Bulls kicked with intent and chased hard to create contests, the Brumbies kicked long on auto-pilot, almost always to a Bulls sweeper, and very rarely with any kick-chase pressure coming through.

There were signs the Brumbies were looking to hold onto the ball once they got anywhere near their own 40m line, at least. However, when they did kick, too often they let themselves down by kicking straight to a Bulls player, with little sign of pressure and certainly no contest.

It was the same with their restarts. Short kickoffs brought some success, and made the Bulls work hard to retain possession. But then the Brumbies kicked long to an uncontested catch on nine other occasions in the same match, completely ignoring the short kickoff tactic that had been working This kind of strange decision-making has haunted them for the last month. When ground is being made, and the phases are building, a lazy or non-existent cleanout will allow the opposition a free shot at a steal. Too many turnovers conceded are coming from handling errors.

The Bulls, particularly, would hoof it back downfield, chase through hard, and any territory advantage the Brumbies may have created was lost.

Discipline remains an issue, too, both at the ruck and at set piece. In the last month or so, the Brumbies have gifted their opposition 27 shots at penalty goal, of which 21 have been successful.

The Brumbies scored only one try less than their opposition in that less-than-ideal month, yet the three losses in that time were by more

than 15 points on average. They’ve rebuilt themselves in recent years on being hard at the breakdown and will always run the risk of crossing the line. And that’s fine.

What’s not fine, and what are inexcusable are full arm penalties from set piece, or for being offside at the breakdown, or conceding penalties while in possession because of lazy attacking ruck work.

Happily, there are some signs of improvement.

The win at home against the Melbourne Rebels, in the last Super Rugby match before the June International window was a throwback to the classic Brumbies running game, with six tries in all and the four try-bonus point secured before halftime.

The kicking game was shelved, and the power carrying games of Pat McCabe at fullback, and barnstorming winger Clyde Rathbone, along with Henry Speight, provided enormous impact running the ball back at speed. A reinvigorated breakdown performance, as well as blinding games from likely Wallabies Nic White and Matt Toomua, saw the Brumbies return to the top six.

It all points to a blockbuster return to Super Rugby after the June International break, where the Brumbies will take on the Waratahs at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, on June 28.

RUGBY UNION

VIKINGS ACADEMY TRIPLE SUCCESS “To get a couple of players from the ACT in the Australian team alone is good, but to get 3 people from the one club is really good” Andrew Robinson summed it up best when describing the feeling of being named in the Australian Under 20’s team along side Tuggeranong Vikings TTM Corporation V-Rugby Academy team-mates Rowan Perry and Joe Powell.

to the strength and conditioning program and the on-field skills components, the academy includes employment and career advice/ mentoring, dietary assessments and promotes involvement in junior rugby coaching.

It’s a sentiment shared by the very proud club as Rugby Club Manager Nico Andrade recent told PLAY.

While the boys are currently in New Zealand competing in the IRB Junior World Cup they had time to reflect their success before heading out.

“The academy was established in 2011 with a view to provide a pathway on and off the field for young and talented rugby players. In addition

“We have been friends for the last 3 years – it’s great to have people I know in the team” Joe told PLAY.

“The main aim was to provide the framework for the players to prepare themselves, physically and mentally for 1st Grade Rugby and beyond.

On a smaller scale, the program mirrors as best it can to that of what a professional Rugby program such as Super Rugby provides: professional coaching whilst still being able to accommodate the study and work timetables of young men.”

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Andrew shared Joe’s view and was quick to point out that the hard work they put in was worth it. “The academy has help develop us as players – especially over the breaks, having that professional training environment really builds you for a good season” Rowan, who moved to Canberra from the North Coast to join the academy, also pointed out the impact the professional nature of the academy had on their personal development, “the academy focuses on individual core skills as well as team patterns and all the senior guys definitely upskill the younger guys” “If you want to be taking rugby seriously – it’s the best place to do it.”

TTM Corporation Group has been the major Sponsor of the Academy since 2011 and the club acknowledges it certainly couldn’t be possible without their support.

BIG SOUND

TAPAS

BIG SCREENS

LANYON VIKINGS HEIDELBERG STREET | CONDER ACT 2906 | P 02 6200 8400 WWW.VIKINGS.COM.AU/LANYON

BEER

RUGBY LEAGUE

IS STATE OF ORIGIN

BY RYAN O’CONNELL

KILLING THE NRL? I admit the title is a touch more sensationalistic than I usually prefer, but the question seriously needs to be asked of whether the State of Origin series is aversely affecting the National Rugby League competition.

In rugby league circles, it’s extremely hard to avoid talking about anything but Origin football at this time of year. The three-match battle between New South Wales and Queensland is the jewel in the code’s crown and completely dominates the dialogue during the middle of the season.

However, that’s the precise problem.

The NRL season carries on throughout the State of Origin series and sadly becomes little more than an afterthought, which is a major issue for the game. Especially this year, when you consider the drama and excitement that has been produced by the closeness of the competition thus far this season.

No one is complaining about Origin’s popularity, for it has become one of the biggest sporting events in the country and generates plenty of media coverage, interest and revenue for rugby league, which are all much sought after in a competitive sporting landscape.

Yet any time the main competition is rendered little more than a footnote in rugby league discussions, it’s a less than ideal situation for the code.

The shift in focus that happens from late May to early July is hardly surprising.

The Origin series is a massive spectacle that involves the finest players in the game competing again each other in the highest level of rugby league there is, anywhere in the world. To steal a line from Top Gun, it’s the ‘best of the best’ and therefore rightfully receives plenty of

interest from sporting fans, both in Australia and internationally.

The media circus that accompanies the series, with plenty of banter from the two teams, agendafilled rants, mind games played out in public, lessthan-objective journalism from the two states, and the intense build-up to each match, all provide fantastic exposure and publicity for the code.

However, it does so at the expense of the NRL. Though it’s probably hyperbole to say State of Origin is killing the NRL, it’s certainly detracting from it, on a few levels.

The first is the removal of the game’s stars from the competition.

Any player selected for Origin is ruled out of their club’s game the weekend before, while a number of players understandably fail to back-up for their club the weekend after Origin.

There is also usually a long casualty list following an Origin match as well, as NSW versus Queensland clashes have a history of producing injuries due to the intensity and speed of the games. This means that many players are ruled out of club games for an extended period of time following Origin encounters, adding to the elite-level player drain.

situation, though the most commonly discussed solution is a plan to play Origin games on stand-alone weekends, rather than mid-week on Wednesday nights.

Yet rather than a foolproof solution, this merely raises more questions.

Will players turn out for their clubs the weekend before and after? If not, then what exactly has changed? The NRL will still be diluted via the absence of the competition’s best players from their club teams.

Even if byes are again utilised across the period, won’t that see some teams not playing for two weekends in a row? Depending on your pointof-view, that’s either a major benefit, or a major hindrance.

There is also the concern of only having a single game of rugby league on for three weekends in the middle of the year. As much interest as the Origin series generates, that would be a severe lack of footy right in the middle of the year.

Considering all that, I’m far from convinced that stand-alone Origin weekends are the panacea rugby league is seeking.

The flow-on effect of these players missing club games is that fans and the media somewhat suspend their interest in the NRL.

