In the lead up to the end of the year, AFLQ Queensland Sunshine Coast staff thought their competitive AFL Sportsready Trainees could use a little extra personal development before the holidays.
That’s why last week, the three trainees were put to the test (against themselves and each other) in the ultimate ‘Trainee Challenge’.
It was a tough and action packed week for Alex Bateman, Michelle Poetschka and Sheldon Judd as they battled it out across a range of activities.
Day One of the Trainee Challenge commenced with a general knowledge test which included mathematics, history, English, AFL and sports based questions.
Alex took out the general knowledge test, relaxing with his early lead in the competition.
On day two, the trainees put their Auskick driving skills to the test, firstly undertaking the Queensland Transport learner’s computer-based practice test before racing to organise and pack their car for an Auskick clinic.
Points were up for grabs for whoever packed the car the quickest but also for whoever pack the tidiest Auskick car.
The final challenges for the day were parking and a non-timed driving course.
Sheldon proved hard to beat behind the wheel taking out the most day two activities and heading into day three firmly in front.
Day three saw the trainees compete in a physical challenge including flexibility, strength, endurance, balance and speed.
The three performed evenly taking out different aspects of the challenge.
Sheldon maintained his lead on the competition heading into day four, just ahead of Poetschka and Bateman.
On day four, the trainees competed in their bread and butter activity, NABV AFL Auskick challenges.
The three competitors were required to pop up and put away a handball target (imagine trying to fold up a beach tent) along with the NAB AFL Auskick table.
The trainees were then challenged to see who had the gift of the gab, completing a NAB AFL Auskick promotion in front of a very tough and experienced judging panel.
Michelle had never done a promotion before in her nine months working with AFL Queensland and came out on top with 26 points out of 30- Sheldon came in second with 24.5 and Alex in third with 24 points.
Heading into the final day of competition, Michelle was leading the charge with Sheldon in second place and Alex in third.
The final day of the ultimate ‘Trainee Challenge’ was comprised of a range of weird and wacky challenges.
This included creating watermelon helmets, catching Development Officer, Dayne Frew’s monster kicks, marking and a backyard cricket challenge.
Sheldon and Alex both finished the challenges in equal second on 449.5 points each while Michelle took out the 2012 ultimate ‘Trainee Challenge’ with a total of 460 points.
It was a great effort by the three trainees, capping off a sensational year of AFL development on the Sunshine Coast of which they have all contributed to.
The staff at AFL Sunshine Coast wishes all three trainees all the best for 2013 and beyond with the hope that they remain actively engaged in AFL.
