AFL Record, Round 9 2010 by The Slattery Media Group

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE AFL FL L GAME G E GAM

DREAMTIME

AT THE ’G ROUND 9, 2010 MAY 21-23 $5 (INC. GST)

ESSENDON v RICHMOND S AT U R D AY, M AY 2 2 , M C G

AFL RECORD PROMOTION

BHP Billiton Iron Ore and West Coast Eagles

PARTNERS IN THE COMMUNITY

HP Billiton Iron Ore and the West Coast Eagles have joined forces in a landmark partnership to promote the importance of education and healthy lifestyles for children in both metropolitan and regional Western Australia. As Principal Community Partner for the next three years, BHP Billiton Iron Ore has ensured its support for important community programs including Eagles Rock My School, Eagles Faction Footy, Eagles Cup, BHP Billiton Iron Ore Indigenous Leadership program and the Kicking Goals program. The unique partnership between BHP Billiton Iron Ore and the West Coast Eagles highlights a continuing commitment to the community that is dedicated to education, health and leadership development throughout Western Australia. Richard O’Connell, BHP Billiton Iron Ore Regional Manager Sustainability, said he was excited at the prospect of BHP

KICKING GOALS The Kicking Goals program is one of Australia’s largest regional-based AFL mentoring programs, combining sport-based initiatives to help high school students in the Pilbara towns of Port Hedland and Newman to achieve better educational and employment outcomes. The program, which focuses on enriching the wellbeing of Indigenous Australians, is a curriculum-based initiative that utilises a reward and incentive system, where students are required to maintain certain key

Our aim is to invest in educational initiatives to build healthy lives, minds and communities JOINING FORCES: West Coast

players Dean Cox, Beau Waters and Adam Selwood are supporting the partnership.

Billiton Iron Ore and the West Coast Eagles coming together to help students across the state make the very most of their school experience. “We are pleased to be building on this great partnership to further enhance education both in the Pilbara and also across the state of Western Australia,” O’Connell said. “Our aim is to invest in educational initiatives to

build healthy lives, minds and communities and investing in young people to ensure they make positive choices as they get older.” West Coast Eagles Chief Executive Trevor Nisbett said the partnership with BHP Billiton Iron Ore was essential for the club in delivering a number of key community objectives. “Our partnership with BHP Billiton Iron Ore reinforces the club’s strong commitment to the community and making a difference to young people’s lives,” Nisbett said. “The game of football provides a range of invaluable community benets, from improving health and wellbeing, to encouraging social integration and facilitating healthier lifestyles.” MENTORS: West Coast Eagles

players Dean Cox and Scott Selwood with students taking part in the Kicking Goals program.

RICHARD O’CONNELL, BHP BILLITON IRON ORE

performance indicators to stay in the program and be eligible for various incentives. Kicking Goals is a one-of-a-kind program that presents unique opportunities and experiences to students in these communities where such choices would not normally be readily available. Having the opportunity to participate in the program and interact with West Coast players has a large impact on the students involved. It helps to motivate the students and encourages them to make good choices about behaviour, working hard and attending class on a regular basis. Since the inception of the program in 2005, Kicking Goals continues to deliver impressive academic and social results for both Pilbara towns: • The attendance record of Indigenous students at Hedland Senior High School is almost six per cent better than the state average.

AFL RECORD PROMOTION EAGLES CUP

GOOD ADVICE: Nic Naitanui makes sure primary school children

understand the key messages of the program.

• School truancy is at its lowest level in years. • There has been a marked reduction in anti-social behaviour. • Criminal activity has dropped by 53 per cent in Port Hedland. • There has been a 64 per cent improvement in literacy and numeracy levels for indigenous students at Newman Senior High School. The Kicking Goals program, linked with a range of initiatives supported by BHP Billiton Iron Ore, continues to contribute positively to the quality of life and sustainable development of the Pilbara communities.

• Reaching out to your community These key messages, as well as the importance of healthy eating and staying active, are taught in a fun and interactive way where children can enjoy themselves while learning valuable life lessons. Each year, more than 200 schools and 50,000 students are visited by the Eagles Rock My School program, which is proudly supported by BHP Billiton Iron Ore.

EAGLES ROCK MY SCHOOL

Eagles Faction Footy is an intra-school program that offers students of all ages the opportunity to learn the skills of footy in a safe, fun environment with friends from their own school faction. As a part of the program, every school that participates is provided with new sporting equipment including balls, goal posts and playing bibs to assist with the delivery of the program. Eagles Faction Footy is only in its fourth year but has enjoyed

Eagles Rock My School is West Coast’s classroom-based primary school education program. It includes a 30-minute presentation with presenters placing particular emphasis on ve key messages: • Respecting yourself • Respecting others • Respecting the environment • Reaching your potential

� The Eagles Cup is Western Australia’s premier primary inter-school competition for students in years ﬁve to seven. The competition uses special modiﬁed rules to allow for maximum participation, enjoyment and skill development, where the emphasis is on playing for fun and demonstrating sportsmanship. It involves schools combining with other schools of similar size and in close proximity to each other to conduct inter-school matches.

These groups then become divisions within each of the metropolitan WAFL districts and compete against each other on a weekly basis in a round-robin competition. The Eagles Cup has become more popular every year with more than 12,000 enthusiastic primary school students competing in 2009. Once again, BHP Billiton Iron Ore is proud to sponsor such a worthwhile initiative, which promotes the importance of having a healthy and active lifestyle. IN GOOD HANDS: Members of the

indigenous leadership program.

EAGLES FACTION FOOTY dramatic growth since it started in 2007. Last year, an astounding 15,250 primary school students competed in the Faction Footy competition with more than 170 schools and almost 1000 teams getting involved. BHP Billiton Iron Ore has again been one of the major driving forces behind the success of the program, which not only aims to increase football participation at a grassroots level, but also promote healthy lifestyles through sport.

BHP BILLITON IRON ORE INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM HAVING FUN: Dean Cox and Scott Selwood with a group of youngsters from the Kicking Goals program.

The BHP Billiton Iron Ore Indigenous Leadership Program started this week as part of the lead-up to this weekend’s

West Coast-St Kilda match. The program is run in consultation with each of the nine WAFL clubs, with each club identifying three talented young Indigenous players to participate in the program. These talented Indigenous youngsters are given a rst-hand insight into the life of an AFL footballer by West Coast Eagles staff, players and mentors of the game through a variety of presentations focusing on leadership, goal-setting and sports nutrition. In addition, the group learns about the inner workings of an AFL club and are given the unique opportunity to participate in a training session on the hallowed turf of Subiaco Oval. Together, the West Coast Eagles and BHP Billiton Iron Ore are committed to delivering quality community programs across Western Australia.

Stay at School Get that Job Be a Legend

‘Staying in school is the key; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise’— Michael O’Loughlin, AFL Champion

‘Show an interest…it goes a long way…and you will see the results very quickly’— Chris Johnson, AFL Champion Left to Right–Michael O’Loughlin, Patrick Nandy, George Freeman, Michael

O’Loughlin and Chris Johnson

Stay at School Get that Job Be a Legend Learn Earn Legend! encourages young Indigenous Australians to stay at school, get that job and be a legend for yourself, your family and your community.

You can access the information and help you need to stay at school, get skills and training, or find a job at www.deewr.gov.au/Indigenous

Finishing Year 10 or 12 gives you options for traineeships, apprenticeships, university or getting a job. Take these options and run with them.

The Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations is proud to support the Dreamtime at the ‘G match, the under 24’s Northern vs Southern Australia Indigenous teams curtain raiser and associated matches throughout the round.

You can set yourself up for life. Parents and role models can help too by supporting you at school.

Stay at School Get that Job Be a Legend

ROUND 9, MAY 21-23, 2010

Features 57

Harry O’Brien

A Magpie aiming to make a diﬀerence.

RAW EMOTION: Cameron Mooney plays his football with a mix of passion and aggression – and it’s taken him to 200 AFL games.

Cameron Mooney

The big Cat’s eventful journey to 200 games.

Moments of the decade

The Indigenous Team of the Century.

Regulars 6

Backchat

Your say on the football world.

The Bounce

Views, news, ﬁrst person, facts, data, culture.

Matchday

Stats, history and line-ups.

53 THIS WEEK’S COVERS There are four covers this week, with two of those covers recognising the contribution of indigenous players as part of the Dream Time celebrations at various games. There is a tribute cover for retired West Coast star David Wirrpanda for the Eagles-St Kilda match and another cover features Collingwood’s Harry O’Brien, also at selected games.

Dream Team

Advice from Mr Fantasy, our Dream Team expert.

70 74 76 78

Answer Man Kids’ Corner NAB AFL Rising Star Talking Point

There is no place like home, says Ted Hopkins.

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feedback

Your say on the world of football

EDITOR’S LETTER

Progress still to be made

UNDER THE RADAR: The Hawks are a shadow of the team that won the 2008 premiership, but have escaped criticism, according to one reader.

Hawks escape scrutiny

It’s amazing to me how three lousy points can determine whether a team gets put under the blowtorch after a game. Hawthorn was incredibly ordinary against Richmond last week – a shadow of the team that won the 2008 ﬂag – and just because it held on for a lucky win does not change the fact its current list is no chance to win another ﬂag. MALCOLM WRIGHT, DONCASTER, VIC.

Dockers ready to deliver I’m not a Fremantle supporter, but never did I think I’d see the day when the Dockers

were featuring in a weekly blockbuster – a top- of-thetable clash no less – as they did last week against Collingwood. They’ve come a long way in 15 years. Now, all we need is for them to win their ﬁrst ﬂag, and the national cycle will be complete. TIM BORTEN, MONTEREY KEYS QLD.

Beware the Bombers

Essendon’s group of young tall players is underestimated. Even with Tayte Pears and Cale Hooker (after the second quarter) missing in defence last Sunday, the Bombers were able to send Michael Hurley down

PRODUCTION EDITOR Michael Lovett WRITERS GENERAL MANAGER, MARKETING Nick Bowen, Ben Collins, Jim Main, Peter Ryan, Callum Twomey & COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS Paul Waldren SUB-EDITORS Gary Hancock, Howard Kotton AFL CORPORATE BUSINESS MANAGER STATISTICIAN Richard Simkiss Cameron Sinclair AFL RECORD CREATIVE DIRECTOR MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Hutchison Geoﬀ Slattery DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR AFL RECORD EDITOR Sam Russell Peter Di Sisto

6 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

back, while Patrick Ryder, along with David Hille, did the job up forward against the Saints. That sort of talent and ﬂexibility may win us a ﬂag sooner than people think. BRENDON ROGERS, DARWIN, NT.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Send us your feedback. The best letter each round willl receive a copy of the AFL Record Season Guide 2010. Email aﬂrecordeditor@slatterymedia. terymedia com or write to AFL Record, Slattery Media Group, 140 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, VIC, 3008.

DESIGNERS Alison Wright, Daniel Frawley PHOTO EDITORS Natalie Boccassini, Ginny Pike PRODUCTION MANAGER Troy Davis PRODUCTION COORDINATORS Stephen Lording, Emma Meagher DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Adele Morton COMMERCIAL MANAGER Alison Hurbert-Burns

AFL CLUB ACCOUNT MANAGER Anthony Palmer ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR Laura Mullins Advertising (03) 9627 2600 PHOTOGRAPHY Sean Garnsworthy, Michael Willson, Lachlan Cunningham AFL Photos (03) 9627 2600 aﬂphotos.com.au PRINTED BY PMP Print

There’s nothing magical about indigenous footballers. They are not born with any special powers. Their skills are not bestowed from birth, just waiting to bear fruit on an AFL field 20 years later. � They are compelling and powerful words, written by Sydney Swans co-captain Adam Goodes for Fairfax newspapers this week (and reproduced in the AFL Record on page 17). Goodes is a genuine star player – and a respected and considered leader on and off the field, so his words carry weight. His comments highlight one of the dilemmas that confront the industry in relation to indigenous players: how to appropriately represent or recognise a minority group, without resorting to cliché or hyperbole. The industry can rightly be proud of progress made in the past two decades, by helping raise awareness of race issues via the racial vilification policy, implementing programs that use the disciplines of football to encourage better lifestyle choices in indigenous communities and, this week, announcing a leadership and employment program for young indigenous men (see page 19). And, if we heed Goodes’ advice (and similar calls from other players), abandoning our tendencies to sometimes overcompensate with platitudes, or by wrongly grouping unique individuals as one, it might be considered yet another sign of progress. PETER DI SISTO

ADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE TO TheTHIS Editor,WEEK’S AFL Record,COVER Ground Floor, XXXX XXXXX 140XXXXXXXXXXXXX Harbour Esplanade, X Docklands, Victoria, 3008. Go9627 to aﬂ photos.com.au P: (03) 2600 F: (03) 9627 2650 E: peterd@slatterymedia.com to order prints

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AFL RECORD, VOL. 99, ROUND 9, 2010 Copyright. ACN No. 004 155 211. ISSN 1444-2973, Print Post approved PP320258/00109

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VIEWS NEWS FIRST PERSON FACTS DATA CULTURE

ONE-MAN BAND: North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein was forced to virtually ruck the entire game against the Crows last week, and responded to help the Roos to victory with an outstanding display.

