AFL Coaching

While in Hervey Bay, I got an email from Daniel's AFL club saying that they needed to have a coach for his team. There were 2 teams in the Under 9s - Reds (coached by Steve) and Blues (Daniel's team). I left it thinking that someone else would step up.

Before we left I received another 2 messages saying that we were still in need of another coach and manager for Daniel's team. I left it still hoping that someone else would put their hand up. I had never coached AFL before (besides Auskick) and I had never played it, so surely someone else would be better suited to it. After another message as we left I decided to put my hand up. I assumed that the Manager role was to send out emails about the upcoming week/game, get people to do canteen duty, and write up about the game each week. I could do that. Coaching, still not too sure about. I spoke with James about it and he thought that I'd be really good at it.

I messaged Steve to say if no-one had put their hand up that I was happy to do it. He wrote back saying that both positions were still available so he would put me down as coach. What??? But ok. I checked with Daniel that he would be ok with me coaching his team and he was quite excited about it (which is kinda sweet). 

While we stayed in Coffs Harbour, I spent the night completing the training requirements to become coach (which was a lot more than I had expected) but it was also helpful advice to read and watch. It gave a good outline about what coaching at Under 9s level is about - helping the kids to get experience in playing the game, develop their skills, have fun and grow as a team. I could do that.

We missed the training session before our first game where I could meet everyone, but that was ok. Jenny and Robyn were really helpful with questions and information over email before the game, Steve got my team's kit together and handed out guernseys at training and organised a couple of dad's to be managers (Glenn ended up being the main manager) and and Jenny was a big help being at the oval the morning of our first game against Pennant Hills Demons.

I was nervous. Jenny told me that it was great to have a mum as a coach - the first one in at least 25 years! (No pressure or anything). Most of the mums are managers. The team played really well, kept going for the ball and ended up winning their first game! Daniel came away with 2 goals too. My coaching strategy was to rotate the kids around (there were 9 players so they each played in a quarter for the first 3 and then I just moved them where I felt they played best for the last quarter). There were a few boys who I recognised from last year's game, but not heaps so I had names and numbers to learn.

The team (This photo made it onto the AFL Facebook page which was a bit cool.

Daniel with 2 goals!

Coach Mummy and Daniel

He chose number 24 after wanting 23. 24 is pretty cool though because he is actually pretty good in defence like Dane Rampe so it really suits him this year!

I am grateful to Brendan (who is still heading up Auskick at the club) for repeatedly asking for parents to step up and help coach Auskick, particularly a couple of Mums. Him saying that sparked Daniel to ask if I could help out. When I said yes he was so excited. It is something that I see to be a bit of a boy's club and so it is a stigma that I have needed to change in my mind. 

I am grateful to Daniel for seeing potential in me that I don't even see a lot of the time. He is happy having me as coach, he thinks I am doing a good job and he is having fun. I do feel like I miss out on watching Daniel play because I am thinking about the whole game, not just my kid, but he isn't seeing that which is good. I am also grateful that he is being selfless in the playing time. He is the one player in the team who hasn't won player of the match - not because he doesn't deserve it, but instead because I am trying to encourage the other players in the team. There have been a few games when he deserves to be player of the match but I am wanting to try and build up and encourage one of the quieter team mates. Daniel asked me 'when will I get player of the match' and I told him that he has deserved it many times, but I am wanting to try and build up others in the team. It is something that would be hard for a 9 year old to understand, especially when a $5 canteen voucher is connected to it, but he seems to be ok with letting others get it first.

I am grateful to James for giving me the opportunity to do this coaching. It is something that in a few years I won't be able to do because it starts to be competitive and I'd prefer someone who knows about the sport to do it, and also Daniel probably won't want me to do it, so it is good for me to be able to invest in him while he still sees it as being 'cool' to do. 

I am grateful to Jenny for guiding me through the rules and explaining how things work at my first game and also for encouraging me as the weeks have gone by. I am grateful that she sees potential in me that I don't see. That she sees being a mum as a positive because I can relate to the boys in my team in a way that dads possibly don't. I get to their level when on the field, I encourage in a different way, I have the motherly side that other teams would have.

I am also grateful that I'm not manager of the team. Glenn has a real gift of words as you will see in the match reports. I love that he sees the overall picture while I get stuck in the moment by moment times in the game. I am going to post the reports that he writes so that I can look back at them in the future because it is a special time for me with my big boy.