There are some very savvy operators now running the NRL, and I’m sure they have their sharp minds focused on this issue. However there has been very little talk about a possible solution, which suggests the issue is problematic and complex.

There are a number of suggestions that have been offered up as potential remedies to the

Perhaps the current scenario remains the best after all.

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Scenes that day were reminiscent of bygone days, as children crammed in behind the dead ball line to catch a glimpse of their heroes, while Meninga was swarmed by Raiders fans as he made his way from the hallowed turf in Canberra for the last time.

HO W I T A L L U N F O L D E D F O R

TH E G R E E N M A C H I N E

The Semi-Final series began with a strong win against the North Sydney Bears, before the Raiders fell 19-18 in an epic semi-final against the Bulldogs, where Darryl Halligan kicked a field goal in extra time to send Canterbury into the Grand Final.

The Raiders were faced with the task of a hungry Bears outfit again the following week and it seemed like they would be dealt the cruellest of blows, when John Lomax was sent from the field for a high shot in the first half.

However the ledger was evened up soon after when Bears forward Gary Larson joined Lomax on the sideline, when he was sent from the field for a spear tackle on David Furner. This was enough to tip the balance back in the Raiders favour and they eventually ran out 22-9 winners to book a re-match with the Bulldogs.

The Grand Final began in the strangest of circumstances, as Bulldogs prop Martin Bella lost the ball in his own in goal from the kick-off instantly giving the Raiders an opportunity which they capitalised on two sets of six later through a try to David Furner.

The opening try will always be remembered as a piece of magic from a suspended Lomax’s replacement Paul Osborne who popped a lovely ball to Furner, before backing it up soon after to send Ken Nagas away with an equally beautiful round the corner pass.

The 1994 season for the Canberra Raiders was always going to be an enormous occasion, especially when club legend and two time premiership winning Captain mal Meninga announced to the Raiders faithful that the season would be his last in top flight rugby league.

The Raiders were coming off the back of a season in 1993 which could have been their third premiership in five seasons, however a serious leg injury to their pivotal halfback Ricky Stuart

late in the year seemed to derail the Raiders chances, as they lost to St George and Brisbane in the finals series to bow out.

The new season was again filled with promise, as Stuart’s return and the star studded team assembled for another season, but an away loss to the Sharks in round one had the Raiders fans wondering if they were staring down the prospect of another year where the hype failed to live up to the performance.

These fears were alleviated though as the Raiders posted back to back floggings against the Rabbitohs and Knights at their home in Bruce, before embarking on a season which saw them win 17 of their 22 round matches, including a stunning eight game winning streak heading into the finals.

The highlight of this winning run came in round 22 when the Raiders sent their departing skipper out in style, as a then crowd record 25,253 crammed into Bruce Stadium to watch the Raiders tear apart the Western Suburb Magpies 40-22.

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With tries to Noa Nadruku and Laurie Daley in the first half the Raiders always looked in control of the contest and when Nagas picked up his second try in the second half the Raiders looked like it was going to be their day again.

This was confirmed soon after when Clive Churchill medallist from the game David Furner jinked his way through the defence to send Jason Croker away to seal the victory.

Only one part of the fairy-tale remained for the Green Machine and it was delivered on a platter by Bulldogs star Jason Smith, as he threw an intercept pass to send the outgoing club Legend Meninga away for the final try of the match as the Raiders claimed their third premiership.

It’s been 20 years since that monumental occasion at the Sydney Football Stadium, with Jason Croker the last of that wonderful squad to wear the green jersey in 2006, when he finished his career after 318 matches for the Raiders.

Now with Ricky Stuart at the helm for the Green Machine the Raiders look at creating their own piece of history, as they chase their elusive fourth premiership and a chance to add some more memories like that memorable season in 1994.

IN 1994 THE GRAND FINAL FEATURED TWO PLAYERS WHO WERE SUPERSTARS OF THE GAME FOR THEIR CLUBS, STATES AND COUNTRY. THE TWO PLAYERS FACED OFF AGAINST EACH OTHER IN THE 1994 DECIDER, BEFORE SPENDING THE NEXT THREE MONTHS AS ROOMMATES ON THE KANGAROO TOUR. Now after 20 years they find themselves working three feet away from each other as they plan and prepare the Raiders team each week in their roles as coaches for the Canberra Raiders.

Ricky Stuart and Dean Pay sat down to talk about the 1994 season and reminisce about the season and the Raiders 36-12 Grand Final win.

RICKY STUART Tell us a bit about the 1994 season?

RS: 1994 was a season where we came off the back of an unlucky finish to the season in 1993.

For me I’d fractured my ankle and broken my leg in the second last game of the season, so I had an off-season which was full of rehab and getting my running rhythm and fitness back ready to play again.

As I said we had an unlucky finish in 1993 and in 1994 we had a very good football team again and what I thought was good depth in positions, with a lot of younger players coming through and there was a good vibe around the club.

It was a Kangaroo tour year and Mal’s last season which made it a big year right round. From celebrating one of our greats last season with the club through to younger players striving to represent, play Origin and make a Kangaroo tour.

When that’s happening you have very healthy attitude among the players. Fortunately we had a number of players vying for rep honours and it pays off in club football.

We had a really consistent season in 1994 and this led us to have a great chance to make an impact in the finals.

The final home game of the season also doubled as Mal’s farewell match at Bruce Stadium. What was the atmosphere like that day?

RS: That’s one game I can remember quite clearly in regards to having the kids on the field on the

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time we played and if they have shown they can get you it adds motivation. We certainly didn’t have a lack of confidence but there was no overconfidence which helped.

sideline and behind the in goals, because the crowd was too big to fit them in the stands and for me that’s what football is all about. To have that type of atmosphere is something I’ll never forget and the thing you play the game for. To send off Mal like that in front of a crowd he’d spent his career pleasing was a joy and I’m proud I was a part of it.

The Grand Final started perfectly from the kick-off with Martin Bella knocking on which led to a David Furner try from a Paul Osborne pass. Did that immediately put some confidence into the team?

Coming into the finals you’d won eight straight including a 36-6 win over the Bulldogs. Did you feel confident heading into the first semi-final against Norths?

RS: It gives you confidence as you score early and it gets you into the match and when we scored again soon after it was a matter of winning field position and kick metres. We knew we were playing against a tough footy team who was very resilient and was never going to give up even though we scored two tries.

RS: We did feel confident, but we still knew we had a job to do. Six weeks leading into the semifinals, Shaun McRae through Tim Sheens control would flog us at training. We had one hell of a six weeks in terms of conditioning and were the fittest we could possibly be. After that we didn’t do any conditioning and we just concentrated on ball work and pure preparation for the games so we were mentally tough, quite healthy and well prepared.

There was a big moment defensively too in the first half when Mal Meninga smashed Terry Lamb. What effect did that have?

RS: It had a huge effect. He was their inspiration and their leader and it was like what happened in 1988 when Terry knocked out Ellery Hanley.

He’s one of the greatest competitors I ever played against Terry Lamb and I know he was their inspiration as Mal was for us. It was a game that turned a little bit after that moment.

After beating Norths 22-9 In a tight match you were beaten 19-18 by the Bulldogs in the second semi-final.

What was the feeling in the camp after the loss?

RS: With the Bulldogs it was always a tough battle, especially in the early days of my career in 1988 through until 1994-1995. It was always tough.