Most of the premiership sides have had two guys who can play ruck ROOS MIDFIELD COACH DARREN CROCKER

AGAINST THE ODDS

A tall order, but big Roo rises to the challenge NICK BOW EN

orth Melbourne’s ruck stocks are among the strongest in the AFL. In 200cm-plus trio Hamish McIntosh, David Hale and Todd Goldstein, and 197cm utility Drew Petrie, the Roos have four capable big men. But last week against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium, Goldstein suddenly became the Roos’ entire ruck division. With Petrie still sidelined with a broken foot suffered in March, No. 1 ruckman McIntosh withdrew before the game with an injured shoulder and Hale – who has played predominantly as a key forward in recent seasons but was set to support Goldstein against the Crows –

went down with a back injury early in the first quarter. Goldstein was outstanding against Adelaide’s Ivan Maric and Kurt Tippett, his 41 hit-outs equalling the Crows’ total. But, with just occasional support from Lachlan Hansen, he was spent at the final siren, having played 90 per cent of the match. Tellingly, just two of his 14 possessions came in the final quarter, as the Crows rallied from a 54-point three-quarter time deficit to get within nine points. North also coped well with the loss of Hale on its forward line – McIntosh’s late replacement, midfielder Leigh Harding, kicked two quick goals in a second-quarter burst – prompting

some commentators to suggest the Roos had stumbled on to a smaller structure that was more balanced. North Melbourne midﬁeld coach Darren Crocker says Harding’s inclusion was a “blessing in disguise”, given Hale’s subsequent injury, because a team can better absorb the extra workload created by an early injury with a running player as opposed to a ruckman. But Crocker says the heavy load Goldstein carried – and history – proves a side’s ruck burden should ideally be spread between two talls. “Forever and a day, most of the premiership sides have had two guys who can play ruck, one who is probably an A-grade ruckman and another one who can come in as a bit of a battering ram to give him a bit of a breather,” he says. “Against other sides that have only one

ruckman, the two ruckmen can really work them over and drift forward to put their backline under pressure.” For evidence of the effectiveness of two quality ruckmen, look at how the Sydney Swans have struggled since losing their ﬁrst-choice combination, Mark Seaby and Shane Mumford, in the past two rounds. Or at how Hawthorn, with the spate of injuries to its big men, and Richmond, with the poor form of experienced ruckman Troy Simmonds, have struggled this season. But Crocker says teams can no longer afford to carry two ruck specialists. “If they’re purely two ruckmen, you’re going to split their time on the ground 50-50, and that’s it, which means you’re almost down a player in regards to your rotations and run,” he says. CON T IN U ED NE X T PAGE

AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au 9

the bounce

“But if they have another string to their bow – they can drift down forward or pitch in down back – then you can get their game-time up to around 70 per cent each.” A great example of such adaptability came in last Sunday’s Essendon-St Kilda clash. When the Bombers’ forward line lost Michael Hurley, who was shifted to defence to cover for the injured Cale Hooker, ruck duo David Hille and Patrick Ryder combined to kick seven goals. And with the Saints struggling for goalkickers in Nick Riewoldt’s absence, ruckman Michael Gardiner drifted forward to kick three goals. With its wealth of talls, Crocker says North has to be mindful its structure does not become top-heavy, especially against sides with strong running power, and faces tough selection decisions when vice-captain Petrie returns in two or three weeks. Just as Geelong does, with its mix of tall forwards (Cameron Mooney, Tom Hawkins and James Podsiadly) and ruckmen (Brad Ottens and Mark Blake) when Ottens returns from injury. And the Brisbane Lions do when their top three ruckmen, Mitch Clark, Jamie Charman and Matthew Leuenberger, are all available in the same week.

JUMPING JACK: Jack

LEARNING CURVE

Riewoldt took some big marks like this one and kicked four goals.

Promising signs but Tigers rue one that got away C A L LU M T WOMEY

ollowing his team’s three-point loss to Hawthorn last week, We should Richmond coach Damien Hardwick have won the pointed to a lack game. We thought of “polish” costing we were the better the Tigers their side on the day breakthrough win DAMIEN HARDWICK of 2010. He was on the money. easily. The The Tigers had Tigers’ inability to more possessions take their chances and and clearances than the hit targets cost them. Hawks, had 16 more inside 50s Focusing squarely on and were level in tackles and the loss would, however, contested possessions, yet lost ignore the individual the game. improvement in several “We looked at our numbers Richmond youngsters and thought we should have who took it up to a more won the game,” Hardwick said. experienced and hard-bodied “We thought we were the better Hawthorn unit. Midﬁelder side on the day.” Unfortunately Trent Cotchin had 27 touches for a Richmond side devoid of – 14 contested – in one of the success, winning doesn’t come st games of his ﬂedgling best

career, while 21-year-old Jack Riewoldt, the main focus of the Richmond attack all year, kicked four goals and troubled the Hawthorn defence. In a hard-nosed battle with Campbell Brown, Matt White showed some class in the last term, ruckman/forward Angus Graham was strong when he drifted towards goals in his ﬁrst game for 2010, and ﬁrst-year players Ben Nason and Dustin Martin again showed glimpses of their talent.

Structured talk

� Successful businesses often manage to diversify, expanding into areas not normally associated with their primary pursuit. Maybe that’s what AFL clubs are trying to do, seeing most are apparently moving into the construction business in an aim to complement their main operation: winning football matches. The regular use of the word “structures” in response to questions about how a team wants to play (or just played) a game has become common, almost expected. Coaches and players go on about “forward structures”, “getting our structures right”, “focusing on our

structures” or “making sure our structures are in place”. Only a few more appearances of a sentence or phrase using the word “structures” and it could be elevated to Classic Cliché Status, like the “Yeah Nah” beauty that won’t seem to go away. So what are “structures”? As far as we can tell, the word is used to describe, say, a forward set-up (where players need to stand or run to when the team has the ball) or on a broader level, how and where the 18 players need to be positioned when the opposition is kicking out. Quite simply, a team gets its structures right when it does what its coach asks of it. PETER DI SISTO

NEWS TRACKER

Adelaide suspends Bernie Vince, Graham Johncock and Matthew Jaensch for one week for not meeting team standards.

10 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

ILLUSTRATION GUY SHIELD

W H AT D I D H E S AY ?

Indeed, the improvement was evident across the ground, but desire and effort can only get you so far. The Tigers realised that fact last week against Adelaide, their skill execution letting them down with errors that directly cost them goals. One instance in the last term against the Hawks was indicative of the importance of clean skills, as Jarryd Roughead cut off an attempted switch of play in the backline from defender Luke McGuane, collected the ball and kicked the goal. Nevertheless, the performance of the Tigers – who had 462 fewer games’ experience than Hawthorn – was promising. Hardwick said there was “no doubt it was a step forward for the club”.

POSITIVE UNDER PRESSURE

Bombers strike the right balance C A L LU M T WOMEY

here were a lot of good things to come out of Essendon’s 12-point win over St Kilda last week. The forward line functioned well and the backline overcame Cale Hooker’s early injury to stiﬂe the Saints’ forwards. Also, the Bombers had a young, hard, and fast midﬁeld that was ready for the Saints. Their skills were as precise as they have been all season, and players took their opportunities. For one night at least, it all came together, with assistant coach Gary O’Donnell agreeing it was a balanced performance. “Like most sides, we try to move the ball pretty quickly and, at times against the Saints, we were able to do that,” O’Donnell said. “A few turnovers happened but, with a young side NEWS TRACKER

Tackling and pressure are keys for us because they give us a chance to get the ball back GARY O’DONNELL

emerging, hopefully over time they will be eliminated. “There has been a perception outside the club that we’ve been all-out attack or nothing but we’re always trying to have a keen eye on defence and we did have the right balance this week. “The key thing for us for most of the year, especially the last month, has been to put a lot of pressure on the opposition with our tackling and we still lead the competition in tackles (averaging 80 a game). We’ve had a real focus on that side of defending.” It was the style of football the Bombers have been trying to play all season, with attack in proportion to defence, and pressure in harmony with run. Jobe Watson, Patrick Ryder and Courtenay Dempsey had 30 contested possessions between them, while Heath Hocking and Ben Howlett each had eight tackles. Contested possessions and tackles are aspects of the Bombers’ free-ﬂowing style that remain underrated, but O’Donnell said only consistent showings will draw respect. “It’s something we will continue to have as a focus and something we continue to push for us to win games,” said O’Donnell, who played 243 games for the Bombers, including the 1993 premiership. “Tackling and pressure are keys for us because they give us a chance to get the ball back.” Pleasingly for Essendon, every time the Saints strung two goals together, the Bombers replied almost immediately, in contrast to previous weeks when opposition teams have kicked multiple goals in a row.

S TA LWA R T T O R E T I R E

Kirk the heart and soul of the Swans � No player better symbolises his club than Sydney Swans co-captain Brett Kirk, who this week announced he would retire at season’s end. Kirk, 33, is the very essence of the Swans and largely responsible for the club’s ‘Bloods’ spirit, an ethos of playing for each other at all times, at all costs. Although this is an intangible quality, Kirk and his teammates try to carry it into every match and the veteran midfi veter veteera an a n midfielder miiid m dfi d fieeelder fi eld eld deeerr

invariably shows the way with his commitment – body and soul. Kirk said he wanted to announce his retirement now, rather than at the end of the season, so he could focus on doing his best for the team. “I’m someone who has played with my heart, led with my heart, and this is a decision that has come from the heart,” he said. “My legacy isn’t about stats or what I have done on the field. It is more about the impact and significance I have had on the club and the people around it.” Although Kirk has become one of the most admired players in the competition, he had to fight with every sinew to achieve his dream of playing at the highest level. The Swans rejected the lightly framed youngster from North Albury when he first tried to break into their ranks in 1998, but he picked himself up, dusted himself off and started all over again. Kirk won himself a place on the rookie list in 1999 and, after being promoted to the senior list, made his debut that season. Even then, however, Kirk was an unsung hero, a player who would be handed run-with roles and not regarded as a star until his phenomenal work rate and total dedication made the football world sit up and take notice a few years into his career. Kirk will be playing his 226th match when he lines up against the Dockers this weekend, but his value to the Swans cannot be measured in longevity of service alone. His spirit will be missed, as much as his physical presence. As Swans coach Paul Roos said: “Hopefully, there will always be a little bit of Brett Kirk in the Sydney Swans Football Club.” JIM MAIN

Richmond midﬁelder Daniel Jackson suspended for three weeks for headbutting Hawthorn’s Campbell Brown. AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au 11

the bounce

GRASSROOTS FIRST ST

Rival skippers rs share a common n bond

321 games Dustin Fletcher Essendon Will move ahead of Dick Reynolds into second place on Essendon’s games list.

200 games Cameron Mooney Geelong

PETER RYA N

NEWS TRACKER

150 games Dean Brogan Port Adelaide Adam Schneider St Kilda

100 games

PHOTO DIGITALLY ENHANCED

t’s such an unusual sual n event that even longtime AFL statistician Col Hutchinson could me not find another time when two opposing AFL ed captains had emerged or from the same junior football club. That’s what will en occur this week when Collingwood’s Nick Maxwell eron Ling and Geelong’s Cameron lead their teams into the biggest game this season. In two matches last year – the NAB Cup Grand Final and round three – Maxwell and Ling faced off (the Cats’ 2009 captain Tom Harley was injured) COMMON BOND: Nick Maxwell and Cameron Ling will be rival captains in the but it is only this year, since big Collingwood-Geelong clash this week but they share a junior football Ling’s appointment as skipper in connection with St Joseph’s in the Geelong Football League. January, they have both officially been club captains. a great program, a professional premierships. He did not make Ling, 29, and Maxwell, 26, environment,” he said. the grade for the under-18s, both played junior football at “It was well run with really playing instead in the St Joseph’s St Joseph’s, a Geelong Football great parents who managed under-17s and, occasionally, League club that started fielding the team, and the players had in the club’s reserves as a senior teams in 1973. a great support network top-up player. Ling was two years around them.” Maxwell loved the ahead of Maxwell Maxwell opportunity to play two games and was a talented remembers Ling as in the one day. type who played It’s important a good footballer Ling recalls Maxwell’s in a couple of to not forget and a solid athleticism and determination flags in the where you come character around as a junior player. “You could under-13s the club, even at just tell he was always going to and one in from. The footy that early stage. be someone who would keep the under-15s club gave me an “Everyone knew sticking to it, keep working at his before finding opportunity ‘Linga’. Everyone game. He was just going to get his way to the NICK MAXWELL still does,” Maxwell better and better,” Ling said. Geelong Falcons said. It’s a credit to both men that, and then the Cats The two captains’ as their careers have taken as pick No. 38 in mutual regard is strong, their off, they have maintained a the 1999 draft. shared paths obvious. connection to their junior club, Ling can’t speak highly Maxwell moved from the strong in spirit and providing enough of the club where school system into the practical support when time he began his journey: “In football club at under-13 level permits. They are the club’s joint combination with the school (St and was part of two under-15s No. 1 ticket-holders in 2010. Joseph’s College), they have got

Melbourne re-signs Liam Jurrah, Jamie Bennell and Neville Jetta for the next two seasons.

