Tim presents 1st XVIII jumpers

The 1st XVIII were presented with their jumpers on Tuesday 7 May in the Cardinal Pavilion. 22 jumpers were presented to those boys who were chosen to play in the first game against Geelong College.

More jumpers will be presented throughout the season as boys make their way into the team.

We were delighted to have former Essendon champion and current St Kilda coach Tim Watson as special guest for the evening.

Director of Coaching Terry Wheeler anchored the program and spoke of his experiences in Ireland recently as the coach of the AIS U/16 squad.

Tim Watson spoke about his desire from a very young age to play AFL football and the sacrifices necessary to make it at such an elite level in sport. He emphasized the importance of the team and recounted his philosophy of 'putting the we before me'.

Tim suggested that if you can't put the team first then it does not make you a bad person or poor sportsman but you would be better off playing an individual sport such as squash or golf.

Those that attended the evening found Tim to be a most pleasant and humble speaker and some very valuable insights were gained from a true sporting legend.

I am sure that the 1st XVIII will be trying to put the team philosophies espoused by Tim into practice during the season.

Mr Bruce Brown