They were a fairly similarly balanced football team to ours. We liked to think we could pride ourselves on tough footy mixed with some flair and skill and the Bulldogs were that tough, rugged team which had a tough forward pack. They were very much a no-nonsense style of team which had some up and coming talent mixed with experience which is what we had.

It balanced out though when they had Gary Larson sent off for a spear tackle soon after and I remember screaming at the referee Greg McCallum that he had to go. He had to show that he was going to be fair and I still remember me being in his face that he had to go and we had to put that pressure on to even it up. I still feel the send-off with Larson going off was enough to even up the game and we were good enough to go on and win.

We knew we had our chances to win that game, so we didn’t lose any confidence and put it behind us and moved on to the next challenge.

What was the build up like for the Grand Final compared to the others you’d experienced in 1989-1991?

You had to play Norths again after losing to the Bulldogs and despite the 22-9 scorecard the team was in some trouble when they lost John Lomax early. Tell us about that game?

RS: We were coming off the back of losing our last Grand Final in 1991 and if we had of won that one it might have been a different feel. I know for the guys that lost in 1991 we had the feeling of what it was like to lose a Grand Final. We had an attitude of a heads down and bum up approach to the game.

RS: You always have to prepare for the unexpected and you don’t know what each game holds and when John Lomax was sent off you thought wow, we’ve got a team here good enough to make the Grand Final and all of a sudden we’ve got a team who’s never been in a Grand Final, and they’re in a position where they have 13 on the field and we only have 12. Losing a front rower is a huge difference in any game because of the one number down in the middle of the ruck and it makes it a tough challenge.

I feel uncomfortable saying it with Dean Pay here on my staff who is one of my best mates, but I remember being at home and seeing the Bulldogs having their big luncheon and they were getting paraded around Belmore and I thought we haven’t had that fanfare. We’ve had a real tough approach to the game and I think it all comes off the back of the memory of that 1991 loss.

Our approach to the game was one of knowing the fact that these guys had just got us last

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After some great tries to Nadruku, Nagas and Daley you lead 18-6 at halftime. Did you feel like the game was there for the taking at the break?

RS: We were down by 12-2 in 1989 so we knew we had a football team sitting in the opposition sheds that wasn’t going to go away. There was still a job to do after halftime.

Another try to Nagas and then Croker put the game beyond doubt, but the final try to Mal in his last game for the Raiders must have been the icing on the cake?

RS: Sometimes you don’t get what you deserve.

Mal deserved that send-off and he got it. He had done a lot for the game and achieved a lot and there was no more fitting way to finish his rugby league career for the Raiders than scoring that try and sealing what was a great day for the club.

What was the celebration like after the game?

RS: (Laughs) Long.

You now work side by side with Dean Pay. Do you ever remind him about the result that day?

RS: We roomed together on the Kangaroo tour and I reminded him after every beer we had over that three months.

In all honesty though, through State of Origin, playing against him and rooming on the Kangaroo tour we’ve grown such a great trust, bond and friendship that it’s hard to explain.

I feel very privileged to have him as one of my best mates and to say this is what the game can do for you. If it wasn’t for rugby league I wouldn’t know the bloke.

DEAN PAY The Bulldogs were minor premiers in 1994. Did you head into the final series with confidence?

DP: Yeah we did. We had a good year across the board in 1994 and capped the regular season off by finishing as Minor Premiers. We had a really good side with a lot of young guys who experienced representative footy that year and we were ready to give the finals series a real shake.

The only loss you’d had in the last nine rounds was against the Raiders, but you managed to get a one point win against them in the semi-final.

“AFTER THE 1994 SEASON I WENT ON THE KANGAROO TOUR AND RICKY AND I WERE ACTUALLY ROOM-MATES FOR THREE MONTHS AND HE DIDN’T LET ME FORGET ABOUT IT…” Did that give you confidence heading into the Grand Final?

DP: Well looking back now I wish that we had of lost [laughs]. That loss ended up helping them a lot more than it did us. They went back and played a hard match against North Sydney and regained some form which they took into the Grand Final.

There are no excuses though, they were just too good for us.

It wasn’t the start you were after when Martin Bella knocked on and the Raiders scored two sets later. What did you guys say behind the posts?

DP: You talk to a lot of people in the years since that Grand Final and a lot of them want to talk about Marty Bella dropping that ball from the kick-off.

At the end of the day there’s a lot more to losing that Grand Final than Marty dropping the ball from the kick-off but that did put us on the back foot.

It was the first time that a lot of us had played in a Grand Final and I suppose the occasion got to us a little bit. The game itself is a bit of a blur; it was over before it got started.

Canberra just had a wonderful team and their big-game players really stood up that day.

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An intercept try to Jason Williams was your only try in the first half.

What did you guys say at the break to try and get the team back on track?

DP: Well it was 20 years ago and it’s not a memory I really want to keep… But we just focused on remaining composed and having faith in our own ability.

We didn’t want to let Canberra’s momentum continue or let their big names get too much confidence because if they did that they would run away with the victory. In the end, that’s exactly what happened.

When the Raiders scored twice more in the second half the game was always going to be hard to win back. How did you approach the final quarter of the game?

DP: It’s like anything, when something’s gone you can’t get it back but when you’re out on a rugby league field you’re representing yourself, your family, your club and your supporters so we weren’t going to stop trying until the final whistle sounds.

A couple of us from the Bulldogs got picked for the Kangaroo tour at the end of the year and we just couldn’t wait to leave the country, get the boots back on and redeem ourselves.

Did that Grand Final loss motivate the team for the next season, as you made your way to the Grand Final and a win against Manly?

DP: The loss certainly gave us the added hunger and the edge to go one better the next year over Manly. It proved to be a major factor for us throughout the whole season.

We didn’t have the most consistent season but once we got through to the semi-finals we definitely put our heads down and played some good footy; we didn’t want to feel that pain again.

We asked Ricky the same question, but does he ever remind you of that day?

DP: (Laughs) Well as I said previously, after the 1994 season I went on the Kangaroo tour and Ricky and I were actually roommates for three months and he didn’t let me forget about it which was hard to take but we ended up becoming great mates and we have been ever since.

Now that we’re working together at the Raiders, I feel that it’s a great privilege to be working with him at this great club that he knows so well. It’s our aim to get the Green Machine back to the heights of those days. Back to where they should be.

M A L ’ s I C ON I C F I S T P U MP

A F T E R S C O R I N G A N I NT E R C E PT T R Y TO S E A L TH E W I N A N D TH E R A I D E R S TH I R D P R E M I E R S H I P

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TH E

M E DALLIST DAV ID F URNER

B Y B E N PO L L A C K

To win an NRL Grand Final is seen as the pinnacle in rugby league. Mal Meninga was famously quoted after the 1989 win that it was better than playing for his state and country and the reason people played the game.

The Clive Churchill medal had been won by some legends of the club in previous years, with Bradley Clyde winning in 1989 when the Raiders achieved their first premiership and again in 1991 despite the team losing the Grand Final to Penrith.

Ricky Stuart picked up the honour in 1990 when his brilliant kicking game kept Penrith hemmed down their own end for most of the match and in 1994 the award was given to an up and coming player who had arguably the game of his life when it mattered most.

we were fortunate to have the senior players like Mal, Box (Steve Walters), Clyde, Laurie and Ricky and it rubbed off on us younger guys.”