Here are the match reports from the first half of the season

Round 1 

The 2021 season kicked off on a glorious sunny Sunday morning. All the boys were excited to be playing, though initially a little daunted by the size of the field – “much bigger than U8 games”. It was a close, hard fought game, with the Demons and Eagles on par for much of the match – rarely more than a goal between them. The boys performed really well, both individually and as a team. It was great to see the coverage across the field (Michael and Jake must have run 5K each), countless attempts at Hand Balls, tenacious tackling, maintaining field position and plenty of vocal team communication. Shout out to Onni, who kept playing despite not feeling great, and even scored a goal. The boys kept the energy levels up for the entire game, clearly having lots of fun, and seemed like they were already starting to gel as a team. 

Congrats Michael on Player of the Match, and thanks to Debbie for great team organisation. 

(Daniel scored 2 goals)

Round 2 

Round 2 kicked off on a warm sunny ANZAC day. The U9 Blues were once again full of energy and enthusiasm. Though the 1st Quarter did not go their way, with the Reds managing to slot a few goals early on. The 2nd and 3rd Quarters were much more competitive, with the Blues showing great spirit and determination, especially in defence. Scoring chances in the 2nd and 3rd quarters were few on both sides, with the Blues keeping on par with the Reds. In the 4th Quarter, the Blues marking went awry, allowing the Reds with several scoring opportunities, which they took. 

There were a few great marks and disposals (most notably by Onni and Michael), though running less with the ball and disposing quicker may be an area for the team to focus on in their next game. The Blues never stopped trying throughout the game, with some courageous defence, and impressive ground coverage by the team (with Jake and Michael covering every inch of their zones). 

The game ended with some very tired but still happy souls, further buoyed up thanks to Debbie’s ANZAC biscuits. 

Congrats Jake on Player of the Match, and applause to Debbie for covering as much as the field as the boys. 

I made small packs of Anzac biscuits for after the game. I wanted to give them to the kids as encouragement. Josh said 'they were the best Anzac biscuits that he had ever had'. That's a bit nice. Unfortunately I did forget to hand them all out, but just meant that there were more for us at home.

Round 3

Round 3 kicked off at the impressively picturesque home of the Lane Cove Cats. The U9 Blues quickly got into the game, fearlessly contesting every kick, ruck and bouncing ball. The teams hard work paid off, with most of the team getting on the scoresheet, and some wonderful goals. The U9 Blues defensive play was as good as their attack, all the boys strongly contesting the mid field, with some standout defence, especially by Lewis and Jake somehow repeatedly thwarting what looked to be certain goals from the Cats. The level of commitment across the team was great to see, including Alexander who despite receiving some studs to the knee bravely returned to the field to relentlessly chase and tackle his heart out. Every player gave their all and was hard to name a player of the match, with congratulations to Lewis winning the accolades this week. It was a marked improvement to the prior week, with Coach Debbie’s focus on player positioning paying off. 

(Daniel scored a behind)

Round 4

Round 4 kicked off on Mothers’ Day, on an overcast but mild morning. A full roster team turned up, enthusiastic and raring to go. The Bulldogs also came ready for action, with 14 players to our 10, and kindly offered up two players each quarter to HBE, to ensure everyone got a good run out. From the get-go, what stood out was the size differential, with many Bulldogs players being several inches taller (and wider) than the Eagles boys, with some rucks looking like a parody of David and Goliath. Though this did not perturb the Eagles, as every player got stuck in at every opportunity, no matter how big their opponents may have been. Michael made a couple of good marks and Jake (as usual) covered every inch of the pitch. Phoenix, Chase, Talon, and Daniel battled hard in the mid field, including a nice handball from Daniel to get out of a tricky situation. Lewis and Onni were stellar in defence, with Onni disposing of the ball much quicker than in prior weeks. Joshua played his heart out, and was one of the most improved players this week, but the plaudits for Player of the match go to Alex, who was an absolute demon in defence.

The size (especially height) of the Bulldogs took its toll, who were able to take advantage of their scoring opportunities. Whilst scoring opportunities for the Eagles were limited, positioning continues to improve, including awareness to find space and looking for team mates in space. Every Eagles player showed true grit and determination, playing for and supporting each other, and the boys should feel proud of how they stuck to it.

