NORTH EAST BORDER ASSOCIATION

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1 NORTH EAST BORDER ASSOCIATION PRESIDENTS MESSAGE Welcome to winter! For all of us complaining about the rain and cold, we must remember that at its purest level this is the weather that footy was made for. Hot pies, cold nights at training and barrels of fire help remind us of why we treasure so much what lays ahead, finals! It has been an absolutely crazy number of months across the region in relation to football initiatives helping to grow our great game. Junior development has been a real focus with our junior carnival showcasing the best young talent from across the region at both an under 14 and 16 level in Wangaratta. Congratulations to Albury Red and Albury / Wodonga respectively for their performances in topping their respective age groups. Special mention also goes to the Wangaratta Girls Youth team who played an exhibition game during the carnival, another fine example of our region s efforts to grow the game. This vision for growth was also supported by some strong professional development for our regions coaches, with ex-afl player and assistant coach Kelly O Donnell sharing his wealth of knowledge about the art of kicking. The support for this initiative was incredible with over 65 people in attendance. Feedback was very positive and has inspired our group to look for further opportunities to support our region s coaches. In May we saw the annual participation of our leagues in the Worksafe Interleague football initiative. Congratulations and thanks must go to all the coaches, players, officials and supporters who supported their respective leagues. It is so important to support the concept and our region has a great name for providing very competitive teams. Good luck to those representatives who have made it through to represent Vic Country also. We were also lucky to have a heavy influence from the top level in May with the Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn and Carlton providing players for junior workshops and school visits. Their presence is much appreciated. Our umpires also continue to keep pace with the development of the game with strong numbers involved at all levels and pathways of development supported with our new partnership with Bluearth. A special mention goes out to former North Wangaratta full forward, and now umpire Mark Sayers who unfortunately suffered a heart attack whilst umpiring at Beechworth. Mark is on his way back to full health thank goodness. Mention must go out to all the people from Beechworth and Wahgunyah who

2 assisted with Mark s treatment at the ground, an example of how a football club bandies together during hard times. Finally, a reminder to all club officials to consider nominating their coaches for the annual coach of the year awards. This year s presentation ceremony will be held at the Commercial Club on September 8 th. Please make sure you get your nominations in, recognising the efforts of those wonderful people who are working so hard to grow our game. I hope your club keeps moving forward towards finals. Ash Campbell President NEBCA AFL NEBCA Committee Members President: Ash Campbell Secretary: Jeff Chandler Committee: Peter Tossol Michael Buchanan Mark Sarau Tim Sanson AFL North East Border Subway Junior Carnival Summary Zac Guilfoyle - Football Development Manager, AFL North East Border On Sunday May 25th, the annual AFL North East Border Subway Junior Carnival was again conducted in Wangaratta. The 4 competing leagues, Albury Wodonga, Wangaratta, Tallangatta and Seymour Junior Football Leagues accompanied teams from the Benalla/Mansfield area and competed in both under 14 and under 16's as well as 2 Youth Girls teams playing an exhibition game. In total, 15 teams played 20 games and provided representative opportunities for 350 young boys, 40 girls and 15 male and female umpires. Adding to the experience this year, an under 14 Grand Final was played as opposed to the Round Robin series of previous seasons with Albury Wodonga JFL ultimately successful in an enthralling battle between its two sides. It was AWJFL again who finished on top in the under 16's with Albury being the only undefeated team, winning each of their 3 games. Billy Robertson, under 16's and Frazer Ellis under 14's from Albury Wodonga and Wangaratta Junior Football Leagues respectively were awarded Players of the Carnivals.

3 The now annual exhibition Youth Girls football match provided the organisers with a platform to promote another participation opportunity in what is the games fastest growing segment. The 40 girls who participated were representative of a growing number of females interested in playing in an allfemale environment. Accompanying the 400 participants was an estimated 2,000 spectators comprising parents, siblings and recruiters identifying the best local talent for pathway programs. Organisers were again delighted with the manner in which the Carnival was supported, the conduct of players, their team management and coaches as well as spectators. Planning for 2015 will begin shortly with leagues contributing to the annual review where suggested inclusions are submitted for consideration. Kelly O Donnell Kicking Clinic Peter Tossol AFL NEBCA Committee On the 21 st May 2014, the North East Border Coaches Association hosted former Melbourne & Fremantle Football Club Assistant Coach Kelly O Donnell who conducted a kicking clinic at Galen College, Wangaratta. The theme of the night was The Art of Kicking and the clinic focussed on: Fault Identification Technique Correction Coaching Drills For Kicking Invitations were extended to all North East coaches and the participation rate was excellent with 65 coaches in attendance. The kicking drills involved participation with the coaching group and the quality of questioning from coaches in attendance indicated a strong desire to improve kicking coaching skills. Coaches from Auskick, Junior and Senior Football Clubs actively involved themselves in the evening which made for a truly interactive experience.

4 Kelly spoke of his involvement with a bio mechanist whilst at Freemantle Football Club and the thinking which has influenced his teaching of kicking skills. His insights and coaching experiences added real value to his presentation with many coaches in attendance knowing Kelly from his Murray Bushranger, Barooga and Yarrawonga playing days. Other topics covered included: The importance of common language The kicking process Skill\Fault Identification-Correction\Volume\Decision Making Components of development Technique\Volume\Extension Common problems Inconsistent ball drop\inconsistent strike\lack of balance Key Teaching Points Balance\Ball drop\ball strike\leg speed Golf Club concept Weight or measurement Coaches in attendance demonstrated genuine interest in the topic and the group was engaged from the beginning of the clinic. Kelly s ability to communicate and keep the subject interesting ensured all coaches were captivated throughout. It was a terrific night and feedback received since the event has highlighted the need to provide further development opportunities for all our coaches.

5 The North East Border coaches will this year hold its inaugural Coach of the year night this is a great opportunity to recognise the great work our coaches do in our local leagues. There will be 4 categories on the night, including Senior, Youth, Junior and Auskick with 3 finalists in each area. We look forward to clubs supporting the night by nominating coaches who are doing good work at their respective clubs.