With the pre-game preparations out of the way it was time to take the field and Furner said from the moment the team left the dressing room the positivity and confidence grew stronger.

“It was so exciting when we hit the field and you could pick up the excitement and atmosphere coming from the crowd. We had a dream start when we got the ball back straight away and when I scored the first try any nerves left were gone.

I know Ozzie says now he ran 50m to set that first try up but it was more like 5m, but when I got the ball over the line I knew it was going to be our day.

Furner said winning the Clive Churchill medal topped off what was a memorable day.

“The satisfaction of winning was enough, but to pick up the Clive Churchill medal was the icing on the cake. The week leading into the game I had a dream that I’d won the Grand Final and was given the medal, but at the time I quickly dismissed it and told myself I needed to stop dreaming. In the end though it happened and it was fantastic to win it with close team mates who are still some of my closest mates.”

The awarding of the Clive Churchill Medal came with an extra bonus for Furner, as he was also named to join the best of the best for the upcoming Kangaroo tour.

“From that moment on we always felt like we were in control and we knew we had points in us with guys like Noa, Kenny and Mullos (Brett Mullins) all able to score from almost anywhere on the field.

We knew if we defended well they wouldn’t be able to get near us.”

“It was all about winning a Grand Final for the Raiders and I’d never really thought about making the Kangaroo Tour, but it was an experience I’ll never forget and I believe it made me a better player when I returned the following season for the Raiders.

As the Raiders took an 18-6 lead into halftime Furner said he remembers vividly the way that

“Once again it was an opportunity to play with some of the best players in the game and my

“The week leading into the game I had a dream that I’d won the Grand Final and was given the medal, but at the time I quickly dismissed it and told myself I needed to stop dreaming.”

David Furner started the game as a player who the Raiders were confident could fill the role required for him as the team looked to their superstars for points, but at the end of the 80 minutes he’d been judged the best player on the field with a performance that booked a ticket on the end of season Kangaroo tour to England and France.

Furner recalled that special day and how a humble boy from Queanbeyan picked up the top individual honour on the biggest day of the rugby league year.

“I was normally nervous going into games, but heading into the Grand Final It was a different feeling. I was more relaxed and just ready to play footy. We were coming off that really tight semifinal against North Sydney which could have gone either way and I remember after that Norths game sitting in the dressing rooms and there were no celebrations after that win. We knew we had a job to do the following week in the Grand Final.

“As we sat in the sheds preparing for the game it was an eerie feeling and one of confidence and

Sheens addressed the team at the break and said from there on that the game was there for the Raiders to lose as they were in control of the situation.

roommate for the tour was Freddy Fittler. The best part of rooming with Freddy was the fact that the Panthers paid his room bill, so it was always a very popular place to be!

“I can remember clearly the halftime speech and Sheensy with his experience of being in Grand Finals before never let us get too excited.

It really helped us younger players stay more relaxed and at halftime he was very calm.

Not only did Furner achieve almost everything he could of in that famous season for the Raiders, he also had some milestones off the field which were hard to top as well.

When the Raiders scored tries to Croker and Nagas in the second half and the game was out of the Bulldogs reach Furner said the team could enjoy the rest of the occasion.

“It was one of those games where you felt like you could play forever. As we got near the end of the game and Mal scored the intercept try to seal the win, you felt like you could stay out there for another 80 minutes and you wanted the feeling to last forever.”

At the end of the game and the realisation of what had just transpired started to sink in,

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“1994 as a year was the best of my life. I‘d won a grand final and made a Kangaroo tour, but I was also lucky enough to become a father for the first time when my daughter Madison was born and I also got married to Kellie that year as well. Apart from the years where my other children were born it was hard to top.

“I did leave the Kangaroo tour early when we toured France as Kel’s mum was sick and they allowed me to come home and be with my family when she passed away which was a gesture I’ll never forget either.”

“They were special times which I’ll never forget and I’ll always remember that day in 1994.”

MEMORIES FROM

RAIDERS FAMILY D e n is C ar n a h a n RAIDERS MEMBER

“I’d followed the Raiders since the very beginning and look back on the 1994 Grand Final with incredibly fond memories.

I remember being in Cairns at Aunty Karen’s house with a few mates, a long way from home in the Nation’s Capital, and absolutely loving every minute of the build-up, the match itself and of the celebrations.

I was gutted that we lost the Major Semi-Final to the Bulldogs and I was absolutely nervous during Grand Final week despite the great side that we had.

I distinctly remember Martin Bella’s knock-on from the kick-off gave us a tremendous start and to this day I don’t remember laughing so much during a game!

Other than that I recall quite clearly Ozzy Osbourne playing the game of his career!

Paul Osborne – ’94 Grand Final offloads = 2.

Paul Osborne career offloads = 2.

As a passionate Raiders member, it was fantastic to see Mal Meninga sent off as a winner, although I fear that we used up all our fairy tales in that send off for Mal and have been paying for it ever since! Looking back now, that Grand Final win in 1994 was one of my most favourite rugby league memories of all time but it’s still hard to go past our first win in 1989; that was a come from behind underdog story whereas ’94 was a glorious powerhouse triumph.

I’m looking forward to seeing the boys lift in front of all of those past greats in the stands in Round 15 to topple the ladder leading Bulldogs in Round 15. Go the Raiders!”

TERRY C A MP E S E CLUB CAPTAIN

“I was only nine years old at the time but I remember watching the match at our house in Queanbeyan with all of the family.

It’s the last Grand Final that the club has won and we had so many terrific players who I idolised so the memory definitely sticks out for me.

I’ve seen replays of the match since but I remember at the time being amazed by Paul Osborne’s passes to set up the first two tries to David Furner and Kenny Nagas. Of all the stars in the Raiders line-up, unsung hero Paul Osborne was the one who got us on the front foot!

Then of course the final memory I have is of big Mal grabbing an intercept and racing away into the clear to go out a winner. That was such a great sight for a young Raiders fan.

I’ve come in contact with a fair few players from that period in Raiders history over my time in the club through coaches such as Furnsie and now Ricky, as well as playing with guys like Ruben Wiki and Toots [Jason Croker]. It’s been great to hear their stories from those days and to have the players from both sides present at the game to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Grand Final win will be a very special feeling for me.

Hopefully we can get as many fans as possible out to GIO Stadium to celebrate the occasion. The players here are all proud of the club’s rich history and it will be a good opportunity to celebrate the past as well as build for the future.”

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J A S ON CROKER

1994 PREMIERSHIP PLAYER & CLUB GAMES RECORD HOLDER “I was lucky enough to play for Australia and New South Wales throughout my career but winning that 1994 Grand Final in Mal Meninga’s last game for the Raiders is a memory that I will always hold close to my heart.

Sending Mal out a winner for the Raiders was something that we all talked about and were motivated to do.

We were confident all year because of the great players in our team and the smart coach we had in Tim Sheens. Even though we lost the Major Semi-Final we still headed into the Grand Final with confidence, especially after smashing Norths in the Preliminary Final.

Seeing Mal score the final try was something that I will always remember. I’m still a bit dirty on him actually because I could’ve bagged a double if he had passed to me in support!

It will be great to catch up with everyone at the 1994 reunion dinner. We won’t give the Bulldogs boys too much of a hard time, maybe a few friendly sledges here or there.”

