Page 36 - AFL Queensland 2014 in Review

02
COACHING
This year was another exciting one for our coaches, with a new course established to help equip football clubs to support coaches. As well
as continuing our Master Classes and coaching accreditation courses, Queensland hosted the first Coaching Coordinator course in the country, during NAB AFL Draft Week.
The role of the club coaching coordinator is a pivotal role in the football club environment, which is designed to assist in the support and continual development of coaches and their support staff.
This course is ideal for junior clubs looking to build a strong football program.
MAJOR COACHING AWARDS
ASSISTANT TALENT COACH OF THE YEAR
ROB LUCAS – BRISBANE LIONS ACADEMY/QUEENSLAND STATE U18 TEAM
• As a Lions Academy Coach, Rob demonstrates exceptional passion for player development and support.
• Rob is an outstanding communicator, in both his positive and encouraging approach, and has an outstanding ability to build a strong rapport with the players through his approach to constructive feedback.
• Rob engages the resources of Lions fitness and physiotherapy staff to teach players how to maximise their physical development through diet, hydration and body maintenance.
• Rob was the backline coach for the State U18 team, helping Harris Andrews, previously a key forward, learn the role of a key defender - a switch that ultimately helped Andrews reach his dream of being drafted to an AFL club.
• Rob is exceptional at giving back to the community through coach education and Level One coaching courses.
YOUTH TALENT COACH OF THE YEAR
RICKY SULLIVAN – GOLD COAST SUNS ACADEMY
• Ricky is a Gold Coast SUNS Academy Coach and coach of the North Queensland Central Queensland Representative Squad.
• Ricky acts to a standard of which he expects of his charges, strong discipline, work ethic, respect and leadership. These are fundamental to Ricky’s coaching methodology.
• A born leader, Ricky drives all players towards success, identifies specific areas for skill development and is the first to celebrate their successes.
• Ricky leads by example, training alongside the group, continually challenging them to strive for greater heights. This has come to fruition, with the majority of his squad playing representative level and senior grade football in 2014.
• Highly respected throughout the community, Ricky has the potential to take his coaching to the highest level.
36