By Phoebe Keogh
Brisbane North’s Michael Hyndman was named AFL Sportsready Trainee of Year at last night’s graduation ceremony at the Gabba.
The traineeships are designed to provide graduates with valuable industry specific education and experience.
The ceremony dinner featured Brisbane Lions players Daniel Rich and Ash McGrath who presented trainees with their certificates.
Michael, known as “Vossy” to his AFL colleges, moved to Brisbane from Hervey Bay in 2012 when he graduated from Xavier Catholic College.
He played AFL through school and worked with the NAB AFL Auskick program in his senior years.
When he first moved to the city he was only interested in playing AFL.
“I just wanted to play footy for the Under-18 Brisbane Magpies,” he said.
But then, his old boss connected him with AFL Queensland’s Brisbane North office.
“I first started as a casual learning to do Auskick and Sport Ed,” said Michael.
Then he was offered traineeship through AFL Sportsready that allowed him to stay on and develop his role.
He describes the hands-on experience as the most valuable part of the program.
“I love my footy, so getting the chance to do that and work full time for the year was awesome,“ Michael said.
During his time as a trainee Michael ran the Sunfire Superstars youth girls program, taking two teams though to the Future Stars Night.
He also assisted Cheynee Stiller, Brisbane North’s Club Coordinator, in running the AFL Queensland summer talent program.
Michael was humbled by the award and said he was particularly grateful to Brisbane North Regional Manager, Luke Jeffrey.
“He is a good motivator and got the best out of me,” he said.
“It is good to be recognized by your manager and peers. It’s just like in footy if you win a best and fairest – being recognized for doing your job really well.”
Michael’s hard work throughout his traineeship paid off when he was offered the role of Development Coordinator for AFL Sunshine Coast. He is also considering future studies and is leaning towards a Business Degree.
Michael has been warned to not get “stage fright” as part of the Trainee of the Year award-winners club.
This is no concern for Michael who remains motivated to keep working hard doing what he loves. “It’s about footy,” he said.