D r . D a v id Head o n

HISTORY AND HERITAGE ADVISOR FROM THE CENTENARY OF CANBERRA & RAIDERS FAN “In my opinion, Mal Meninga single-handedly put the Raiders on the National Rugby League map and inspired a generation of local players in the process, so for him to be sent out a winner in the 1994 Grand Final couldn’t have been more fitting.

He didn’t go out a winner in State of Origin but boy has he got his revenge there over the last eight years – that’s another story though.

In terms of the actual game there were three memories that stand out for me: the first one was the epic hit Meninga put on Terry Lamb which sent him into coo-coo land. Lamb was the lynchpin of their side and the heart and soul of their team so it was a massive play.

Two was Martin Bella dropping the ball from the kick-off; that really defined the match and from there Ozzie Osbourne set up his two early tries and we never really looked like losing from there.

I was in the state of Mississippi for the 1989 Grand Final so it was great to be sitting at home watching the match with my family all dressed in lime green.

It was the last Grand Final that we have won but it was also the third in that five year period. It was still a really power team with so many great names that have left such a strong legacy in the Canberra community.

I think it’s terrific that the club is celebrating the anniversary. This is a club with a unique history in rugby league; a club that entered the competition for the first time from outside of Sydney and went onto such tremendous success.

It’s a really great direction that the club is going in – to not only celebrate the anniversary but to convey to the current group of players our proud history to inspire further generations to reach similar feats.”

F ra n cis Hea n e y RAIDERS MEMBER

“There were two or three Raiders buses that went up to the stadium for the Grand Final and I was on one of them. It was absolutely awesome on the buses – everybody was dressed head to toe in lime green and we all went up feeling confident of a Grand Final win after beating Norths the week before.

The 1994 Grand Final is my favourite rugby league memory. Mal Meninga was my favourite player and to see him go out on top was brilliant and still brings a smile to my face.

We were all sitting in the corner where Laurie scored his marvellous individual try and we were cheering our lungs out as he dived over. We carried on like lunatics though when Mal took that intercept and raced away to score.

I can’t wait to get out to GIO Stadium for Friday night footy on 20 June to cheer on the boys.

I will have to wear my fully signed 1994 Raiders jersey to help celebrate the occasion!”

RUBEN WIKI

1994 PREMIERSHIP PLAYER “The fondest memory for me about 1994 was not only playing with so many legends of the game, but playing first grade in only my second season at the club. This was a dream come true for a young kid from New Zealand.

The Grand Final in itself is still an incredible feeling for me. The highlight was seeing Mal score in his last game to go out on top. He was my idol growing up so I feel very blessed to have been a part of something special like that.

I’m still involved in the game with the New Zealand Warriors as the Assistant Strength & Conditioning Trainer but the Raiders will always be close to my heart.

I’m privileged to have worn the Green Machine jersey and so blessed to have been mentored by so many greats of our games including Tim Sheens, Craig Bellamy and Dean Lance as coaches then there is the support staff of Brian Hyder, Shaun McCrae, Bob Griffin, Alan Kelly, Mick Mackell and then there are the players that will be my mates for life.

As far as the fans, I just want to say thank you Canberra for accepting me into your hearts.”

Our team

Yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Canberra Milk proudly supporting the Canberra Raiders since 1982.

CANBERRA RAIDERS

2014 LEGACY JERSEY

CANBERRA RAIDERS

STOCK LIMITED! 2014 LEGACY JERSEY (STOCKS ARE LIMITED)

UNSIGNED: $250 OR SIGNED: $300 SIGNED BY RICKY STUART & TERRY CAMPESE • PRICES INCLUDE POSTAGE • S–4XL

UNSIGNED: $250 (INCLUDES POSTAGE)

PURCHASE ONLINE AT WEARERAIDERS.COM.AU OR CALL RAIDERS HQ ON 02 6253 3515 OR

SIGNED BY RAIDERS HEAD COACH & CAPTAIN: $300 (INLCUDES POSTAGE)

THE RAIDERS WILL WEAR THE LEGACY JERSEY AGAINST THE BULLDOGS ON FRIDAY 20 JUNE

SIZE S IZE RANGE: S SMALL-4XL AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ONLINE THROUGH www.weareraiders.com.au

RAIDERS LEGACY JERSEY PRODUCTION IS LIMITED TO 750 UNITS AND IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE BY CLUB MEMBERS AND CORPORATE PARTNERS OF THE GREEN MACHINE OR

BY PHONING RAIDERS HQ ON (02) 6253 3515

1994 PREMIERSHIP TCH CELEBRATING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY MA

CROKER

WALTERS

MENINGA

DALEY

STUART

NAGAS

R A IDE R S V BUL L DOG S

F RIDAY 20 JUNE 201 4 • GIO S TADIUM

GET YOUR ‘SIX OF THE BEST’ 20 YEARS COMMEMORATIVE POSTER

FREE AT THE GAME

20TH ANNIVERSARY MATCH CELEBRATING THE 1994 PREMIERSHIP

F R I D AY 2 0 J U N E G I O S TA D I U M NRL KICK-OFF 7.30PM TICKETS FROM TICKETEK.COM.AU / GATES OPEN 3.30PM GIO SCHOOLBOYS CUP 3.45PM / NYC 5.30PM

2014 RAIDERS & BULLDOGS CLUB MEMBERS ONLY ARE INVITED INTO THE MENINGA LOUNGE POST-MATCH TO MINGLE WITH PAST & PRESENT PLAYERS FROM BOTH CLUBS.

ACTEWAGL JUNE EVENTS CALENDAR Week 1: 9-15 JUNE Monday 9th

Saturday 14th

Week 3: 23-29 JUNE

NRL

Raiders V Broncos 7.00pm GIO Stadium

NEAFL

Eastlake V Belconnen 2.00pm StarTrack Oval

Easts V Wests 3.05pm Griffith Vikings V Royals 3.05pm Viking Park Uni-Norths V QBN Whites 3.05pm ANU

NPL

Tuggeranong United V Canberra Olympic 3.00pm Kambah

JID

JID

Royals V Uni-Norths 3.05pm Phillip Oval Vikings V QBN Whites 3.05pm Viking Park West V Gungahlin 3.05pm Jamison Oval

NEAFL

Belconnen V Ainslie 2.00pm Kippax Oval

AHIL

CBR Brave V Bears 5.30pm Phillip Rink

CRC

NPL

Woden Valley V FFA 3.00pm Kaleen Oval Cooma V Canberra FC 3.00pm Nijong Oval Monaro V Canberra City 3.00pm Riverside

Gungahlin Bulls V Tugg Bushrangers 3.00pm Gungahlin Belconnen United V West Belconnen 3.00pm NthBourne QBN Blues V Goulburn Workers 3.00pm Seiffert

AHIL

CBR Brave V Ice Dogs 5.30pm Phillip Rink

CRC

Woden Rams V QBN Roos 3.00pm Phillip

WPL

Weston Molongo V ANC WFC 2.00pm Anu Canberra FC V Belconnen 2.00pm Deakin oval Tuggeranong V ACTAS 2.00pm Kambah Canberra Olympic V Monaro Panthers

WPL

ANU V Belconnen United 2.00pm ANU Weston Molonglo V ACTAS 2.00pm ANU 2 Canberra FC V Monaro 2.00pm Deakin Canberra Olympic V Tuggeranong 2.00pm O’Connor

