When and where did your involvement in football begin?

I began playing juniors back when Cowell was a 2-team town (North and South). I played colts for Cowell North. From memory, by the time I moved into the seniors the two clubs had joined and we were just the Cowell Football Club. Lots of emotion based around that decision no different to today.

Not being blessed with the greatest football ability I decided to take up umpiring to keep my involvement flowing with game. Umpired up until 1995.

What got you started as a sports trainer?

To keep up my fitness as an umpire I use to still attend footy training and found that Cowell were short on trainers and having 2 sons who were playing juniors I decided it was time to watch my boys and the trainers career began.

(PS also less abuse from the sidelines with that gig.)

What was your involvement as a sports trainer at club level?

To start off with for a few years I was the only trainer at Cowell with the help of a couple of guys that could do rubdowns and so was there on a Saturday from the first game to clean up after the last game. Eventually I was able to convince/coerce a couple of helpers and that shared the load. In 2008 the boys moved down and played at Wayback so my job became a lot easier as I only needed to help with A grade and Ressie’s. Also helped out at Ceduna Blues when Sam spent a year there in 2010. Have also helped out at Cummins Ramblers when Ben played there.

What has been your involvement as a sports trainer at Junior representative level?

I was asked by Bob Jenner and Dene Noble to help the trainers at Eastern Eyre and from there the great Danny Horgan asked me to get involved with the EP under 15s alongside of Doug Fox.  Did this for 10 years and did a couple of EP under 17s as well.

What has been your involvement as a trainer at senior level?

Many years as a trainer at Mortlock. Helping Eastern Eyre, Far West, EP Sharks, Gt Flinders, Lincoln City and even Kangaroo Island for one year.

In 2001 the Eastern Eyre league President Bryan Trigg asked me if I would consider becoming a trainer for the Senior EP team alongside Jeff Becker Barry Redding and Russel Branson  and as most of you know I’m still involved.

Who was the best trainer that you have worked with?

Probably the 2 stand outs that I have worked with and taught me the most would be Russell Branson and Pete Kesting as a Physio (he was terrible at strapping)

Which is the most memorable game you have been involved with ?

The 2 Grand finals at Cowell 1996 was my first as the Head Trainer and we hadn’t won a gf since 1969 so that one was celebrated for a while and the 2^nd was in2006 when we played in the 1st Semi, Prelim. and the Grandy with Sam and Ben both playing.

Being involved on the big stage with the SA Country teams has also brought great memories.

What advise would you give someone contemplating being a sports trainer?

Get involved. Help your club out it can be so rewarding, volunteering has created many opportunities for me and I have developed lasting friendships with people from all areas.

Sports training is a great skill to have. Firstly, it makes you do First Aid and CPR courses regularly which is handy in everyday life and you get to meet some great people along the way. If you choose you can climb the ladder to higher levels, as I’ve had the pleasure of being part of the state Country team.

Are you still involved in football. If yes in what capacity ?

Yes and no. For now I’m not involved at club level and didn’t do any training at Mortlock this year, first time in a long time. However I still coordinated the trainers for EP Men’s and Womens side that played in the State Country Champs and am enjoying nurturing the next generation of EP trainers in all facets of the role. ( that may include the socializing).