12 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

Brock McLean Carlton Heath Shaw Collingwood Angus Monfries Essendon Steven Dodd Fremantle Daniel Pratt North Melbourne

50 games Alan Toovey Collingwood Matt Campbell North Melbourne Scott Harding Port Adelaide James Gwilt St Kilda The list includes those not necessarily selected but on the verge of milestones.

“It’s important to not forget where you come from,” Maxwell said. “The footy club gave me an opportunity and, while you can be satisﬁed with where you are now, you have to remember where you come from and how you got there.” They’re not glib words. Such an approach is critical to the continued strength of many football clubs, the connection shared among former players of any club not unique to St Joseph’s. Club secretary John McKinnon knows he can rely on Ling and

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Maxwell if support is necessary. “Our club is very proud of Cameron and Nick, along with all the former players who are currently in the AFL,” he said. “Both ‘Linga’ and ‘Maxy’ are always willing to put back into the club and support us whenever they can.” Maxwell occasionally gets down to a game and assists coach Mark Hovey and the players and provides footballs. Ling watches mates at St Joseph’s and its rival St Mary’s whenever the chance arises. “It’s good to be away

from the stresses of AFL footy sometimes and just see good quality local footy,” said Ling, who admits he might be tempted to turn out again when his AFL career ends. “I wouldn’t mind running out for just one game.” TWO MORE WERE SKIPPERS � St Joseph’s has produced four AFL captains with Damien Bourke (Geelong from 1987-89) and Barry Stoneham (Geelong from 1996-98) also former St Joseph’s players. On AFL lists are the Bulldogs’ Shaun Higgins

and Tim Callan, Geelong’s Matthew Scarlett and the Brisbane Lions’ Matt Maguire, continuing a tradition that has seen 12 former St Joseph’s players reach the AFL. Stoneham played in St Joseph’s 1984 senior premiership as a 16-year-old, making his debut with Geelong in 1986. Stoneham – who lives in Melbourne and is involved at St Kevin’s Football Club – returned to St Joseph’s in April as it announced its team of the decade from 2000-09.

He said it was great to see familiar faces, people who supported him in his 241-game career with the Cats. While emphasising all football clubs have great people, Stoneham agreed St Joseph’s record was one the club could be proud of. “To see Ling and Maxwell captaining their respective AFL clubs is a great achievement for the club and the individuals,” Stoneham said. IF YOU KNOW OF OTHER OCCURRENCES OF TWO OPPOSING AFL CAPTAINS FROM THE SAME JUNIOR CLUB, PLEASE EMAIL PETERR@SLATTERYMEDIA.COM.

T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N

PLAYERS TO WATCH AS NOMINATED BY THE STATES AND AFL TALENT STAFF

SAM DAY

South Australia

LUKE PARKER Vic Country

WA the team to beat as U/18 titles kick off � Western Australia will be the team everyone wants to beat when the 2010 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships start this weekend at Blacktown Olympic Park in Western Sydney. The West Australians were unbeatable last year, winning all five games and finishing with a massive percentage of 227.74 to take out the Division One title. Twenty-five West Australian players were recruited to AFL lists in 2009. In their 15th year, the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships provide the perfect opportunity for the nation’s best young players to show off their skills to AFL recruiters. From last year’s championships, 50 players were selected in the NAB AFL Draft, including all of the top 10 picks, while another 15 were drafted on rookie lists. Sixteen players have made their AFL debut in 2010. Vic Metro coach Rohan Welsh NEWS TRACKER

JOEL WILKINSON Queensland

CURTLY HAMPTON

Northern Territory

believes the championships are a great way for players to learn what it takes to make it in the AFL. “Travel, week by week, intense competition, recovery, rehabilitation, evaluation and preparation give our players a more accurate window on the demands of the professional game,” he said. The championships will follow the same format as last year, with each team playing the other three in their division, plus two from the other division. Division One consists of Western Australia, Vic Metro, Vic Country and South Australia, while Queensland, Tasmania, Northern Territory and last year’s winner NSW/ACT Rams will contest Division Two. Matches will be played in every state, with Darwin’s TIO Stadium also hosting a match. AAMI Stadium, Subiaco Oval and the MCG will host curtain-raisers to AFL matches, while the climax of the competition will again be staged at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, June 30. All eight teams will feature, with four matches played consecutively.

JOSH GREEN Tasmania

ANTHONY MILES

NSW/ACT Rams

DION PRESTIA Vic Metro

JACK DARLING

Western Australia

NAB AFL U/18 CHAMPIONSHIPS May 22-June 30, 2010 ROUND ONE

SATURDAY, MAY 22

Queensland v Tasmania, 11am NSW/ACT v Northern Territory, 1.30pm VENUE: Blacktown Olympic Park

SATURDAY, MAY 29

South Australia v Western Australia, 11.35am VENUE: AAMI Stadium

SUNDAY, MAY 30

Vic Country v Vic Metro, 9.50am VENUE: MCG

ROUND TWO

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

Tasmania v Vic Metro, 11.30am VENUE: Bellerive Oval Northern Territory v South Australia, 6pm VENUE: TIO Stadium

SUNDAY, JUNE 6

NSW/ACT v Vic Country, 10am Queensland v Western Australia, 12.30pm VENUE: Blacktown Olympic Park

ROUND THREE

SATURDAY, JUNE 12

SUNDAY, JUNE 13

Western Australia v Vic Country, 11.20am VENUE: Subiaco Oval

SATURDAY, JUNE 19

Tasmania v Northern Territory, 11am VENUE: Aurora Stadium Queensland v NSW/ACT, 3.40pm VENUE: Gabba

ROUND FOUR

FRIDAY, JUNE 25

Vic Metro v Northern Territory, 2pm VENUE: Visy Park

SATURDAY, JUNE 26

Vic Country v Queensland, 9.30am NSW/ACT v Western Australia, 11.55am Tasmania v South Australia, 2.20pm VENUE: Visy Park

ROUND FIVE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30

Queensland v Northern Territory, 9.30am Tasmania v NSW/ACT, 11.35am Vic Metro v Western Australia, 1.40pm Vic Country v South Australia, 3.45pm VENUE: Etihad Stadium

South Australia v Vic Metro, 1.30pm VENUE: Norwood Oval

Fremantle defenders Greg Broughton (foot) and Luke McPharlin (knee) set to miss lengthy periods with serious injuries.

14 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

www.princeofpersiamovie.com.au

MAY 27

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KNIVES SCAR LIVES

GET CAUGHT CARRYING A KNIFE, YOU WILL BE FINED AND COULD FACE A CRIMINAL RECORD. A RECORD THAT WILL BE A PERMANENT SCAR ON YOUR FUTURE. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT JUSTICE.VIC.GOV.AU/WEAPONS

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DREAMTIME A PLAYER’S VIEW

No magic – just hard work and sacriﬁce

AMBITIOUS: Sydney star Adam Goodes says it was his desire to succeed that has made him into the player he is today.

A DA M GOODES

ilky, magic, lightning, jetstar, twinkle toes. You’ve all heard the descriptions that are used for indigenous players when they do something brilliant on the football field. When Cyril Rioli dances around one opponent, sidesteps another and then burns off, runs and bounces to kick a goal, the commentators get excited about his so-called magical skills and freakish pace. But my favourite memory of Cyril is of something quite different. It’s from the 2008 Grand Final, when young Cyril, then in his first year of football, found himself on the members’ wing, taking on two Geelong players in Corey Enright and Max Rooke. He tangles with There’s nothing Enright, strips the ball from magical about the Geelong indigenous player, then footballers. They crawls along the This ground to get to weekend, when are not born with the next contest we celebrate special powers with Geelong hard the contribution ADAM GOODES man Rooke. He of indigenous throws himself at footballers and Rooke, lays a heavy tackle indigenous culture to our and wins the free kick. game, those traits of hard work “You can’t coach that, it’s and sacrifice are the areas of our instinct,” said the commentators. character that I’d like people to I disagree. What Rioli recognise and to talk about. displayed in that pivotal moment There’s nothing magical on football’s biggest stage was about indigenous footballers. a result of hard work, second They are not born with any effort, dogged determination special powers. Their skills are and competitive spirit. not bestowed from birth, just According to those in the know waiting to bear fruit on an AFL at Hawthorn, Cyril is the hardest field 20 years later. trainer at the Hawks, but he gets Like any other footballer, little recognition for that. It’s as if to get drafted they’ve had to he just has to turn up, cast a spell sacrifice things along the way, and pick up 20 possessions. such as time with family and NEWS TRACKER

friends, and put years of effort into improving their game and their fitness. And then, when they get to an AFL club, that is when the hard work really starts. Take another young player, a teammate of mine, Lewis Jetta. As much as Lewis was drafted for his pace, he was also drafted because of his persistence and fine attitude. Lewis didn’t get to the Swans the easy way. He has just turned 21, and he was passed over in two drafts before he was picked up by the Swans in the first round of the draft last year. When he was left on the shelf the first two times, Lewis knew what he had to do. That was to put his head down and show the

recrui recruiters there was more to his gam game than speed. I kn know myself that I didn’t make iit into the AFL because I was th the most talented kid going round at under-18 level – far from it. But what I had was a real desire to succ succeed, and a willingness to take criticism cr and learn from it. And m make no mistake, I got a lot of it in my ﬁrst few years. It’s ffantastic to have a round of football dedicated to hon honouring the indigenous aspect aspects of the game, but I want to mak make sure that it doesn’t just perpe perpetuate stereotypes about indige indigenous people. Too often the clichéd story seems to be told like this: silky skills and a innate talent get you into th the game, then when it’s all over a and you retire, life heads on a do downward slide. That’s when I turn to the eexample of my best mate, M Michael O’Loughlin. He w was in here at the Swans th the other day, wandering ar around in a suit and tie. H He’s now Mr AFL, working for tthe League in a variety of ro roles, including mentoring up-an up-and-coming players – not just in indigenous ones. And he’s runnin running the GO-Foundation, which he and I have set up to help cr create the next batch of young indigenous role models. When Michael started at the Swans, it’s well known that he was shy and quiet. Transforming himself into the leader he is today was not the result of any magic potion, but sheer will and work on his behalf. So when you watch my brothers running around on an AFL ﬁeld this weekend, I hope you appreciate the determination and the many hurdles they’ve had to overcome to be able to perform at the level that gives so many people so much pleasure every week. ADAM GOODES IS CO-CAPTAIN OF THE SYDNEY SWANS, A DUAL BROWNLOW MEDALLIST AND A MEMBER OF THE INDIGENOUS TEAM OF THE CENTURY. HE IS A MEMBER OF THE AFL PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE. THIS ARTICLE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN THE AGE AND THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. ARTICLE COURTESY FAIRFAX AND THE AFL PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Western Bulldogs captain Brad Johnson sidelined for a further three weeks with an achilles injury. AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au 17

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DREAMTIME LESSONS IN LIFE

Mentoring role gives ex-Lion a new focus PETER RYA N

hris Johnson has a new challenge. The three-time Brisbane Lions premiership player and dual All-Australian joined the AFL earlier this year as coordinator of its ‘Ambassadors for Life’ program. It’s been a hectic start, much of his initial focus directed towards accompanying the Flying Boomerangs on their tour of South Africa in January, and then organising the curtain-raiser for this weekend’s Dreamtime at the ’G match, memorable experiences for many young indigenous footballers. Johnson’s focus will turn to the key role he will play in framing and implementing a mentoring program that will assist AFL players with indigenous heritage at all stages of their careers, with a particular emphasis on creating sustainable careers off the field. The coordinating roles – undertaken by Johnson, former Sydney Swan Michael O’Loughlin and ex-Western Bulldog Malcolm Lynch – are clearly defined, and the AFL sees the positions as critical investments in specific programs relevant to those from indigenous backgrounds. Johnson’s experience on and off the field made him a perfect choice for the role. The Victorian began his career with Fitzroy in 1994, leading the club’s goalkicking in 1995. He was one of eight players who went north in 1997 after the merger with Brisbane. “A lot of people remember my career from 2000 onwards,” Johnson said. “They don’t NEWS TRACKER