Great coaching again by Debbie, evident in how the boys are improving each week.

And thanks to the Bulldogs, for the players who played for the HBE team, getting stuck into their own team mates as if they were part of the HBE squad – great endorsement for true sportsmanship

It was cool to read about how Glenn saw Daniel in the round 4 game. Was very proud of him after the game! This is where Daniel's defence skills seemed to take a turn and I feel he is more defence than attack and trying to get goals. He is awesome at tackling, well, giving a bear hug (something that I have told him at home not to do at home with Alexander) but he does really well with it. He still prefers being up front but he will probably be more hanging down the back for me at the moment. I also made little packs of chocolates for the Mum's as a gift to say thank you for coming to the games and supporting the kids.

Round 5

The U9 Blues took on the North Ryde Dockers on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning. Seven of the Hornsby players had already played in the previous U9 Reds game (who were short players), which finished just 5 mins before the start of the U9 Blue games. Despite having already played, the boys started the game full of energy. The 1st quarter was close fought, with some great work in the mid-field by the Hornsby boys resulting in the ball finding its way to Talon, who made the most of his opportunity, scoring a nice goal. In the 2nd quarter, North Ryde started to find some form, with their bigger players noticeably standing out, securing some great marks and knocking over their goal scoring chances. In the 3rd and 4th Quarters, the earlier game seemed to take it toil, with some of the Hornsby boys starting to tire. Despite relentless attack by the Dockers, Hornsby fought for every ball. As usual Jake covered huge amounts of the pitch, and Auggie seemed to be everywhere (seemed to have endless energy). The boys were brave in defence, with some great bear hug tackles by Alex on noticeable larger opponents, Onni pouncing on balls and opponent players, and Lewis putting his body in the line to charge down a kick at goal. What stood out today for the Blues, was a step up from prior games by both Daniel and Talon, with Daniel repeatedly hunting down the Docker players foiling several of their plays, and Talon’s good positioning (which led to his goal). 

It was a hard game for the boys, up against bigger players. But they stuck at it, and Coach Debbie must be applauded for that, with all her efforts in marshalling and encouraging the boys, evident in the mateship between the boys who were simply happy to have played with their buddies. 

A special thanks also goes to the U9 Reds boys (Hayden, Jake, and August), who returned the favour by playing for the Blues (also short-handed this week).

Round 6

HBE U9 Blues took on the Pennant Hills Demons under the Flood Lights of Ern Holmes Oval on a chilly Friday evening.  There may have been a chill in the air, but this was a pretty heated game – nothing malicious by either side but a strongly contested battle everywhere on the field, with a few tackles making us parents pause for breath. Scoring chances were limited for HBE, but the boys made the most of the chances they had. The Demons had a couple of players whose running game, marks and thunderbolt kicks ultimately made the difference between the teams, enabling the Demons to build up a lead. Though the score was not a reflection of how close the game actually was, with little to separate the teams for much of the game.  It was the defensive qualities of the HBE team that stood out, including some great marks, kick blocks and bear hugs. Every boy put in the hard yards, with Chase’s exhausting efforts in defence most notable, and why he is this week’s well-deserved player of the match.  All the boys should be Proud of how they played, especially as many had already played PSSA games earlier in the day. Once again thanks to Coach Debbie’s ending the game with a special treat for the boys – Glow Sticks (brought plenty of smiles).

I took glowsticks as a bit of fun for the boys after the game - a special time with it being a night game. It was fun (and cold) playing under lights! A few parents commented saying they wondered what I would bring to the next game... scratchies??

Round 7

As Round 7 kicked off, the weather had not yet decided if it wanted to be chilly, sunny or raining. The Blues also got off to an uncertain start, with the Reds scoring an early goal and signs that the reds were going to run away with it. Unfortunately, Alex (who had started in his usual tenacious style), got a head knock early on and had to sit out for the rest of the game. Though the Blues then sparked into life (and the sun also came out to play), and from that moment onwards the Blues were a bastion of defence, never giving up and putting their bodies on the line for the whole game. The Blues covered every inch of the pitch; jumping, grabbing, lunging, diving and bear hugging. Their hard work paid off, not only managing to keep the Reds at bay (including their danger players) but also turning defence in attack with some very well-deserved goals, due to the collective efforts and great team work by all the boys. The game could have gone either way, with the Reds edging it in the end, but this was the best team performance to-date by the Blues. It was truly difficult to pick a player of the match, with Phoenix (who had his best game to-date) taking the plaudits this week. Great work to Coach Debbie, whose hard work was evident in the boys positioning in the field and how they found ways to dispose of the ball (even when held by the red players).

