Coach's Corner

The 2009 Season
We have announced the starting line ups for the upcoming Philly trip a number of weeks prior to the actual trip. Why? So players have time to think about their position[s] and visualize what skill sets they require to be successful. Visualizing footy is a great way to get better. Similarly to one's confidence, having the ability to visualize something before you attempt it gives you huge support when it comes time to actually complete the task. Many of our team are new to this crazy game so any help rookies can get should be embraced. To our players: if you find yourself listed in the backline (defence), you should focus on the more physical aspects of our game such as spoiling and winning the ball while in a pack of players. Also, backline players should have a defensive attitude to the game, meaning a 'win' for a backline player is stopping opponents from kicking goals rather than the Tigers scoring. Forwardline players need to focus on their marking (catching) abilities and their accuracy of their kicks. but regardless of where you are positioned, every Tiger needs to be focused on winning as a team and helping everyone strive to be the best they can be. Cheers.

The Pre Season
As we start to think about pre season conditioning, all players need to begin thinking about personal goals for their year as far as fitness goes. All our players have different definitions of potential to go along with their own definition of what "fit" is. Regardless, setting goals is the first step of many to set about achieving these goals. Write them down, post them on the bathroom mirror, award prizes for certain levels of accomplishment; do whatever necessary to clearly define achievable fitness goals for this season. Collectively we will embark on improving team fitness when practices officially commences. When is that? Stay tuned but it will be right around the end of March or first weekend in April. This year we will have experts in fitness leading pre season practice. Be warned, practices will be tough, but they will also be incredibly rewarding. The team as a whole will enjoy greater success if all of us put in the effort. Also, as I instruct every quarter break "We need to run - run with the ball - run without the ball - run when defended - run when loose - run to get open - run to help team mates - run!"

The Off Season
The off season is always a time to reflect and relax. We accomplished a lot last year on field. Nationals was a great time. I think in part our success derived from our new players. We did a great job recruiting last year and some of our top performers were in fact rookies. Albeit true, we can't rest on our laurels. We have to go out again and recruit new players if we want to achieve even more than last year. So with that said, ask your friends if they want to join our football club. Ask your co-workers if they want to come out for a kick around session. Ask your dorm mates if they would be interested in a wacky new game that is sure to keep them fit.
We will be hitting the track again in March so until then be mindful of your fitness levels but relax. We have even more game days planned for this year and practices will get more challenging. Enjoy the winter break, stay warm, and I look forward to seeing everyone at practice shortly. Cheers.

Hard Work Pays Off!
Wow, what a Nationals! As a club, we thrashed two top ten teams, get our best result ever at the national championships, and survived the miserable sub zero temperatures! We have worked all year to improve skills, knowledge, and strategy. Albeit important, I believe the largest change the team witnessed this year paid off the most...and that is attitude. We got more focused this year, we increased our workload, we got fitter, and we built an unbreakable team spirit. All of these were tested this past weekend. It was an incredible sight to see how well we all played together as one unit. We won games as a club, not as individuals. Plus it makes for so much more fun. I use this weekend as proof to one of my favorite sayings: "A club that drinks together, wins together!" Thanks for the great year fellas.

Utility PLayers:
Utility players in Aussie Rules football are an essential component for any successful team. Because of the fitness and tremendous skill it takes to play multiple positions during one game, there are few quality 'utilities' playing in the USAFL. Although many players want to be called 'utilities' (and want to play multiple positions) few can lay claim to the necessary skills it takes to be classed as one. A player needs to have the strength and determination to be a strong presence around the ground whilst providing a marking target for their teammates. Coupled with this is the necessary speed and endurance to play on ball and run all day gaining possessions. It stands to reason then that the utility must be able to play on ball, in key goal-to-goal line positions, and even the pockets and flanks. The term utility is a flattering term for an Aussie Rules footballer because it really means they have the ability to play multiple positions as effectively as those who solely focus on the one position. Teams need utilities but every player does not need to be so multi-skilled. We at the Tigers like to have players who specialize in one position and really try and learn everything about that position. The best advice I can give a new footballer is to really understand the game from the perspective of certain positions. Meaning, try to understand the game from a forward line perspective; realizing such things as the best way to score goals and/or when to play offensively as opposed to defensively. Alternatively, a new player can learn a lot from observing the backline and how they stop goals and rebound the ball into the forward line. Trying to stand on the sideline and observe and take in the entire game of Aussie Rules can be very daunting and difficult to accomplish at first. Really learning one position enables a player to dominate their opponent and it also provides greater freedom to do additional things on the field whilst playing in the position effectively. The Tigers happen to have two great utilities this year. McCallister has moved into the first ruck position in the absence of Zimorowicz, adding this position to the already long list of positions which he has played. Duncan, in only his second year has also been able to compete at a high level in numerous positions. His smooth playing style translates well to the backline, forwardline and on-ball, which allows him to play multiple positions. Both of these players have great football knowledge and know how to read the flow of the game as well, which makes a huge difference. Having two good utilities enables me, as coach, to adjust the line up to suit the opposing team's style of play. Although I applaud them for their skill, others players can, and do, be just as helpful by succeeding in their one position and dominating that part of the field. New players should grasp any assignment with open arms and try to become the best they can be in that one position before trying to tackle another challenge. The main lesson learned from a good utility is a good footballer understands the entire game and realizes how each position interconnects. Most importantly, you must realize that each position does require different skills and has a different set of objectives. For example, the Full Backs (FB) objective is very different than the Full Forwards (FF). Players who don't realize the differences fully will not excel in any position, but rather be 'average' at everything.. If put in a new position, tailor your game to the appropriate skills and objectives to really excel - just like utilities do.

Wake up!
It's 2008 and time for another season of footy! The dream that was the off season, where the holidays of gifts, food, and merry, is about to be replaced with sweat, blood and sunburn! The first official practice is March 1st. At this practice the coaching staff will evaluate the team to see what we have to work on, as well as welcoming new players into the fold. Most of March will focus on fitness. We are going to be a fitter club this year which we need to be given the extra games and length of season. We are going to also be a more skilled club this year. We, the coaches, have many drills already prepared some come ready to work March 1st. Fitness is crucial in football. It doesn't matter what level you aspire to play to, you will not succeed unless you are fit. A 20 year old player, or a 50 year old player, should be at their respective peak fitness level to give themselves the optimal chance to play the best they can for themselves and the club. We don't expect everyone to be at the same fitness level, we just ask that every player gives the most they can. Together, with all our efforts, we will create a strong outfit of fitness and skill. If you are something thinking about playing this year, I encourage everyone to come out March 1st. You don't need to have played Australian Rules football before. You just need to have an interest in playing this great game, an interest in joining a unique sporting club, and a pulse. So come out to practice and have a good time.