WORDS OF WISDOM: Former Brisbane Lions star Chris Johnson has taken on many

roles in his involvement in the AFL’s ‘Ambassadors for Life’ program. Earlier this year, he put the indigenous all-stars through a training session in Darwin.

remember the three years at program as a mentor for young Fitzroy, then the period from indigenous men. So Johnson 1997-2000. went to St Peter’s Lutheran “I met a couple of crossroads College in Brisbane once or then where my career was either twice a month; he coached its going one way or the other, and school side for six weeks and I was pretty fortunate that guys then settled into mentoring who were at Brisbane kept me half a dozen indigenous on board and persisted with me, children on school scholarships then (coach) Leigh (Matthews) from Cape York. came on board and really got the “I really enjoyed mentoring,” best out of my ability,” he said. Johnson said. “I got to know “Leigh simplified everything, some of the kids, got to help them made it really easy for me to and give them direction on what make the right choices when way to go with schooling and I had chances to come back to their football lives as well. That Melbourne and I didn’t.” experience was one of the Johnson had main things that got me never presumed keen on what I am football would doing now.” I met a couple last forever, As a player, of crossroads then so he made Johnson showed where my career forays into the he had the was either going employment internal qualities world early to succeed: a one way or on, working at strong focus, the other an Aboriginal resilience, the CHRIS JOHNSON Child Care Agency ability to develop his in Brisbane at skills, and high levels of first. He did an emotional intelligence. apprenticeship As he dabbled in mentoring, in painting for two years, but did he began recognising the types not finish it. He was trying to find of skills he needed to be as something that suited. successful in his role off the Eventually, Shane Johnson, football field. formerly a player welfare “The main thing was being manager at the Lions, asked the able to listen and knowing I Brisbane defender whether he was not always going to have would be interested in assisting the answers,” he said. with the AFL SportsReady “This enabled us to work

through difficult situations. (You need) to make sure you are giving people more than just one path to lead up.” Johnson was working on what he would need after football while his playing career was peaking. It was difficult to find the time, but the Lions encouraged their players to make use of their days off. Johnson wasn’t exceptional, but he kept chugging along, making baby steps towards the next phase of his life, steps he now recognises as vital to the transition to the world of work he was later forced to make. “The main thing I had to get better at was listening to the kids,” Johnson said. “As a mentor, it’s more about me listening; as a coach it’s more about me telling them what to do. I now know when to be one or the other.” It was just as well, because injury meant Johnson’s exit from the game became a reality a couple of years before he imagined. By the end of 2007, aged 31, he had retired, his glittering on-field career behind him. Fortunate, he said, to be immediately offered a job as a development coach at the Lions. He worked for two seasons at the club with particular emphasis on working with young players. It’s exactly those experiences that have made him aware of the importance of the mentoring program. One part of the Ambassadors for Life program will see AFL players with indigenous heritage connecting with members of the Flying Boomerangs squad as they progress through the program. Players will also be in contact with young indigenous people employed under the AFL SportsReady scheme, mentoring and supporting them as they find their way in the world of football and work. A second, but no less important, element involves emphasising to current AFL players with indigenous heritage the importance of

Fremantle suspends Michael Johnson for six weeks and ﬁnes him $5000 after WA police charged him for possessing drugs.

18 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

preparing for life after football, while they’re still playing. Johnson described that challenge (one he shares with the AFL’s Julie Warren and other indigenous mentors, O’Loughlin and Lynch) as his biggest. “I’ve seen guys get caught up in it and think football is going to last forever,” he said. “They keep putting it off and don’t want to study and don’t want to do this or do that. “Our basic role is to make sure we are pushing them to have something under their belt.” Johnson said it was helpful for players to use the time to find out what they are not suited to, as much as to what they are. “If you come out of football and you’ve got nothing, you come to a roadblock and you are thinking, ‘I’ve got nothing, what am I doing?’ That’s when depression can set in, financial difficulties can set in and then other things as well. It makes a massive difference if we can get boys thinking about the transition now, rather than at the end.” Johnson understands the benefits. He is now back in Victoria, working with the AFL, coaching suburban club Avondale Heights and, for the first time in his life, spending public holidays in winter with his family. Much hard work is paying off. There is more hard work to do. AMBASSADORS FOR LIFE � The AFL, in collaboration with the AFL Players’ Association and AFL SportsReady, has developed the AFL ‘Ambassadors for Life’ mentoring program. The program works with AFL players to help them develop mentoring and leadership skills. Those players then mentor young indigenous people throughout Australia. The program exposes participants to options for career and planning purposes and helps them develop skills in the information technology area. AFL players are trained using the AFLPA and AFL SportsReady education and training networks. Leading Teams has been engaged to deliver the mentoring aspect of the program. NEWS TRACKER

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AFL/RIO TINTO PARTNERSHIP

Program to provide great opportunities

PARTNERS: Chris Johnson (left) at the launch of the ‘Footy Means Business’ program with participant Chris Gordon, program facilitator Mark Yettica-Paulson and Michael O’Loughlin.

� The AFL and Rio Tinto this week launched a partnership for a leadership development program that links young indigenous men with mainstream employment and education opportunities. The ‘Footy Means Business’ partnership will provide 18-to-24-year-old indigenous men with exposure to elite AFL programs and training, along with networking opportunities in corporate environments to strengthen leadership and teamwork skills. Under the four-year program, 50 participants will be selected each year by AFL regional development oﬃcers based on football ability, engagement with their communities and their potential to serve as a role model. All participants will be matched with a mentor drawn from Rio Tinto and AFL employees, who will develop their own management skills through training run by the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre. AFL mentors will include Jason Mifsud, Michael O’Loughlin, Chris Johnson and Malcolm Lynch. All stakeholders involved in the Footy Means Business

program are committed to a 100 per cent success rate for participants to enter one or more of the NAB AFL Draft, fulltime employment or accredited training or education. AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou said the Qantas AFL indigenous programs are designed to increase opportunities for indigenous people and to enable improved sporting, leadership, education and employment outcomes. “The Footy Means Business initiative complements our existing indigenous programs, from the junior level with Qantas AFL KickStart, to the Flying Boomerangs and events such as Dreamtime at the ’G,” Demetriou said. “Building on links established with Essendon Football Club and by partnering with Rio Tinto, we can further develop the talents of young indigenous men by providing high-performance training in both football and employment skills. “Like the AFL, Rio Tinto recognises the importance of indigenous contribution to their business and we’re pleased to be partnering with an organisation which has demonstrated leadership with indigenous aﬀairs,

particularly employment.” Rio Tinto managing director Australia, David Peever, said the program helped build on Rio Tinto’s long-term emphasis on social investment programs across Australia. “The Footy Means Business partnership with the AFL is a perfect ﬁt with our commitment to indigenous employment and complements our established record on social and community investment,” he said. “This program is exceptional because it is grounded in clear business outcomes, as well as generating real dividends and results for communities. “The AFL shares our commitment to promoting opportunities for indigenous Australians. We are excited about the huge potential our engagement with the AFL has in building new careers and encouraging high performance now and into the future.”

To be selected for the Footy Means Business program, candidates must be: » Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander » Not engaged in AFL or second-tier competition » Employed (part-time or apprenticeships accepted) or undertaking education/ training or involved in community programs » Aspirational » A potential leader About half the participants will be selected from areas near Rio Tinto sites and AFL partnership communities. Rio Tinto and the AFL will use their networks, including suppliers and other business relationships to facilitate access to suitable job and education opportunities. Rio Tinto and the AFL conducted a pilot program in Melbourne this week, culminating with the participants playing in the curtain-raiser to the Dreamtime at the ’G match.

Geelong star Joel Corey faces another month on the sidelines after exploratory surgery on his troublesome knee. AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au 19

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DREAMTIME HERO NOT FORGOTTEN

Fans to farewell a favourite

HONOURED: David Wirrpanda will be farewelled by West Coast fans this week.

NICK BOW EN

ans will get the chance to say goodbye to West Coast premiership player David Wirrpanda at Subiaco on Sunday before the Eagles’ clash with St Kilda. After making his debut in round ﬁve, 1997, at the age of 16 years and 268 days – the youngest debutant in the Eagles’ history – Wirrpanda played 227 games and kicked 131 goals, was All-Australian in 2005 and a key member of the 2006 premiership side, all the while dazzling opponents and crowds with his uncanny ball-handling, ability to dodge trouble and dash. Wirrpanda announced his retirement at the end of last season, after missing West Coast’s round 22 match against Richmond to be at the birth of his son, Marley. Wirrpanda this week told the AFL Record he was looking forward to returning to Subiaco for a lap of honour – highlights from his career will be played It’s a big deal on the big-screen for me to be able scoreboards at the to go back and same time – so he could thank Eagles to the make sure I say fans and the club people who thank you and pay for their support were there my respects throughout for me for DAVID WIRRPANDA his career. such a “I feel as though I long time.” never really had the Wirrpanda has opportunity to play knowing it kept busy in retirement, was my last game, so I could just so much so he has visited the say thank you,” Wirrpanda said. Eagles’ clubrooms only a few “I spent most of my youth times, principally to talk to representing West Coast, so it young forward Gerrick Weedon, goes beyond footy to me. Having who inherited his No. 44 after that relationship with the fans being drafted from Claremont in and the football club has been last year’s NAB AFL Draft. really important to me. His main focus this year has “It’s a big deal for me to be able been the David Wirrpanda to go back and make sure I say Foundation. Launched by thank you and pay my respects Wirrpanda in 2005, the NEWS TRACKER

foundation aims to improve young indigenous Australians’ quality of life by offering them strong role models and promoting healthy life choices, while focusing on increasing their school retention rate and improving their career prospects after school by encouraging further study and positive career paths. “The foundation is really growing and we’re in a position now where we’ve got a lot of stability behind our programs and we’re able to achieve our goals a lot quicker than we’d previously thought possible,” Wirrpanda said.

“We’ve now got 22 staff members working at the foundation, compared to 2005 when I was the only employee. We’ve really come a long way, which is really heartening.” Wirrpanda said his busy schedule ensured he now understood “the concept of 9am-5pm work”, which seems an understatement when you consider he can also be heard on radio every Saturday morning on Perth’s Mix 94.5 and will soon appear in two programs on Channel Seven: The Extraordinary Taxi Ride, in which a local cabbie takes a series of passengers on a nine-week tour of Western Australia, and the 10th series of Dancing with the Stars. Despite the fancy footwork he showed throughout his football career, Wirrpanda downplayed his chances of winning the popular celebrity dance contest. “It’s an experience I thought I’d have a go at. I’m the sort of person who is always doing things out of my comfort zone and Dancing with the Stars is right out of that zone,” he said. “It’s going to be a terriﬁc experience for me to go out there and either make a fool of myself on national television, or have a lot of fun and go a long way with it.” But the best part of retirement, Wirrpanda said, was being a dad to Marley, now nearly nine months old. “I’m having the best time of my life as a dad. At this stage, I just can’t wait to get home whenever I’m away,” he said. “To share parenthood with my ﬁancé Shannon is an unbelievable feeling. I’m absolutely in love with being a dad and in love with the little fella.” After completing his lap of honour this Sunday, Wirrpanda is keen to catch up with some of his former teammates. “I’m really looking forward to spending the day at the footy,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to watch a game and have a quiet ale with some of my ex-teammates and see what it feels like on the other side of the fence.”

Essendon defender Cale Hooker set to miss a month with a hamstring injury suﬀered last week against St Kilda.

