AFL Tasmania and MBF launched the 2007 MBF HighMarks Program at AFL Tasmania's headquarters, North Hobart Oval today. Tasmanian football icon and MBF ambassador, Peter Hudson, supported by Acting Police Commissioner, Phil Wilkinson, AFL Tasmania's General Manager, Scott Wade and Tasmanian Head Coach, Daryn Cresswell, made the announcement of the program and introduction of this year's participants.
The MBF HighMarks Program, which has entered it's third year of operation, provides up and coming junior footballers an opportunity to gain insight into AFL and VFL football at the elite level in Tasmania. The nominated participants have been chosen due to either their ability to overcome adversity and still be involved in sports and or displayed strong leadership, teamwork and perseverance. Schoolteachers and / or coaches who have witnessed their desire to succeed nominated the participants in MBF HighMarks.
Over the duration of the 4-day live in program the participants will be involved in a series of educational tutorials including, driver safety and awareness, healthy choices and the MBF positive choices workshop. There will also be an opportunity for the participants to meet and train with Tasmanian Devil's players and Daryn Cresswell will take the group through match selection for the game against the Coburg Tigers at Bellerive on the 19th May.
Following completion of the development programs two of the participants will be selected for an opportunity to participate in the MBF HighMarks Program with the Hawthorn Football Club in July 2007.
MBF HighMarks Ambassador, Peter Hudson, said:
MBF is very pleased to present the HighMarks Program for young people in Tasmania, Western Australia (where the program operates as Forward Pack with the Western Force Super 14 team) and Victoria. The partnership with the Tasmanian Devils provides the opportunity for young Tasmanian participants to access a national program that has excellent community support.
AFL Tasmania General Manager, Scott Wade, said:
The MBF High Marks Program is one of AFL Tasmania's core social capital and community development programs. The previous program, in 2006, was fantastic and it was great to see young participants from all around the state given the opportunity to live the Tassie Devils experience. The Tasmanian MBF High Marks Program is a "money can't buy opportunity".
Tasmanian Devils Head Coach, Daryn Cresswell, said:
The MBF High Marks Program was a great initiative last year and we are looking forward to being involved in the program again in 2007. Not only do the participants get a great experience, we see this as a great program for the mentors (Devils Players) as well, with them realising they are seen as Role models in their community and there is more to Footy than just playing on the weekend. It really opens up their minds."
The members of this year's MBF HighMarks Program are:
Daniel Cox (Launceston) - Daniel has demonstrated considerable football talent as a young Tasmanian indigenous person. He has chosen to play throughout his youth and junior football with a new Club, Prospect Sharks, and this year is demonstrating his leadership skills by assisting the coaching of the Club's AFL Auskick program.
Darren Long (Tamar Valley) - Darren is a very talented young footballer, with high ability and great athleticism, however he is lacking the confidence and self esteem to recognise his own ability and therefore establish a foundation to become a better footballer and person.
Sean Marshall (George Town) - Sean's father, David, had a work accident in which he lost his left arm. He represented Tasmania for football on several occasions before the accident. Sean has continued on in football and has followed in his father's footsteps by playing senior football with George Town in the NTFA.
Rowan McKinlay (Sorell) - He is a very dedicated player, who travels over 100km to train and play, he is also a great team member who his fellow team members look up to.
Aaron Parker (Orford) - In 2000 at the age of 7, Aaron was involved in a major trail bike accident that resulted in a penetrating stick injury to his eye and brain.
In 2000 at the age of 7, Aaron was involved in a major trail bike accident that resulted in a penetrating stick injury to his eye and brain. Thanks to luck, fate and medical expertise, despite a full cranioscopy and neurosurgery, he received no permanent brain or eye injury. Aaron's recovery was lengthy and for some time his physical activity was limited due to concern that he may receive a knock to his head. He has since represented Tasmania for Cross Country, twice (05 06), won a best and fairest for the Triabunna FC and been selected in the southern AFL Tasmania Football Academy Squad. Aaron travels for approx 1.5 hours, round trip, to make the extra training sessions. He is very respected by his peers and teachers alike, this being evident through his selection as a Student Representative.
Andrew Phillips (Swansea) - Andrew is a well-rounded, talented footballer. Due to his geographic location, it has been hard for Andrew to commit to State Junior Squads. He is respected in the community and has since been selected as a Student Representative.
Taylor Reeves (Burnie) - Displays commitment and perseverance in all activities in which he participates. He trains Monday and Wednesday (State 16's/Coastal Sharks) and also Tuesday and Thursday (School and Club). Taylor is also the Captain of basketball and soccer teams, current house Captain at School and provides an example for others to follow.
Nick Santi (Hobart) - Nick is an excellent ambassador for Claremont High School. He is in Grade 10 and is admired by younger students and his peers because of his leadership qualities. He is on the Student Representative Council at school and is also the captain of the Senior Boys football team.
Manford Stubbs (Koonya) - He travels to train and play over 100km and is always on time and always puts in 100%, his fellow team members look up to him for inspiration and support. He is an all round great team member with great skills.
Joshua Wick (Triabunna) - Has been helping his father run a contracting Business, which limits his spare time considerably.
Further Information:
Peter Hudson MBF HighMarks Ambassador and Football Icon
0418 397 013
Scott Wade AFL Tasmania General Manager 0419 024 406
Daryn Cresswell Tasmanian Head Coach 0434 124 019
Last Modified on 16/05/2007 14:46