One of the signs of a great club is the performances of the players not in the senior team. In our case, there’s nothing better than picking up the Advertiser and reading our players names in the best players for their respective teams.

Their performances have a huge effect on the club. Why, you ask? Well, they create…

1. Excitement
The player themselves is excited about how they are playing and feeling that they are getting closer to achieving their goal of playing AFL. The senior players are excited to see young players – their mates – developing, as are the coaches who spend time with them.

2. Encouragement
It encourages the coaches to think that what they are teaching these young guys is getting through and helping them on their journey. The players themselves receive plenty of encouragement to continue with the form they have been showing.

3. Pressure
The best clubs have players putting pressure on the senior guys every week. Senior players realise that if they are not performing they can and will be replaced. This can only be good for the club.

4. Successful environment
Players in good form on game day are generally in good training form as well. This lifts the standard of training, leading to good team performances.

Our first year players follow intense weekly programs. Even on our day off, they complete an extra skills session and weights session. As well as developing physically, mentally they are bombarded with information from their line coaches, from our development coach Darren Trevena, and their player mentors on the expectations of AFL. Their heads must be spinning at times!

Clubs spend huge amounts of time and money on the recruiting and developing of young players. With smaller lists nowadays, clubs cannot afford to spend three years developing too many of their players. The quicker clubs can prepare them for AFL football physically and mentally the stronger the list becomes and the greater the depth.

Sitting on top of the ladder, with an injury list that is at an all time low, there are not many opportunities for these young guys to play AFL. But even though they are not playing they are having a big influence on the team. History suggests that injuries will come and opportunities will be created. When this happens we know they will be ready to grab it with both hands.

P.S Well done to Nathan Batsanis in his first league game on the weekend – more than 20 touches and 4 goals!

mahns