20 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

INDIGENOUS RECOGNITION

Fancy footwork to give programs a kick along

oots worn by some of the game’s star indigenous players have been transformed into pieces of art and will be auctioned later this year to help raise money to support the AFL Foundation’s indigenous programs. m, Indigenous artists Riki Salam, David Williams and Michael Connelly transformed boots

worn by players including Hawthorn’s Lance Franklin, Adelaide’s Andrew McLeod, the Sydney Swans’ Adam Goodes, the Brisbane Lions’ Ashley McGrath and Fremantle’s Des Headland. Artist Clinton Nain painted a pair of boots worn by retired Essendon champion Michael Long. The painted boots will be on display at Melbourne’s Federation Square this Saturday before the start of the annual ‘Long Walk’ as part of a ‘Boots and Dreams’ exhibition run by the AFL and Qantas, which sponsors the AFL’s indigenous programs. (The Long Walk is a charityy started byy Long g in 2004 4 to raise awareness of th he disadvantages the face d by indigenous faced com mmunities, support communities, indig genous leaders and indigenous

There are more than 90,000 indigenous people engaged in the AFL’s indigenous programs AFL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER JASON MIFSUD

provide opportunities for all Australians to work together to achieve change.) The boots will be on display at various locations around the country in coming months, before another exhibition in Melbourne in September. “The Qantas Boots and Dreams exhibition celebrates the inﬂuence the indigenous community has on Australian Football,”” Qantas group executive, execu utiv government WORKS OF ART: Adam Goodes (far left) and Ashley McGrath display the special boots that will be on show at the exhibition.

and corporate affairs David Epstein said. “As a major partner of the AFL’s indigenous programs, we are pleased to support the next generation of AFL stars.” Qantas also will donate $50 for every goal kicked in AFL matches this weekend to The Long Walk Foundation. The AFL’s community engagement manager Jason Mifsud said Australian Football continues to play an important role in indigenous communities across Australia. “There are more than 90,000 indigenous people engaged in the AFL’s indigenous programs,” he said. “Our programs are not just about on-ﬁeld development; they are also about focused education and employment opportunities. “The AFL is now evolving to also support indigenous communities off the ﬁeld. The recent appointments of former players Chris Johnson, Michael O’Loughlin and Malcolm Lynch (see story on page 20) will support the indigenous framework and employment strategy to increase the number of indigenous employees across the AFL industry.” This year, there are 84 indigenous players listed with AFL clubs (about 11 per cent of the playing group).

QANTAS IS THE MAJOR PARTNER OF THE AFL’S INDIGENOUS PROGRAMS.

There’s a fresh new team in the AFL You won’t believe the big names lining up for 3AW in 2010. New recruits Brian Taylor, Tim Lane and Richo will join cult hero Dennis Cometti, Robert Walls and ‘Lethal’ Leigh Matthews. And there are even more names on our team sheet. Like Tony Shaw, Mike Sheahan and footy’s First Lady, Caroline Wilson, just to name a few. With a fresh new team like this, in 2010 Melbourne’s own 3AW is football.

Home team v visitors tonight

AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au 21

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DREAMTIME

Focus on the creator spirits of Aboriginal people � The theme for this weekend’s Dreamtime matches focuses on the creator spirits of traditional Aboriginal people’s land at the seven AFL venues being used. Aboriginal dreaming, the beginning of time for Aboriginal people, tells many stories of creation, the law of the land and the relationships between people. Six of these stories will be shared with fans attending Saturday night’s Essendon-Richmond match at the MCG. The traditional people of the MCG land are the Wurundjeri people. Their creator spirit, Bunjil the Eagle, will welcome, pay respect and celebrate the visiting creator spirits from other lands.

GABBA, BRISBANE

JAGERA, YUGGERA AND UGARAPUL PEOPLE The Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul people’s campsite at Woolloongabba was once a huge lagoon where the water would swirl in and around it. From far places, the jabiru and the golden heron and a vast number of bird species gathered at the lagoon seasonally. For thousands of years, Brisbane was known as Mian-jin meaning ‘place shaped as a spike’.

AAMI STADIUM, ADELAIDE

KAURNA PEOPLE Tjilbruke, the glossy ibis of the Kaurna people, is an ancestral being and a lawman of the Adelaide plains. Overwhelmed by sadness, his tears formed the seven freshwater springs along the coast of the Fleurieu peninsula.

SCG, SYDNEY

GADIGAL PEOPLE Baimi, the spirit man of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, stepped down from the sky on to Mt Yango, the highest mountain on the Liverpool plains and created the Hawkesbury and Georges rivers. Baimi wears a big belt, has big feet and a lightning bolt coming out of his head.

THE AFL THANKS THE ELDERS AND COMMUNITIES OF RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES FOR GIVING PERMISSION FOR THEIR STORIES TO BE TOLD.

MCG AND ETIHAD STADIUM, MELBOURNE

SUBIACO OVAL, PERTH

WADJUK PEOPLE Wagyl, the creator spirit of the Wadjuk Ngyoongar people, is a snake-like dreaming creature that slithered over what is presentday Perth and south-west of Western Australia. Wagyl’s tracks shaped and formed the Swan and Canning rivers, other waterways and landforms. Fifteen family groups share Wirrin Boodja – the spirit of the land.

SKILLED STADIUM, GEELONG WATHAURONG PEOPLE Here, the Wathaurong people’s creator spirit is also bunjil the eagle. The Wathaurong people are part of the ﬁve clans of the Kulin nation.

WURUNDJERI PEOPLE Bunjil the eagle is the creator spirit and law keeper of the sacred earth of the Wurundjeri people and the hallowed turf of the MCG.

,7¶6 )227< :,7+287 7+( 58/(6 For a no holds barred view on everything footy, join Gerard Healy and Dwayne Russell, 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday. Sports Today - only on 3AW 693.

AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au 23

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Striving to make a difference

HARRY O’BRIEN Harry O’Brien’s ﬁrst priority is to contribute to Collingwood winning a premiership. But both his individual proﬁle and that of his club enables him to also contribute to social awareness campaigns. It is a responsibility he manages well. PETER RYA N

his week was a busy one for Collingwood’s Harry O’Brien. On Wednesday morning, he sat alongside Collingwood president Eddie McGuire as the club announced its involvement in a community partnership with the Victorian Government and the Department of Justice, designed to promote the ‘Knives Scar Lives’ campaign. O’Brien is the ambassador for the campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of carrying knives, and fast track the knowledge of new laws that give police the power to perform random weapon searches, issue on-the-spot ﬁnes to anyone aged 16 or above caught carrying a controlled knife or weapon, and make it illegal for those under 18 to buy a knife or any other prohibited weapon. It does not shock O’Brien that some people would feel the need to carry knives, but he knows the ramiﬁcations can be life and death. He saw, while growing up in

AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au 57

HARRY O’BRIEN

PLAYING WITH PURPOSE:

Harry O’Brien is driven by self-belief and a desire to make a positive impact, on the ﬁeld and in the community.

Western Australia, the impact knives have on communities. “I suppose that is where I feel a connection to this. I feel my message would not be one of just reading off a script,” O’Brien said. It’s a small contribution both club and player are making to an important public policy, one they hope will have a positive impact. O’Brien’s interest in social issues is well known. His experiences and attitudes, combined with his proﬁle as an AFL player, put him in a position to contribute to efforts to raise awareness about issues the mainstream sometimes struggle to understand. That he is choosing to use that proﬁle in the hope of making a positive impact in the community is why he has so many admirers. And, it must be said, also makes the young defender an easy target for cynics. He does not just lend his ides his name; he provides energy and hiss intellect self, and often himself, too. That takess a rare kind of couragee and commitment. What has always driven O’Brien is self-belief. He’s always known its importance from the teenage SUPPORTIVE: O’Brien

with Magpie youngster Steele Sidebottom.

58 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au record d..c .co c om co om m.a ..a .au au

days when he used to watch the documentary The Draft over and over to reinforce what players needed to do to reach the AFL. “It starts off as a belief and then that turns into a purpose and then that purpose turns into an action, which then you have whatever it is you have created,” he said. What he has created for himself is an AFL career. It was a dream that has become a reality. His ﬁrst words to Collingwood’s national recruiting manager Derek Hine when told he had a spot on the Magpies’ rookie list in 2005 were: “You don’t understand what this means to me.” It is a conversation Hine will never forget. O’Brien has played 94 games and, alongside his great mates Nick Maxwell, who he once shared a house with, and Heath Shaw, is part of what is being hyped as the best half-back line in the game game. Last year, Maxwell, Shaw Sh and O’Brien

finished second, third and His website harrysworld. fourth in Collingwood’s best com.au, twitter @Harry_O and and fairest count. regular segments at half-time The players are hard on each on Channel Seven’s Friday other and O’Brien is as tough and night football coverage reveal supportive as the next when it a 23-year-old interested in comes to football, his No. 1 focus. those things that attract most As part of the club’s thoughtful young adults: music, leadership group, his purpose is literature, sport, travel, new unambiguous: “I used to have experiences and fun. His writing that desire to be named in the and musing is humorous, often best players. That desire has frivolous, sometimes poignant, just disintegrated and and occasionally so all I want to do is personal it leaves contribute to a him wide open. When people winning team,” His use of social love what they he said. media is not He no something he do and just love longer reads imagined would life, that is when the papers, happen when great things are nor is he the phenomenon concerned became part of created with individual daily life. HARRY O’BRIEN statistics, unless “I was like, ‘Why they are relevant to would I want that, what the team’s performance. a joke’,” he admitted. “I then “It is an indicator of where my took a step back from my own mindset is. My only desire is to prejudices and I thought, ‘OK, if play in a premiership team and, so many people can relate to it, whether I am in the best players then I am disconnecting myself or whether I get 20-plus touches from a large number of people’. or whether I get less than 10, as “I experimented with it and long as I am able to contribute got a Facebook profile and in a way the coaching staff allowed anyone to add me as and my teammates want, a friend and I put in positive then I am happy.” messages and people responded Alongside his football career, well to it and then it just he has also created a voice. His spiralled from there.” capacity to adopt and utilise He is finding his feet in a new media and his interest tough sport and his voice in and knowledge of popular the uncompromising world of culture and global trends (many opinions. He is as happy to hear professional sportspeople now a view as share a view. It’s what use social media to communicate) makes him great company. places the footballer’s likes and “When people love what dislikes and, sometimes his they do and just love their life, opinions, in a public space. that is when great things are

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HARRY O’BRIEN created. When you live by fear, you really suppress a lot of things and you start doubting yourself. So many complications come from fear.” Recently, that voice seemed to upset some people when news broke that O’Brien had put himself forward, on the remote chance it became possible, to meet Barack Obama when the United States President visits Australia in June. Many misconstrued the approach as O’Brien getting ahead of himself. The humility within the letter he wrote was lost in the newspaper headline that trumpeted the story. The correspondence was written, said O’Brien, with the same intent as the letter he wrote to AFL clubs six years earlier as a youngster asking for a chance to train. It was with a sense of hope, rather than entitlement; an expression of the same ‘never die wondering’ attitude that saw him pay his own way to move from Western Australia to train with Collingwood, and then beat the coaches’ doors down asking questions in an effort to

FACT FILE

Harry O’Brien

Born: November 15, 1986 Recruited from: Claremont Debut: Round 18, 2005, v Fremantle Height: 188cm Weight: 90kg Games: 93 Goals: 9 Draft history: 2005 Rookie Draft selection (Collingwood) No. 20; 2006 rookie elevation (Collingwood)

NEVER DIE WONDERING:

O’Brien enjoys being challenged. “I would hate it if there weren’t any challenges in life. How boring would that be?”

improve when that club opened its doors. The recent experience and the vehemence with which some people reacted is all part of the learning curve. “You’re always going to be challenged. I would hate it if there weren’t any challenges in life. How boring would that be?” The challenges keep coming at AFL level. O’Brien will have his hands full this week trying to stop one of Geelong’s star

forwards. He will watch his standard pre-game ﬁlm the night before (last week we knew via his tweet it was Law Abiding Citizen) and then begin to zero in on the job ahead. As he walks around the rooms in the lead-up, he will follow his usual habit of tapping everyone he walks past, creating a connection, listening to music, reaching out as he withdraws into the space that allows him to perform with

such electricity on the ﬁeld. He will be no different from many of the young men around him: chasing his dream to play in a Collingwood premiership, while contributing in a small way to achieving what we all hope for: a community freer of violence and free of knives that scar lives. As part of the biggest sporting brand in the country, O’Brien will be doing his little bit for both. HARRY O’BRIEN IS THE AMBASSADOR FOR THE KNIVES SCAR LIVES CAMPAIGN, A COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN COLLINGWOOD AND THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT.

Supporting Indigenous communities Our thanks go to Djarragun College for providing this image of their students.

KPMG is committed to addressing economic and social disadvantage within Indigenous communities and to supporting reconciliation, through a deeper respect and understanding towards Indigenous Australians. Our relationship with Indigenous Enterprise Partnerships demonstrates our commitment to supporting sustainable communities.

60 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

This mutually beneﬁcial secondment program enables our people to share their professional skills with Indigenous businesses, to help their communities grow and prosper. kpmg.com.au

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Geelong favourite Cameron Mooney has never done things by halves. From self-confessed wild child to key forward in one of the most dominant teams in history, it has been an often tumultuous ride for the three-time premiership star, who will this weekend celebrate his 200th match. NICK BOW EN.

ameron Mooney’s journey to his 200th AFL game has been anything but dull. So it’s ﬁtting the Geelong forward reaches the milestone this week on football’s biggest stage, the MCG on a Friday night, against the competition’s biggest drawcard, Collingwood. Drafted by North Melbourne from Turvey Park Football Club in Wagga Wagga at the end of 1996, Mooney walked into a club that had just won its third premiership, with Kangaroos greats Wayne Carey, Wayne Schwass, Anthony Stevens, Glenn Archer and Mick Martyn among his new teammates. But before the 1997 season had begun, Mooney ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament in an

intra-club practice match and underwent a knee reconstruction. After finally making his debut in round seven, 1999, Mooney played nine games during that year’s home and away season but seemed destined to watch the Roos’ tilt for their fourth flag from the sidelines after he was dropped following the qualifying final victory over Port Adelaide. But when Jason McCartney was suspended for striking the Brisbane Lions’ Clark Keating in the first preliminary final, Mooney came into the Grand Final side and, in his 11th match, became a premiership player as North romped to victory over Carlton. It scarcely mattered he was given little game time and had no possessions. Just weeks later, Mooney found himself

PRIDE AND PASSION:

Cameron Mooney shows the emotion that has endeared him to his teammates and Geelong fans.