NPL

FFA V Belconnen United 3.00pm AIS Grass Field Woden Valley V Canberra City 3.00pm Kaleen Tuggeranong V Canberra FC 3.00pm Kambah Monaro V Canberra Olympic 3.00pm Riverside

Sunday 15th

Week 2: 16-22 JUNE Friday 20th Saturday 21th

Sunday 22th

Saturday 28th

NRL

Raiders V Bulldogs 7.45pm GIO Stadium

JID

Uni-Norths V Wests 3.05pm ANU QBN Whites V Easts 3.05pm Campese Field Gungahlin V Vikings 3.05pm Nicholls Oval

WPL

Weston Molongo V Belconnen 2.00pm ANU ACTAS V Canberra FC 2.00pm Kaleen Monaro V Tuggeranong United 2.00pm Riverside

NPL

Canberra FC V Monaro 3.00pm Deakin Canberra City V Tiggeranong 3.00pm Gungahlin Belconnen United V Woden Valley 3.00pm McKellar

CRC

QBN Roos v West Belconnen 3.00pm Freebody Oval Belconnen United V Gungahlin Bulls 3.00pm NthBourne QBN Blues V Tuggeranong Bushrangers 3.00pm Seiffert Goulburn Workers V Woden Rams 3.00pm Workers Arena

OS QBN RO V ES QBN BLU 6/14 /0 5 0 3.00PM L O DY VA FREEBO N QB

Sunday 29th

Week 4: 30 JUNE - 6 JULY

Saturday 5th

NEAFL

Eastlake V Sydney Uni 12.00pm StarTrack Oval

JID

Gungahlin V Easts 3.05pm Gungahlin Enclosed Vikings V Uni-Norths 3.05pm Viking Park QBN Whites V Royals 3.05pm Campese Field

CRC

QBN Roos V QBN Blues 3.00pm Freeboady Woden Rams V Tuggeranong Bushrangers 3.00pm Phillip

NEAFL

Ainslie V Sydney Swans 12.00pm North Dalton Park Belconnen V QBN Tigers 2.00pm Kippax Oval

CRC

West Belconnen V Gungahlin Bulls 3.00pm Raiders Belco Goulburn Workers V Belconnen United 3.00pm Workers Areana

WPL

Canberra FC V Tuggeranong 2.00pm Deakin ACTAS V ANU 2.00pm Kaleen Belconnen V Canberra Olympic 2.00pm McKellar Monaro Panthers V Weston Molonglo 2.00pm Riverside

Sunday 6th

All details correct at time of printing

SEC0414/04

ActewAGL Retail ABN 46 221 314 841.

CRC: Canberra Raiders Cup / JID: Jhon I Dent / NPL: National Premier League WPL: Womens Premier League / AIHL: Australian Ice Hockey League

We’d love to get social with you.

From the juniors through to our sports stars, we’re just as passionate as you are about local sport. So whether you’re a Brumbies, Caps or Raiders fan, follow our facebook page for regular ticket giveaways, meet the player’s day events and match day information.

AT PLAY

QUEANBEYAN TIGERS 90 years celebration dinner Southern Cross Club Woden

AT PLAY

Brumbies RUGBY State of the Union Lunch QT HOTEL

ATHLETICS

KELSEY-LEE ROBERTS QUALIFIES FOR COMMONWEALTH GAMES Javelin thrower Kelsey-Lee Roberts threw a personal best, over 60 meters (63.92m to be exact) to be officially named in the Australian Track and Field Team for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in July.

The 22 year old has gone from strength to strength in recent years, the 2013/14 Athletics Season saw Kelsey throw over 60 metres for the first time.

She followed that up by throwing two official Commonwealth Games A-qualifiers throws at the ACT state Championships. This distance soared Kelsey as one of the top 10 female javelin throwers in the world.

Kelsey got in to Javelin through school athletics carnivals and has competed for the Vikings Group Affiliated Club, South Canberra Tuggeranong Athletics since 2007. In 2008 Kelsey competed in the Pacific School Games and took out U/18

her dreams are met, and big dreams they are.

“Looking to my future, I am wanting to compete in the World Championships next year, Olympics the year after, Commonwealth Games in 2018, and continue this run of major championships for as long as possible” Kelsey stated.

Image: Supplied by athlete

age group title, setting her javelin career into motion. “Since I can remember I have always said I wanted to compete at the Olympics and when I won the javelin I thought to myself that this is the opportunity for me to pursue my dream”, Kelsey reflected.

In between studying a Bachelor of Sports Coaching and Exercise Science plus juggling work, Kelsey is dedicated to a full time training schedule to ensure

The Vikings Groups, as a sponsor of the South Canberra Tuggeranong Athletics Club, are proud to have been able to assist Kelsey in her career.

“Vikings have been a part of the contributions I have received over the years and I am extremely grateful for everything the Club has done for me.

Over the years I have received financial support from Vikings to compete interstate each year. Last year I also became eligible for the Vikings Elite Athlete Development Scholarship which again provides some financial assistance. I am also part of the Vikings study scholarship which provides financial assistance toward my studies”.

For more information on the Vikings Group Affiliated Club program visit vikings.com.au

ACT

health & fitness

WINTER WEIGHT BLUES

BY ALAN ROMERO • advancedperformancecoaching.com.au As we head into the cold season it’s easy to get caught in the trap of eating a lot of warm comfort foods, and being less active.

Here are a few tips to help you minimise the winter damage.

1. Plan your activity If you intend to exercise 3 days per week, do yourself a favour and plan the exact day and time you intend to go. Put in on your calendar or in your diary/organiser, you will be far less likely to skip out on a solid appointment than if you don’t have anything written down.

2. Plan your food In the same vein as activity, if left to our own last minute decisions, we often choose the path of least resistance. A good way to avoid last minute take-away debacles is to have a plan for what you will cook/eat every week night. Being prepared with ingredients for Monday to Friday will take a lot of stress off the cook, ensure better food decisions are made, and even give you something to look forward to looking into the week.

NEW ONLINE PLATFORM NOW LIVE!

3. Find a training buddy A partner in crime can really come in handy when fighting off the Winter Weight Blues.

Everything from sharing the misery of a morning jog, or a helping hand at the gym, to sharing healthy recipes and having someone to be accountable to when you feel like that second helping of dessert.

A training buddy really can make a huge difference to your chances of reaching your goals this winter.

As you can see a large part of your success this winter comes down to planning, failing to prepare is preparing to fail, and this winter winging it ain’t gunna cut it.

Until next time…

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PLAY BY THE RULES

SPORT TO TACKLE

HOMOPHOBIA & TRANSPHOBIA On 17 May 2014, International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, the ACT Government released the Inclusive Sport Survey Report which presents findings on the sport experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people in the Australian Capital Territory. The Inclusive Sport Survey is the first project of its type undertaken in the ACT.

According to the report, many same-sex attracted and gender diverse people experience harassment and bullying while involved in sport, or fear the possibility of it occurring.

The homophobic language used and bullying behaviour of some people in sport also contributes to many same-sex attracted and gender diverse people feeling isolated, unwelcome, ashamed and unsafe while engaged in sport and recreation activities.

