By Kirstie Fitzgerald
It seems that even some of the best coaches are never too old to learn a thing or two, particularly if they’re learning from some of the game’s greats.
In the first Western Region Football League coaching seminar of its kind, over 40 WRFL senior coaches were allowed rare access into Whitten Oval’s inner sanctum last night to learn from elite AFL coaches.
Developed in conjunction with the Western Bulldogs Football Club, the coaching seminar was aimed at teaching local coaches how to develop a strong club culture through a successful team and playing group.
Coaches were invited to watch the new Footscray VFL side train, before being taken into the kennel to be addressed by Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney and assistant coach Brett Montgomery.
“I’ve been lucky enough to hear Macca speak before and he is just fantastic to listen to,” Sunshine coach Brett Jacobs said.
“He just understands all facets of the game from a local grassroots level to an elite level, so when he gets up and speaks, everyone sits up and listens.”
With Jacobs leading the WRFL senior interleague squad in the AFL Victoria Metropolitan Championships in March, it was also a great opportunity to gain some extra insight which Jacobs believes he will be able to pass on to some of the league’s elite players.
“I’ve definitely learnt a lot from the seminar and I’m sure it will come in handy when selecting the final interleague squad in February.”
After learning about the fundamentals of the game, coaches were divided into smaller groups to focus on specific midfield, forward and backline strategies.
Former North Melbourne premiership player Shannon Grant led discussions on the key components of forward line structures, whilst 300-game Bulldog veteran Rohan Smith explained how to control a backline with key drills and kick-in exercises.
“Being former AFL players, they had a pretty good insight into the game and its tactics as it was, but now as coaches they have an even better understanding and were really happy to answer any of our questions, which was great,” Jacobs said.
Through the use of bean bags and a football grid, former Geelong ruckman Steven King took the midfield session, demonstrating various midfield formations having an emphasis on clearances and stoppages.
“The one thing I found surprising was how honest and informative each of the coaches were.
“I don’t think there would have been one coach last night who wouldn’t have taken something away from the seminar and those who weren’t there missed out on something really special.”
WRFL Football Operations Manager David Newton said that the seminar was unique to community football and proves that the partnership with the Western Bulldogs is so valuable.
“I don’t think many other leagues would have the opportunity to learn from elite AFL coaches, so I’m sure many of our coaches will be taking what they have learnt back to their own clubs to continue to build that foundation of knowledge,” Newton said.
“It’s fantastic that the Western Bulldogs have been so willing to be involved in the program and happy to take the time out of their busy schedule to share their experiences with our senior coaches.
“This along with other initiatives is a testament to the Western Bulldogs’ commitment to the WRFL and the western region as a whole, in ensuring the continued development of grassroots football in the west.”
Last Modified on 28/03/2014 08:53