I had those missed shots going through my head every day

CAMERON MOONEY caught up in then-Geelong skipper Leigh Colbert’s controversial departure from Kardinia Park. When Colbert nominated North as his preferred new home, the Roos reluctantly agreed to a trade that sent Mooney to the Cats, along with draft picks 15 (used to select David Spriggs), 17 (Ezra Bray) and 47 (Corey Enright). In the decade since, Mooney has enjoyed – endured at times – one hell of a ride. Dogged by injury, inconsistency and suspension in his first four seasons at Geelong, Mooney almost left the club for St Kilda at the end of 2003. “My ankle wasn’t right for the whole of 2003. I had a shocking year,” Mooney recently told the Geelong Advertiser. “At the end of the year, I probably had a bit of a falling out with ‘Bomber’ (coach Mark Thompson) and St Kilda said, ‘We’d love to have you’, and I said, ‘Yep, fine, I want to get out of here’. I wasn’t enjoying my time. “Geelong was looking for Jade Rawlings, that was the deal at the time, but that fell through and, POPULAR TEAMMATE: Mooney has always been a team player and this year they’ll say something different, he is helping mature-age rookie James Podsiadly settle into the Cats’ line-up. but I think if they had have got Jade, I was out the door.” Mooney rebounded in 2004 on the bay,” Mooney told the premiership favourites in the and, at 25, finally showed Herald Sun in 2008. pre-season to a 10th-place finish the football world just how “They’d come over for a at the end of the season. consistently good he could be. A drink and then we’d just go out. Despite this, Mooney has key part of the young Cats side Because (Seona) had just moved remained a fan favourite at that returned to the finals for the down and obviously wanted to Geelong. Most likely because of first time since 2000, eventually go out, I was like, ‘OK, I’ll come’, the passion he shows so regularly falling to reigning premiers the so I ended up going out until on the field. The cult following Brisbane Lions by nine 5am with her, and when he attracted during his ‘Big Hairy points in the second I’m out on the (drink), Cat’ phase was also a factor, his preliminary final, I’d then smoke a long flowing locks mirroring the Mooney finished pack of darts. almost manic way he attacked I had those fifth in the best I was doing it the ball and opponents. missed shots and fairest, every weekend.” But while he eventually cut his going through my having floated He has also hair, his approach to the game between had more than has not changed, nor has the head every day defence and his share of enthusiasm of Cats fans waned CAMERON MOONEY ON HIS MISSED OPPORTUNITIES IN THE 2008 attack and, troubles at the as they chant ‘Moon’ every time GRAND FINAL when Steven King AFL Tribunal he goes near the ball. was injured, and with the Other things have changed the ruck. Match Review Panel. though. The party boy of the Off the field, Reported 14 times since past is now a devoted dad to though, Mooney has sometimes joining the Cats, he has been son Jagger, nearly three, and lacked discipline. After his suspended 10 times for a total of daughter, Billie, one. partner Seona moved to Victoria 15 matches. The one-time unfulfilled from Queensland in 2005, he Most memorably, he was talent has played a key part in admitted his next two seasons suspended four times in 2006 two Geelong premierships (2007 were “party years”. – an AFL record for one season and 2009), topped the Cats’ “Our house was like a halfway – trying the patience of his goalkicking twice (2007 and house, friends were always coach and teammates in a year 2009) and was named in the coming over because it was right in which the Cats slipped from 2007 All-Australian team. 64 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au

FACT FILE

Cameron Mooney

Born: September 26, 1979 Recruited from: Turvey Park/ NSW-ACT U18/North Melb Debut: Round 7, 1999, v Adel Height: 195cm Weight: 99kg Games: 199 Goals: 270 Player honours: All-Australian 2007; Geelong leading goalkicker 2007, 2009; North Melbourne premiership side 1999; Geelong premiership sides 2007, 2009; Geelong pre-season premiership side 2006 Brownlow Medal: Career votes 15

But in between the highs of 2007 and 2009 came the devastation of 2008, when Geelong lost the Grand Final to Hawthorn, having lost just one game for the season before that, having had 62 inside 50s to the Hawks’ 43, and having had 34 scoring shots to the Hawks’ 25. Mooney kicked two goals in the Grand Final, but missed three shots and, in many postmortems, these were identified as a key factor in the Cats’ loss. The misses played on his mind for some time, and he appeared to lack confidence when taking set shots at stages last year. “I had those missed shots going through my head every day. Just a lot of what-ifs. Probably everyone did, but I felt that my what-ifs could have changed the game a bit more than most of the others,” he told The Age last year. But Mooney again demonstrated the resilience that has characterised his career, overcoming any lingering mental scars to nail two crucial goals in the Cats’ thrilling 12-point Grand Final victory over the St Kilda last season. His first goal – the Cats’ second for the game – was a testing shot, but he held his nerve and kicked truly from nearly 50m. Brenton Sanderson, who played with Mooney from 2000-05 and has been a Cats assistant coach since 2007, says such resilience is an intrinsic part of Mooney’s makeup. “He’s really had to fight his way to become the player

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CAMERON MOONEY that he’s been,” Sanderson “He’s very good at that. The says. “He’s a very determined young guys look up to him and individual and has worked hang on his every word.” very hard at his game, slowly Mooney is an easy player to developing himself into the key coach, Sanderson says, though forward we needed so badly. he will “bite back occasionally” “There were a few tough years if he disagrees with something in between for the team and him, – the type of honest feedback but when everything clicked at encouraged at Geelong. the start of 2007, he’s become Away from the club, a really vital player.” Sanderson says Mooney is a Corey Enright joined Geelong gentle family man – “if you in the same year as Mooney met him off the field, you’d and says passion is one of his be surprised by how quiet greatest strengths. and reserved he is” – and an “With him, what you see is incredibly loyal friend. what you get. He wears his heart Aside from spending time with on his sleeve and we all love him family and friends, Enright says for that,” Enright says. Mooney is a movie buff, with “You feel a little bit teammate James Kelly better when you a regular cinema go on to the park companion. He’s very good and walk next Both assistant to him because at that. The young coach and you know teammate are guys look up to he’s going to in no doubt him and hang on be right there of Mooney’s his every word beside you and importance to GEELONG ASSISTANT COACH he’s got your Geelong’s current BRENTON SANDERSON back. He loves golden era. the players and he “While you may loves the footy club say h how critical ii l es out and that passion comes some of our midfielders and key on the field and that’s when he defenders ar re, he’s also been are, plays his best footy.” critical to th he success of this the me Enright says that same side,” Sande erson says. Sanderson oney’s past passion has led to Mooney’s “I’m reallyy proud of him. The nal but, problems at the Tribunal other coach hes are really pleased coaches again, he has worked hard to to see him g get to 200 games – control himself on the field. it’s a great achievement.” a n 2006 “He was pretty flat in Enright adds: ad dds: “Centre mmates and felt he’d let his teammates half-forward d is not an easy down,” Enright says. position and d he’s important “He worked hard on controlling to our struct ture and structure on on the his anger and frustration straightens us up. ncidents, field and, since those incidents, Geelong wo ouldn’t be wouldn’t nd hasn’t he’s really grown up and half as good d a side e.” had much trouble since.” without him m.” him.” kes the Sanderson also makes “He’ll be oney’s poor remembered point that, despite Mooney’s d ty player”. record, he is not a “dirty as a fantasti ic fantastic “It’s just been little brain footballer m into snaps that have got him for our club ve been trouble, things that have and, given licious,” stupid rather than malicious,” his form Sanderson says. this year, While describing Mooney and as long as he field, as a quiet person off the he’s still got the Sanderson says he hass grown as passion, he ccan rs – albeit a leader in recent years keep going for f as in his own way. long as he li kes.” likes.” “It’s probably not hiss style to hip group. be part of the leadership ne-on-one He’s more suited to one-on-one ounger stuff and mentoring younger kins over players like Tom Hawkins HAPPY CATS: Mooney and ker room,” Paul Chapman celebrate a coffee, or in the locker another Geelong victory. Sanderson says. 66 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au ecord.com.au

DENIS PAGAN ON MOONEY � Two-time North Melbourne premiership coach Denis Pagan saw Cameron Mooney embark on his AFL career as a raw-boned youngster but is not surprised at the heights he has scaled since. Pagan was Kangaroos coach when Mooney ﬁrst walked into Arden Street after the club had taken him with pick 56 in the 1996 draft. The Wagga Wagga youngster had barely turned 17 and Pagan says, while he was always going to take several seasons to become a regular senior player, his potential was evident. “He certainly had the talent. It was always going to take some time for him to develop like most big young guys,” Pagan says. “Cameron didn’t have a great Grand Final in 1999, but we knew w he was going to be a player player and there was never play anyone at North Melbourne who thought otherwise. We thought a hell of a lot about him.” Pagan says the only reason North traded

Mooney was to get a seasoned match-winner, then-Geelong captain Leigh Colbert. “Unfortunately, we had to give someone pretty good away to get Leigh Colbert,” Pagan says. “We probably thought we’d won the premiership that year and Cameron was at least two or three years away from having an impact, but if we got Leigh Colbert, we could perhaps win another premiership. “Obviously that didn’t happen – Leigh hurt his knee in the pre-season which didn’t help things – and, in an ideal world, Cameron would have stayed.” Pagan says Mooney has been an incredibly selﬂess forward who has been vital to Geelong’s recent success. “He’s been a wonderful player, the sort of player you can build your team around. It’s no coincidence Geelong has been so successful with Cameron playing such a signiﬁcant part in their side.”

Moments of the

2000-09

Indigenous Team of the Century The AFL’s journey of awareness has seen racial and religious viliﬁcation stamped out of the game and our indigenous stars lauded. ASHLEY BROW NE

he path to the AFL naming its Indigenous Team of the Century started on a sunny afternoon in April, 1993, at Victoria Park in inner Melbourne, when St Kilda star Nicky Winmar (below) lifted his jumper and pointed to his skin in response to an afternoon of t taunting from Collingwood ssupporters. It continued through the Anzac Day clash at the MCG in 1995, when Magpie ruckman Damian Monkhorst w was accused of ra racially vilifying Ess Essendon cham champion Michael Long. T The pair attende attended mediation days after af the game, and the handshake betwee between the pair that followed afterwards sent a p powerful messa message that racia racial or religious

viliﬁcation no longer had a place in Australian Football at any level. It also led the AFL on a journey of awareness – and then celebration – of the contribution made to the game by indigenous Australians, culminating in an afternoon at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium in August, 2005, that those in attendance will never forget. The 24-player team announced on that day included eight who were still playing in the AFL: Andrew McLeod (Adelaide), Michael O’Loughlin and Adam Goodes (Sydney Swans), Peter Burgoyne, Gavin Wanganeen and Byron Pickett (Port Adelaide) and Chris Johnson and Darryl White Brisbane Lions). David ‘Soapy’ Kantilla, Michael Graham, Bill Dempsey, Ted Kilmurray and Stephen Michael were the ﬁve players selected who had never played in the VFL/AFL. Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer was named captain and Barry Cable coach, while Glenn James was picked as the umpire. Goodes and McLeod were hailed as the modern-day superstars. Between them, they had won a Brownlow Medal (Goodes added another the next

While the individual honours are great, team achievements are what it is all about ADAM GOODES

season) a Rising Star Award, multiple club best and fairest awards, premiership medallions, All-Australian selections and Norm Smith Medals. McLeod was named the team’s ruck-rover, but said the honour didn’t hit home until he was seated on the stage alongside Farmer and Cable. “That’s when it really hit me,” McLeod said. “It’s such a huge honour. Imagine that, Farmer in the ruck, Cable at his feet and then Maurice Rioli running past to take the ball away with (Peter) Matera and (Michael) Long on the wings. Just amazing.” Goodes likened the honour to playing in a Grand Final, and later that year he was able to make the comparison with more

certainty, when the Swans beat the West Coast Eagles in an epic encounter. “You play football as part of a team and, while the individual honours are great, team achievements are what it is all about,” he said. The team announcement coincided with the 100th anniversary of Joe Johnson’s first game with Fitzroy. Johnson, widely believed to be the first indigenous man to play in the VFL, played 55 games and the milestone was recognised on the day, as was Sir Doug Nicholls, the first Aboriginal player to be selected for Victoria. Prime Minister John Howard attended the lunch and told guests the team announcement was “very important in the sporting story and sporting history of Australia”. Howard lauded the AFL for having “done more than any other sporting organisation” to provide “involvement and the complete acceptance and recognition” for indigenous Australians, with figures at the time showing that almost 60,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait

IN OUR BLOOD

� In 2007, the round nine edition of the AFL Record celebrated the contributions made to the game by indigenous players. Here is an excerpt of an article Michael Long wrote to introduce the section: Australian Football is our mother sport in this country. How can you not love it? It’s like a river that ﬂows all over this great country of ours. We cannot survive without it. It’s a game that goes deeper, to the

heart and soul of the earth. It’s truly ours. History is important to our culture. History shows that in the western districts of Victoria, where Tom Wills grew up in the mid-1850s, indigenous men played a game called Marn Grook. It is said Marn Grook was an early version of what Australian Football is today. Who said football isn’t hereditary? It’s in the blood.