Round 8

For Round 8, HBE once again visited the stunning grounds of the Lane Cove Cats. Though with an 8am kick-off, the sun was still waking up, the dew was still on the grass, and there was a bitter chill in the air. As the hooter sounded, HBE were quickly into the game, taking command in the Cats back zone and knocking over a couple of early well worked goals. The Eagles continued to control the field for most of the 1st quarter, giving the cats limited chances and ending the quarter in a commanding position, despite barely able to feel their fingers and toes (and parents resorting to using coffee cups to warm up the boys hands). The 2nd quarter was a more balanced contest, with the Cats starting to match the HBE in the mid zone, and both teams knocking over a couple of goals and behinds. In the 3rd and 4th quarters there were some good tackling by both sides, with last ditch defence by the eagles, evident in Daniel showing great awareness and positioning to protect the goal line at all costs. All the boys’ efforts in defence was then turned to attack, taking their scoring chances and once again able to impose some dominance in the latter stages of the game. It was a good performance across the board by the whole team, with Daniel a noticeable stalwart in defence. Though this week’s honour of Player of the match goes to Onni, for his all-round play in both defence and attack, and his early goals that helped put the eagles on the front foot.

This game was so so cold! The poor boys spent most of the game shivering and wouldn't keep moving on the field, even though that would help them warm up. I couldn't help but laugh at quarter time when the boys went to hold coffees and put on their parents' jackets to warm up while I chatted to them. In the last quarter they all ran for the small patch of sun on the other side of the field to try and warm up (even though I told them to stay in their positions).

Round 9

Round 9 kicked off on a drizzling wet Sunday morning against the Bulldogs, who came prepared with a larger team, in both number and size. Despite looking like a David vs Goliath match, HBE Blues (bolstered by some of their reds team-mates) started the game well, using their pace to combat the Bulldogs size, with Noah scoring two early goals. The Bulldogs countered by scoring a goal and a few behinds, but Q1 ended with HBE in a slender lead. In Q2 Ryan scored a goal, and Bulldogs scored a behind, with HBE ending Q2 still in the lead. In Q3 the Bulldogs, via their size and strength started to dominant, and HBE looked tired from constantly battling their bigger opponents. Though HBE stuck to their task, tackling their hearts out, with Q3 ending in a tie. The Bulldogs dominated at the start of Q4, scoring a couple of early goals and behinds. Then the rain came down harder and the tide started to shift back in HBE’s favour, with Onni scoring a goal thanks to amazing graft by Onni and his team mates (to get into a scoring position). The game could have done either way, though the Bulldogs just managed to hold out HBE. At times HBE marking went awry, and the Bulldogs made them pay for it. Though this was a massive improvement to the prior game against the Bulldogs, and the HBE Boys should feel very proud of themselves, notably Chase’s relentless and fearless tackling, Daniel and Alex’s goal line defence, Onni’s dogged battling and Noah sprinting everywhere. Though this week’s Player of the match goes to Joshua for his constant pursuit of every ball and great job as a ruckman.

It has been a lovely start to the season. The team has some lovely parents who have been so very supportive of me as coach. They have encouraged me a lot. Around round 3 I was really doubting myself and me ability as coach. I didn't feel that I was doing a good enough job. I had other coaches giving me advice that was just confusing me - at this level it's about playing for fun and building the skills. Instead other coaches were telling me to change the team places around so that they could play to win. I had parents from another team ask me 'how's your kick?' implying that I shouldn't kick the ball out to the kids at training. Just moments like that, where I really did question if I should be in this position. I wanted to quit, but Daniel still believed in me and the parents did too. I even asked a couple of the parents if they felt I was doing an ok job and they said that I was. Anyway, I still doubt at times, I still feel that someone else could do a lot better than me, but I also know that I am in this position for a reason and no-one else put their hand up. I am encouraging, supporting and building up the boys' love of AFL and that is something that the parents say 'their kids are still enjoying it'.