Freeway Ford managing director Derek West hands the keys to one of his vehicle’s to Casey-South Melbourne coach John Hayes, as Swans committee member Don Moyes and player Brad Baptist watch on.By Marc McGowan
WITH the start of the Victorian Premier Cricket season fast approaching, Casey-South Melbourne undertook a series of physical and mental challenges at Casey Fields over the weekend.
More than 30 squad members bunked at the region’s premier sports facility and received advice from several experts, including renowned baseball figure Russell Spear and two-time world karate champion Martin Crawford.
Swans president and former Australian captain Graham Yallop also delivered a rousing speech about what it took to be a good leader.
It was a rewarding experience for all, according to Casey-South Melbourne coach John Hayes.
“There were specific drills related to teamwork and working together, where they were able to push each other and see what they can and can’t do,” he said.
“I was very happy with how the boys went.”
Hayes highlighted the performances of youngsters Luke Chapple, Brady Welsh, Adam Hanger and Nick McLennan.
“Luke showed very good leadership for a pretty quiet sort of character, young Brady Welsh did very well, and Adam Hanger is only 14 but he’s a likely type,” Hayes said.
“I thought Nick McLennan, for someone who is seen as a bit of a clown, showed some good qualities.”
The training camp also decided the club’s seven-man leadership group for 2007-08.
All players with an official position were ruled out from the ballot, including captain Michael Hansen and assistant coach Craig Entwistle.
The coaching staff anointed Matthew Hawking and Rob Elston before the player vote took place.
The remaining five places were given to Brad Baptist, Mark Boraston, Shaun Grabet, Brett Watkins and Jye Sampson.
Hawking was pleased with the good mix of experience and youth in the leadership group.
“There is a good cross-section and it is not necessarily just the older players at the club,” he said.
“To be part of that group is a bit of a buzz and an honour … and it is nice to know as a player that other players and coaches do look up to you.”
The Swans also sealed their relationship with Freeway Ford last week, which will see new overseas signing Chris Benham, 24, drive one of the company’s vehicles during his stay.
“The club is looking for accommodation for Chris down this way because we want the car to be seen a lot more around the area,” Hawking said.
“The idea is that we’ll either have it at training or go out and run clinics at local clubs, and it helps promote Freeway Ford a little bit for their very generous sponsorship.
“Freeway Ford is pretty keen for us to create more of a community presence … last year a lot of things took place at Casey Fields, but they want us to be seen in the community.”
The battle for places in the first XI begins in earnest at Casey Fields on Saturday at 10.30am, when Casey-South Melbourne plays a practice match against North Melbourne.
The Swans will then take on Northcote on the following Sunday, 30 September, also at Casey Fields.