They say time changes skilful rover. And my favourite everything. What would Joe player and childhood hero, Johnson, the ﬁrst known player Maurice Rioli, a Rolls Royce, his of indigenous heritage, think evasive style of footy pure class. lleft. efftt now? What a legacy he has le Indigenous players have graced us with their presence and changed the face of the ACHIEVERS game. Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer, known for his michaellong long, raking handballs. Barry Cable, a tough and

Indigenous nss on on ions the contributtio Record celebrates all ba ottb o football in the foo edition of the AFL s players and others This week’s special aders ea rs, leaders Football by Indigenou – they are trailblaze made to Australian illss.. skills. recognised their talent community who have their stories as we celebrate their football tell and champions. We us nous gen dige contributions of Indigenous

is our Australian Football country. mother sport in this it? It’s How can you not love all over like a river that flows ours. this great country of without it. We cannot survive deeper, It’s a game that goes of the to the heart and soul earth. It’s truly ours. to History is important shows our culture. History districts that in the western Wills of Victoria, where Tom grew up in the mid-1850s, a Indigenous men played It is game called Marn Grook. an early was Grook said Marn version of what Australian Football is today. isn’t Who said football blood. hereditary? It’s in the

68 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

favourite ame, game, t gam skilful rover. And my people to our great hero, aw uss player and childhood hopefully draw Royce, his it will er. Maurice Rioli, a Rolls even closer together. evasive style of footy arr ta tar star st pure class. The Krakouer Michael Long was a telepathic 90 190 g 19 ng brothers, with their for Essendon, playing pinpoint 1, 1, 01 00 20 200 sense to be able to games from 1989-2001, where da nd n and ps an ip hips each other, knowing with two premierships on the ns ons iio ion ttion ccttio They say time changes actions sa is His Hi each other would be Joe Norm Smith Medal. d i ld ield fie Wanganeen, everything. What would n-ffie on-field y on player field. Gavin when confronted by he the man, courageous aw th Johnson, the first known saw sa 5s rubber 1995 in the abuse racial think and on all ia ia accia racial of Indigenous heritage, n ra on and skilful, in the air AFL adopt a policy he has only n wiin win rwi arw ar now? What a legacy Darwin in D the ground. You could vilification. He lives Indigenous what he did left, with some 71 the the awe in in active watch and remains per cent of Matera, dorr ssado ss players – about 10 bas ambassador on the field. Peter community, as an amb club lists and too n on o piio pi all players – on AFL mpio am ha all-round footballer, for the AFL, as a champion people freak. A on. d nd n this year. Indigenous a and le match-up hard to of Indigenous people cent of make up only two per n an The Burgoynes. Andrew their issues, and as David Australia’s population. e the th McLeod. Adam Goodes. agent of change in have won players Johnson. Indigenous y. y. Wirrpanda. Chris and broader community. five Norm Smith Medals They have all continued started, three Brownlow Medals. what Joe Johnson Many Indigenous players building the legacy. their but sport, have graced us with We’re all different, the Football, presence and changed especially Australian unites us. face of the game. Graham helps connect us. It for his we ‘Polly’ Farmer, known This weekend, when the long, raking handballs. recognise and celebrate and Barry Cable, a tough

Indigenous Team of the Century Barry Cable

Glenn James

COACH

UMPIRE

Darryl White FULL-BACK

Chris Johnson

Bill Dempsey

BACK POCKET

Adam Goodes

Norm McDonald

HALF-BACK FLANK

CENTRE HALF-BACK

HALF-BACK FLANK

Graham Farmer (C)

Andrew McLeod

Peter Matera

RUCK

RUCK-ROVER

Michael Long

WING

Barry Cable

Maurice Rioli

WING

ROVER

CENTRE

INDIGENOUS CHAMPIONS: (from left) Darryl White, Byron Pickett, Chris

Johnson, Adam Goodes, Chris Lewis, Peter Burgoyne, Michael Long, Maurice Rioli, Gavin Wanganeen, Andrew McLeod, Graham Farmer (capt), Ted Kilmurray, Michael Graham, Stephen Michael, Michael O’Loughlin, David Kantilla, Bill Dempsey, Jim Krakouer, Nicky Winmar, Syd Jackson, Barry Cable, Peter Matera, Norm McDonald, Michael McLean, Joe Johnson and Glenn James (umpire).

Islanders were playing football, and that almost 10 per cent of those on AFL lists were from an indigenous background. “There is something that Aussie Rules has done that perhaps other sports haven’t done – although they’ve tried – quite so well,” Howard added. The judging panel for the team was actor and television presenter

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AUSTR ALIA’S TR AD I N G CARD SH O P

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2009 SELECT AFL CHAMPIONS CARDS 2010 AFL Champions Box (36) $105 2010 AFL Champions Album $19.95 2010 AFL Champions Base Set (195) $35

AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au 69

Col Hutchinson

timeon Our AFL history guru answers your queries.

NAME GAME

Under the Rising Star guidelines, if a player plays ﬁve games in year one and ﬁve games in year two, can he be nominated in both years and, if so, has it happened?

A ﬁghting fury

J.B. NICHOLSON, BOX HILL NORTH, VIC.

CH: Provided the player has

not turned 21 before January 1 of his second season, he would be eligible to be nominated twice under those circumstances. The following players have earned two nominations: Duncan Kellaway (Richmond – round 15, 1993, and round 24, 1994), Craig Callaghan (Fremantle – round 16, 1995, and round 22, 1996), Michael Braun (West Coast – round 14, 1997, and round one, 1998), Luke Power (Brisbane Lions – round two, 1998, and round 17, 1999), Nathan Jones (Melbourne – round 20, 2006, and round 17, 2007) and Mark LeCras (West Coast – round 22, 2006, and round 20, 2007). Essendon pair Michael Hurley and David Zaharakis and North Melbourne’s Jack Ziebell, were nominated in 2009 and remain eligible this season.

WRITE TO ANSWER MAN The Slattery Media Group 140 Harbour Esplanade Docklands, 3008 or email michaell@slatterymedia.com

70 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

DOUBLING UP: Star Lion

Luke Power (above) gained two Rising Star nominations, while young Roo Jack Ziebell, who was nominated last year, is also eligible this season.

AFL mystery men Arthur Reginald Baker � Born on September 18, 1899, Baker came from Wonthaggi as a 163cm, 60kg wingman/forward in 1922 and kicked 60 goals in 60 appearances for Collingwood. He switched to Richmond during the 1928 season, where he added seven majors in 10 matches. His brothers Selwyn and Ted also played at AFL level. It is believed he died in Queensland about 1977.

George Lockwood � Originally from Barwon Football Club, Lockwood, along with his twin brother Teddy, moved to West Perth before playing 40 matches for Geelong from 1899-1901. The pair then joined Collingwood and were selected in the 1902-03 premiership teams. Born on December 6, 1872, Lockwood died in about 1946, probably in Western Australia.

Should you have any further information regarding the above mystery men, including their date of death, contact Col Hutchinson on (03) 9643 1929 or col.hutchinson@aﬂ .com.au.

� The given name of young Tiger Dustin Martin was popularised by American actor Dustin Hoﬀman in the 1960s. Its popularity rose steadily in the US, reaching its height in 1984, after which it declined steeply. However, it was never popular in Australia and Martin is only the second AFL player, after Dustin Fletcher, to bear it. Dustin is of Old Norse (Scandinavian) and Germanic origin, coming from thor meaning “thunder”/”thunder god” and stein meaning “stone”. Literally, it means “Thor’s stone/hammer” and therefore “valiant warrior”, a good name for a footballer. Martin, a reasonably common name in AFL/VFL history, with 23 examples (plus six Martyns and two Martinis), is almost certainly from Martinus, a diminutive of the Latin Martius, the adjective from Mars, the Roman god of war. In summary, Dustin Martin is an aggressive name and appropriate for someone expected to help resurrect Richmond’s fortunes. KEVAN CARROLL

N A IN W O T E C N A H C YOUR

E Z I R P 0 0 0 $ 80 RRP

FOR SALE ONLY 1000 TICKETS

The gold or the boat? That could be the ‘dilemma’ you face if you’re lucky enough to win the major raffle being run by two country football clubs. The Hepburn Football Club, from the Central Highlands League, and the Rye Football Club, from the Mornington Peninsula Nepean League, have joined forces to run a major raffle. The top prize is a spending spree worth up to $80,000 RRP – it could be the dream holiday of a lifetime, a luxury car, the chance to refurnish your home with an array of the latest and best furnishings, or gold bullion. First prize: Retail value up to $80,000 RRP Second prize: $10,000 RRP 10 prizes in total: All $1000 RRP or more Only 1000 tickets for sale – $250 each Funds raised will go towards refurbishing the clubrooms at both clubs and community projects. To buy a ticket and support grassroots football, simply fill out the form and send it in with your cheque, money order or credit card details. Alternatively, you can call Lindsay Olver on the hotline to make a payment or for any queries. The raffle will be drawn on Sunday, June 27, at 2.30pm at the Rye Football Club.

For more information please call the rafﬂe hotline on: 0428 481 528 Victorian Gaming Permit 10118/10

Please forward __________ tickets at $250 each in the Rye and Hepburn Football Clubs Rafﬂe to: First Name: _________________________________ Surname: __________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________ Postcode: __________ State: ________ Telephone: ( ___ )_________________ Mobile: ________________________ Email: __________________________________ Enclosed:

Cheque

Money

or please debit my

Mastercard

Visa

Credit Card No: __________________________________ Expiry Date: ______________________ Cardholder Name: __________________________________ Signature: ______________________ Return Coupon to: Hepburn and Rye Football Clubs, P.O. Box 48 Hepburn Springs, Vic 3461 Please make cheques and money orders payable to Hepburn and Rye Football Clubs Rafﬂe.

timeon

COLLECTABLES

A book bargain

Rick Milne

A weekly look at collectables,, memorabilia and all footyy things g stored in boxes and garages. RICK’S RARITY

I bought a book titled Australian Rules Football at a garage sale for just $2. Is this a bargain? BRIAN SECCOMBE, VIA EMAIL

RM: This is a great little book,

published in 1962. I have a copy and, although it is not in the best condition, I love it as it has football items from every state. If yours is in good condition, I would offer you $35. I am a fanatical Hawthorn supporter and I recently came across a guernsey signed by all the 2008 premiership players. It also has coach Alastair Clarkson’s signature, but I am not sure whether it is one of the guernseys worn in the big match. I would appreciate two valuations – one for an actual Grand Final guernsey and the other for one not used in the big match.

LITTLE GEM: The Australian Rules Football book features items te. from every state.

BILLY, VIA EMAIL

RM: If the guernsey was

worn in the Grand Final, you would be looking at more than $8500. If it is not a game-worn guernsey, it would be worth up to $4000. Having Clarkson’s signature certainly helps.

I was putting my new 2010 footy cards into the folder when I read the check list on the back

off the th Captain C t i Carlton C lt card d and d it read that the sharp-shooter was Brendan Fevola. However, he crossed to the Brisbane Lions this year. ANDREW WICKS (aged nine), VIA EMAIL

RM: Your card is part of the

new Herald Sun set and each sharp-shooter card features the top goalkicker from each club for 2009. And, of course, Fevola topped Carlton’s goalkicking and that is why he is on the card.