“While much has been done to improve sport opportunities for other disadvantaged groups such as people with a disability, Indigenous Australian, ethnic groups and women and girls, much less has been done for LGBTI communities,” said Andrew Barr MLA, Minister for Sport and Recreation.

“In undertaking the research, the ACT Government wanted to understand the sport experiences of local same-sex attracted and gender diverse people and find out if there are barriers to their participation. Ultimately we want to work with sports to increase and improve the sport experiences for LGBTI people in the ACT and the report provides us with guidance and direction so this can be achieved.”

Local sporting organisations including Capital Football and Hockey ACT support the work being undertaken by ACT Government to address discrimination, harassment and bullying in sport, based on sexuality and gender identity.

“This research is really valuable,” said Heather Reid, CEO of Capital Football. “It is about the ACT and gives my organisation a whole of sport and a football-specific understanding of the experiences of same-sex attracted and gender diverse people.”

“We want to make sure that all our members are accepted, treated fairly and feel safe when participating in hockey,” said Gavin Hunt, CEO of Hockey ACT. “They cannot enjoy their hockey if they are fearful of being harassed, bullied or discriminated against. So we will certainly review the report findings and strive to make hockey more inclusive and welcoming for everyone, including same sex attracted and gender diverse people.”

The survey undertaken by Sport and Recreation Services follows closely the launch in April of the

“I hate the idea of people missing out on sport because of the fear of being discriminated against.”

D A V I D PO C O C K

You Can Play campaign by Play by the Rules. High profile athletes across a range of popular sports, including David Pocock from the Brumbies and Lauren Jackson from the Capitals, are featured in the campaign. The key message from You Can Play is that ability, attitude and effort are what count in sport and whether a person is gay or straight, shouldn’t matter.

The campaign has the support of Australia’s five professional codes, who have together committed to rid their sports of homophobia. In an international first, the Australian Rugby Union, National Rugby League, AFL, Football Federation Australia and Cricket Australia announced in April that they will together develop an AntiHomophobia and Inclusion Framework prior to Sydney hosting the Bingham Cup. The Bingham Cup is the gay world Cup and kicks off in August.

“Put simply, we believe that every individual – whether they’re players, supporters, coaches or administrators – should all feel, welcome and included, regardless of race, gender and

36

sexuality,” ARU chief executive Bill Pulver said at the announcement.

The Inclusive Sport Survey is a component of the Inclusive Sport Project, which addresses discrimination, harassment and bullying in sport and recreation using the resources available from the Play by the Rules website. Based on the survey recommendations, ACT Government will develop a range of resources addressing homophobia and transphobia in sport, to compliment those available on the Play by the Rules website, investigate partnerships and opportunities with other government, educational and sport, recreation and fitness agencies and rollout awareness-raising activities later in the year.

Key findings from the Inclusive Sport Survey: • The most common ‘main’ sport or recreational activity for LGBTI Canberrans is football/soccer (12.9%), followed by weights/circuits (8.4%) and group fitness (7.1%).

PLAY BY THE RULES

• 37% of respondents were ‘not out’ regarding their sexuality and/or being transgender.

• 32% of respondents experienced verbal homophobia/bullying in sport.

For more information on The Inclusive Sport Survey visit the ACT Government’s Sport and Recreation Services website economicdevelopment.act.gov.au/ sport_and_recreation or contact Kathy Mumberson the Play by the Rules Officer in the ACT by emailing kathy.mumberson@act.gov.au

• 7% of respondents experienced verbal harassment/bullying in sport based on being transgender or intersex.

For more information on Play by the Rules and making sport inclusive, safe and fair visit playbytherules.net.au

• More than 4% of survey respondents experienced physical assault in sport.

To hear David Pocock, Lauren Jackson and other athletes including Harry Kewell, Libby Tricket, and Alessandro Del Pierro discuss homophobia in sport and creating a positive sporting environment, visit youcanplay.com.au

• Over 40% of respondents have felt unsafe in a sporting environment.

laure n jacks o n

The

Sport & Recreation Services Education & Training Calendar – June Course

Delivery Date

Location

Time

Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) Training

Thursday 5 June

220 Northbourne Ave Braddon

9am– 5pm

The MPIO course will increase understanding of harassment, discrimination and child protection in sport while teaching practical skills that will assist anyone taking on the role of MPIO. Coach – Athlete Engagement

Tuesday 24 June

220 Northbourne Ave Braddon

6pm– 8pm

How to engage athletes more effectively in your coaching program Registration forms can be found at: http://www.economicdevelopment.act.gov.au/ sport_and_recreation/learn or by emailing sport_act@act.gov.au

Fear of Finding Out

affects men’s health every day

If you’re putting off seeking health advice, take the first step in facing your fear and call healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222 to speak to a registered nurse 24/7.

For more information visit www.healthdirect.gov.au

WS NHC0075/B PL

“On the field it makes no difference if you are gay or straight.

If you can shoot, you can shoot.”

• Over 50% of respondents don’t know if their club or recreation provider has policies around safety and inclusion for LGBTI people, or anti-discrimination policies regarding sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status.

COERVER Coaching Master Class Series

Alfred Galustian All Star Team

Topic: Step Over

2.

1. Keep the ball close to you, not far out in front of you..

2. Keep your step around foot close to the ball. as if striking it low to the ground for a quick action.

3. When you step around the ball, turn your hips and upper body to trick your opponent into moving in that direction. This will also help you accelerate powerfully out of the move in the opposite direction.

4. You should use this move in front of goal and when your opponent is in front of you.

Jason Lancsar Dani Alves - Brazil/Barcelona Profile : Attacking Wing Back . Brazilian International. Champions League Winner with Barcelona STAR SKILL TOPIC: Technical Fitness

THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW One: All great players have quick foot movements; All players can improve Foot Speed by constantly practicing pulling and pushing the ball with alternate feet for a few minutes each day.

Step 1: Approach the ball as if you are going to pass or strike it.

COERVERÂŽ Coaching Asia Pacific Director We hope you enjoy our Coerver Coaching Play Magazine homework designed to improve your game but above all have fun while practicing.

Coerver Coaching has been a global leader in 1v1, this month we look at the Scissors.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3: With the outside of the step over foot push the ball in the opposition direction.

Two: Skipping is also another wonderful practice for developing fitness and quick feet.

Three: Use the ball as much as possible for all fitness related practice.

Coerver Coaching is the world’s number one skills teaching method. For more information on Coerver Coaching go to www.coerver.com.au

Step 2: Step over the ball instead, so your foot lands on the other side of the ball.

Step 3

Step 4

Step 4: Accelerate past your opponent.

See next issue for more tips from Coerver Coaching or for further information please visit our website www.coerver.com.au

TENNIS

TENNIS LEADERSHIP DAY When it comes to developing leadership skills, Tennis ACT’s Simon Tankey said sport can be a valuable tool.

Some days tennis can mean more than how well you hit your forehand or backhand.

“You don’t have to be the best at a particular sport to be a leader,” he said.

Tankey, Tennis ACT’s Community Tennis Officer, emphasised this notion at Kaleen Primary School’s Year 6 Active Australia Leadership Day on May 14.

Throughout the day, students were given the opportunity to learn the essential skills for a range of sports, including tennis.

“The Leadership Day was designed to help give the students firstly the knowledge and then the confidence – regardless of their own ability – to teach others a particular skill,” Tankey said.