� Almost all companies these days sell their products Australia-wide but, in earlier times, they often sold only locally. Perth’s Plaistowe Sweets is an example. In the 1930s, the company issued a set of cards of 80 local stars, including Claremont-Cottesloe’s R. Moloney (brother of famous 1930s Geelong full-forward George Moloney) and East Fremantle’s A. Kingsbury. The cards are exceptionally rare and sell for att least $75 each. ach. h

Ih have a llaminated i t d 11990 Collingwood premiership poster by the Herald Sun’s WEG. Any value? BILL, VIA EMAIL

RM: You have referred to the e

evil word “laminated”. Once an item has been laminated, it cannot be rescued and becomes a prisoner. I am afraid 95 per cent of collectors would not go near it and you would be looking at just $50-100.

CONTACT RICK R MILNE mrpp@iprimus.com.au or drop him a line: 5 Cooraminta St, Brunswick, Vic, 3056 or call (03) 9387 4131. One query per reader.

WATCH BEFORE THE GAME SATURDAY NIGHTS ON TEN

beforethegame.com.au L ADDER SAM 41 DAVE

ANDY

LEHMO

FITZY

MICK

TIPSTERS

FITZY Collingwood Western Bulldogs Sydney Swans Essendon Port Adelaide Adelaide Carlton St Kilda

72 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

MICK Geelong Cats Western Bulldogs Sydney Swans Richmond Port Adelaide Brisbane Lions Carlton West Coast Eagles

SAM Geelong Cats Western Bulldogs Fremantle Essendon Port Adelaide Brisbane Lions Carlton St Kilda

DAVE Geelong Cats Western Bulldogs Sydney Swans Essendon Port Adelaide Brisbane Lions Carlton St Kilda

LEHMO Collingwood Western Bulldogs Sydney Swans Essendon Port Adelaide Brisbane Lions Hawthorn St Kilda

ANDY Geelong Cats Western Bulldogs Sydney Swans Essendon Melbourne Brisbane Lions Carlton St Kilda

This week, special guest appearance by JAMES PODSIADLY

Sherrin has a proud, 130-year history of producing the finest footballs in Australia. Today, Sherrin is looking to the future with a new range of fluorescent balls that dramatically increase visibility under lights. So when the stars come out, the stars of tomorrow donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to stop training. For your nearest stockist call 1300 367 582 or go to sherrin.com.au.

74 AFL RECORD RE R EC CO COR OR O RD visit RD viis vvis isit it aﬂ aﬂrecord.com.au record..co om m.a .a au SCRAMBLED SCRA SC S CRA AM MBLE BLE LE L ED FO FOOTBALLER: OTBA BALLER ER: ER CRYPTIC CRYP C RYP YPTIC TIIC T C FOOTBALLERS: FOOT FO F OO OO OT TBALLERS: LE B IG G MOUTH: MOU MOUT M MO O H: BIG

MATCH THE JUMPER: A-1 (Adam Selwood, No. 37 for West Coast); B-3 (Joel Selwood, No. 14 for Geelong); C-4 (Scott Selwood, No. 10 for West Coast); D-2 (Troy Selwood, No. 28 for Brisbane Lions).

E O

S O

THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS

R S

A I

R N

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: Star is missing from fence sign in background; extra stripe on Josh Kennedy’s left sock; white stripe missing from his shorts; extra peak added to jumper’s Harbour Bridge logo; black band missing from left arm.

R S F N O

O A

N E

ESSENDON

A.MONFRIES � Solve this puzzle by ﬁlling in the empty squares with the nine letters of the player’s name. You must make sure you use each letter only once in each row, column or small box of nine squares. Do not guess, as there is only one correct solution.

Sudoku

MATCH THE SELWOOD TO HIS JUMPER

IVE F TO FIND timeon

KIDS’ CORNER

timeon

NAB AFL RISING STAR

Learning from the best Exciting midﬁelder Jake Melksham was destined to playy with the Bombers. CALLUM TWOMEY

2010 NAB AFL Rising Star Nominees

ess than a year ago, Jake Melksham was playing for Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School under the guidance of former Essendon great Ken Fletcher. Playing well and focusing on his studies, Melksham clearly was on his way to bigger things. Eight rounds into the 2010 season, the symmetry of Melksham’s life, and the fact he is now playing alongside Fletcher’s son Dustin for Essendon, is not lost on the 18-year-old. “Ken was awesome, and he was much Experiencing the like Matthew highs and lows Knights in giving me a of footy has been licence to just really valuable for play footy,” me so far Melksham said. JAKE MELKSHAM “He was great support for me and has given me some goal against Port great advice along the way, Adelaide and been nominated and to play with Dustin now is a for a NAB AFL Rising Star for bit surreal. his 14-possession performance “It’s a little bit strange but it’s against St Kilda in Essendon’s definitely something that I’d have round-eight win. never thought would happen this When he talks about gathering time last year. He’s almost old “good footy experiences”, he enough to be my dad!” already has a few up his sleeve. Melksham may be almost “Experiencing the highs and half Fletcher’s age (the Bombers lows of footy has been really veteran recently turned 35), valuable for me so far,” he but his contribution has already said. “I think you can adjust to been significant, despite having the tempo of the game pretty played only five games. quickly, but it’s a bit more Having made a strong debut difficult against opponents. against Carlton in round three, “Playing against some of the Melksham has played interstate best midfielders in the game has against West Coast, taken part in helped me learn a few things Anzac Day, kicked a magnificent about being smarter, such as

Round 1 – Chris Yarran (Carl) Round 2 – Daniel Hannebery (Syd) Round 3 – Ryan Bastinac (NM) Round 4 – Nic Naitanui (WCE) Round 5 - Jack Trengove (Melb) Round 6 - Todd Banﬁeld (Bris) Round 7 - Tom Scully (Melb) Round 8 - Jake Melksham (Ess)

THREE THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW 1 OFF AND RUNNING:

Jake Melksham has made an impressive start to his AFL career.

how to run in patterns and how to set up for teammates.” Despite his inexperience, Melksham has added a layer of class to the Essendon midﬁeld, with his sure hands, clean disposal and astute decision-making. He suggests slotting into the Bombers side has been made easier by the type of play Essendon likes to implement. “It’s quick footy and we like to move it on and kick it long into the forward line, which is the style I’ve played my whole career, so I’m ﬁtting in well,” he said. Having endured osteitis pubis as a junior, Melksham says Essendon has monitored and

Melksham lives with Essendon teammates Tayte Pears and Marcus Marigliani.

2 He has three younger brothers, aged two, seven and 12.

3 He loves being organised and having his life in order, planning out his weeks, writing in diaries and saving money.

managed his training load to ensure he stays ﬁt. Named best-on-ground in the Calder Cannons’ TAC Cup Grand Final win last season, Essendon selected Melksham at pick 10 in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, having watched him since he was 15. “If they’ve been watching me for that long, I guess they’ve seen the highs and the lows and they know what I can provide,” he said. “I’m just rapt.”

Each week throughout the home and away season, a panel of judges will select the nominee for the 2010 NAB AFL Rising Star. At the completion of the season, one outstanding player will be chosen as the 2010 NAB AFL Rising Star winner. He will receive an investment folio, a dedicated personal banker, a financial planner and the Ron Evans Medal, all courtesy of the NAB. The NAB Rising Star award is the final stage of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL.

76 AFL RECORD visit aﬂrecord.com.au

NAB Community Indigenous

Creating real jobs for Indigenous Australians NAB is committed to creating real jobs and career pathways for Indigenous Australians. NAB’s Reconciliation Action Plan addresses Indigenous disadvantage through three key areas: promoting financial inclusion; building access to real long-term jobs and raising awareness among NAB staff of Indigenous Australians and their culture. Since our first RAP in 2008 we have made a solid start to help build long-term career opportunities for Indigenous Australians. By the end of 2010, we will have placed over 100 Indigenous employees.

To find out more about NAB’s Indigenous program go to nab.com.au/indigenous

timeon

LAST LINE

Applying data laterally

There’s no place like home

PASSIONATE:

West Coast fans have helped their club to the best home-ground advantage in the AFL.

love hearing the home ground symphony. It is among my most cherished moments in football. The memories of my connection to a home ground in Victoria’s Gippsland area still clear. On Saturday mornings, as a lad in my early teens, I was playing for Moe’s thirds and, later in the day, barracking for the seniors. There was a rim of cars perched on the Fowler Street hill overlooking the Moe oval. Mud. Cold rain. Cutting wind. Sitting in the family car with family and friends. Catering courtesy of mum: sandwiches and a Thermos, and pies from the ladies’ auxiliary kitchen. An excited voice on the car radio describing the game in front of us and our heroes, Ian Jennings, Allan Steele, Dicky Wheildon – household names locally. Moe goals. A cacophony of car horns unleashed! Immediately, the whole town and any poor visitor got to hear about it. The symphony proclaimed: Try us on here, if you dare! At home, the Moe battlers became formidable. Easily, I reckoned, a four-goal better proposition. Reflecting makes me realise the often quirky and loveable ways footy fans find virtue in their respective home ground environs, where others might be inclined to scratch their heads or become riddled with fear. Collingwood’s adoration for its former industrial homeland Victoria Park is a prime example. My memory of it doesn’t engender adoration. 78 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au

The visitors’ rooms were an intimidating concrete dungeon. Once negotiated, running on to the ground through a narrow wire race – with Collingwood fans clutching the mesh while hurling abuse and liquid objects – was the next challenge. All this, before the ﬁrst bounce. It reinforced the view that home ground advantage is about making the visitors feel discomfort and displeasure, and loving the inﬂiction. A threatening venue for visitors entails unsuspecting charms for the beholder. It can work in a variety of ways. Often the charms do not always appear as bleak as those experienced by visitors to Victoria Park, St Kilda’s old Moorabbin haunt and Essendon’s Windy Hill or like the ones at vintage West Lakes, (pre-AAMI Stadium mode). Gaining an advantage for the home venue is about creating an offset experience. It mostly

involves the home crowd being knowingly onside, in unison, while the visitors are stumped for answers. My hometown club Moe did this brilliantly. Outsiders are inclined to think moccasins and rows of prefabricated commission homes. Yet for anyone visiting the oval, a clear statement of civic pride is evident. The ground is bevelled into a slope leading up to a backdrop of the South Gippsland Hills; westwards is the big city (just under two hours by car) and not far to the east are extensive brown coal deposits and power stations. To the north, are the Latrobe and Tanjil river valleys, just ahead of a dominating vista of the Baw Baw Mountain plateau. The impression is an amphitheatre set among a picture of hinterland beauty and industrial power. The car horns

RECORDS OF CLUBS WITH ‘TRUE’ HOME GROUND ADVANTAGES CLUB West Coast

VENUE Subiaco

229

158

WINNING

% 69

Brisbane Lions

Gabba

214

143

Adelaide

AAMI Stadium

234

152

Port Adelaide

AAMI Stadium

171

111

Geelong

Skilled Stadium

605

390

210

Sydney Swans

SCG/ANZ Stadium

333

188

144

Fremantle

Subiaco

169

* INCLUDES RECORD OF BRISBANE BEARS.

on the Fowler Street hill let you know about it. These thoughts on home ground advantage were rekindled following the recent match between Carlton and Collingwood at the MCG. A dear business fellow of some years ago – and an avid Collingwood fan – had organised a corporate box. The party included his cohort Magpie chums. Supremely confident about who would win, my Collingwood friend invited me, as both friend and as someone to rib, knowing the part I played in the 1970 Grand Final. Networking, gaiety, lush catering and the accepting of friendly fire. That was the prevailing atmosphere in a glass booth high on the third level of the Ponsford Stand. The Magpies were hot for most of the game, but so were the Blues in their comeback third quarter, when they bridged the gap to just three points. At the final break, I declared ‘Game on’, instantly quelling the party mood, until the final quarter, when Collingwood steamrolled its way to a crushing 53-point win. Yes, the experience in the glass box was entertaining but no match for my earlier recollections of sitting in a car and watching a game of footy. What’s the difference? It’s simple, really. There is no home ground advantage in the self-contained environment of a corporate box. It’s a cut-off affair. There’s no chance of believing my barracking can help the team win, which is much easier at home than away. And there’s no chance to beep the horn. TED HOPKINS IS A CARLTON PREMIERSHIP PLAYER AND FOUNDER OF CHAMPION DATA. HIS CURRENT PROJECT IS TEDSPORT, A HIGH PERFORMANCE DATA ANALYSIS AND CONSULTING SERVICE.

Adam Goodes is hanging up his boots this week≥

Artist: David Williams, Gilimbaa

Adam Goodes and other Indigenous stars from across the AFL have donated their boots to be painted by Australian Indigenous artists. Goodesy’s boots are part of an exhibition to celebrate the depth and talent of Indigenous players in football today. Also, during Round 9, Qantas is kicking in $50 a goal from every game to The Long Walk foundation. The Qantas ‘Boots and Dreams’ Exhibition. Saturday 22 May, Federation Square, Melbourne or online at afl.com.au/qantasboots Qantas. Proud supporter of dreams.

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