Coaches from Tennis ACT took students through skill-based activities and modified games related to tennis. The coaches spent an hour on court teaching the students some specific skills involved in delivering a tennis lesson.

“The students also learnt the technical components required for fundamental movements in tennis so that they could then teach these skills to other students,” he said.

The students then gained on-court experience by joining the coaches in teaching the skills to their peers.

At the beginning of term three, the Year 6 students will implement a leadership program through physical education and peer mentoring.

In groups, the students will be required to design, plan and implement an eight- week Physical

Education program targeting the fundamental motor skills.

They will be responsible for teaching and leading the junior school students these skills.

Kaleen Primary School teacher Luke Vearing said the Year 6 students benefited from being actively involved in the instructional processes and learnt essential leadership qualities from the coaches.

“The coaching clinics provided exciting, engaging and beneficial modified activities that met our goal perfectly,” he said.

“This has been highly advantageous for the students and they really enjoyed the opportunity to have such role models here at the school that are willing to involve themselves with their learning.”

He said the Leadership Day deepened the students’ understanding of the importance of planning and being organised, while learning a variety of ways to demonstrate leadership.

As well as Tennis ACT, other organisations involved included ACT Athletics, ACT AFL and the ACT Brumbies.

39

Last month, for 70 men and women participating in Tennis ACT’s Ladies Committee charity event, this was one of those days – while raising $1,500 for Marymead.

The round-robin event, at Belconnen West and Melba tennis clubs on May 1, finished with an extravagant sausage sizzle luncheon in the Belconnen gazebo.

Midweek Pennant Coordinator Anne Haycock said the annual event has raised more than $20,000 over 20 years for causes such as Barnardos, Pegasus, Anglicare and Juvenile Diabetes.

“Its success depends on the support of the wider tennis community… whether it be participating, giving courts or balls, providing raffle items, making salads or making the weather perfect,” Haycock said.

This year’s beneficiary, Marymead, has provided a range of high quality, innovative support services to Canberra’s children, young people and their families since 1967.

TRAIL RUNNING

LAKE CRACKENBACK RESORT & SPA Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains has announced a new series of Trail Running Weekends.

6–8 February 2015 Preparing to race:

The series of three Trail Running Weekends will be hosted by World Orienteering Champion Hanny Allston and Australia’s top Ultra Runner Brendan Davies and are geared for all levels of runners.

This is the perfect opportunity to introduce your kids to the wonderful sport of trail running.

Each weekend focuses on developing specific areas of trail running performance:

28–30 November 2014 Preparing to train: Learn the basics of great running technique, training structure and influences on your performance & recovery. Adding to your experience will be Olympic Marathoner Martin Dent.

Learn about gearing up for race day. You will learn about the dos and don’ts of nutrition & hydration and preparing the mind for performance.

17–19 April 2015 Trail running for families:

Image: Tegyn Angel

Packages start from $375 per person six-share for the February and April events and from $415 per person six-share in November. The all-inclusive weekend includes two nights’ accommodation in a three bedroom apartment, professional tuition and guidance from Hanny and Brendan, wholesome meals, dinner each night and lunch on Saturday and a late check-out. Guests attending the November event also receive a ticket to the resort’s Movember Sportsman’s Dinner.

Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa General Manager Scott O’Neile said he’s excited to add these new dates for the trail running weekends to the

resort’s event calendar. “The terrain around Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa is breathtaking, and we’re certain that runners will love the scenery as well as expert personal tuition offered over the weekends,” he said.

When guests aren’t running trails, they can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation with the resort’s onsite leisure facilities including the Spa and Wellness Centre, new mountain bike tracks and skills park as well as free activities including a ninehole golf course, heated pool, fitness centre, tennis courts, archery and trampolines.

To book or for more information, call 1800 020 524 or visit lakecrackenback.com.au

OPTIMIZE YOUR TRAIL RUNNING TECHNIQUES FROM

* 5 $37 N PER PERSROE SIX SHA

With two of the best trail runners in the world...

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HeeE-EE-Ee-ee-ee’s

a Canberra Milk Kid! Local eight-year-old Kiefer Brennen took out the Canberra Milk Kid competition for 2014 with a cleverly crafted video that won over the judges for its creativity and originality.

The official announcement party for 2014 took place on Sunday 25th May, at GIO Stadium at the Raiders v Cowboys rugby league match. The three finalists’ video entries were played at half time and Kiefer Brennen was crowned as the

new Canberra Milk Kid by Canberra Milk Managing Director Garry Sykes.

Kiefer is an energetic and confident young man who enjoys involving himself in community sporting events. Kiefer is a member of the Woden Little Athletics Club where he was the U8 Champion for 2013/14. Along with a gold in the ACT IGA Multi-event Carnival, Kiefer recently won the South Weston PSSA Cross Country. In winter Kiefer plays Aussie rules for the Weston Creek Wildcats. He also enjoys swimming and tennis and the secret to his sporting success – “drinking Canberra Milk!”

Canberra Milk Marketing and Sponsorship Manager Kylie McCafferty said “this year we had an overwhelming response of entries and

41

we were delighted to see many repeat entrants from previous years”. This year the competition encouraged all ages to get involved “we also had a fantastic age range this year, with a 44 year father of two entering the competition. It was difficult to choose just one out of all the quality candidates,” said Kylie.

As the face of the Canberra Milk Kid Kiefer will be given the opportunity to be an ambassador of a number of local community and sporting events.

He has also won an amazing $5,000 entertainment package from Harvey Norman, as well as starring in a Canberra Milk Kid television commercial, a Snowy Hydro SouthCare helicopter flight to school with a friend, a family ZooVenture Tour at the National Zoo and Aquarium, a three-month supply of Canberra Milk and more.

CROSSWORD

CROSSWORD #29 1

2

3 7

4

5

6

8

9

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11

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14

17

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1 and 11 Famous black American runner (5, 5) 4 See 13 7 Spandex favoured by cyclists (5) 9 Australian actor ___ Flynn (5) 10 Ski hut (5) 11 See 1 Across 12 See 18 Across 13 and 4 The world’s greatest golfer? (5, 5) 15 English chess player Nigel ___ (5) 17 Bullfight horseman (7) 18 and 12 Obdurate South Africa batsman (3,2,7) 20 Participant in an unsanctioned tour (5) 22 Arm muscle (5) 23 Tournament card game (5) 24 Former Zimbabwe batsman ___ Streak (5) 25 Batting list (5)

Down

22

1 Young English batsman (3,4) 2 Start a tennis point (5) 3 Rugby’s crowning glory, the Webb___ Trophy (5) 4 Laconic Aussie batsman Dougie ___ (7)

23 24

Across

25

5 Former English bowler Chris ___ (3) 6 Snow vehicles (5) 8 Storm, Queensland and Australian halfback (6,5) 14 Out of favour South African batsman Jacques ___ (7) 16 Victor ___, Australian batsman of the Golden Age (7) 17 Home of the WACA ground (5) 18 1970s Western Suburbs league player? (5) 19 Took the bowling (5) 21 Support (3)

crossword #28 S M R S H E A R E A L X D U B A I N G K J A M I F R B I L L Y S G I T C H E L S E T L N S E V E N R E

R O C A R E S M L A N A O U D D

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7,220 THAT’S THE NUMBER OF

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44