The Country Footy Prez Podcast

For our 20th episode, we journeyed to the Mornington Peninsula to catch up with the man known as ‘Whale’ to those at the Buds. The big fella took us through his football journey, from Daylston in his formative younger years, to a 300-game premiership career at his beloved Rosebud. Interestingly, Brett had to navigate the 2020 Covid year not only as a football president but as the parent of a daughter playing college basketball in the USA. We spoke about some of the challenges that the scenario presented, as well as the very challenging time his club experienced as a result of a suicide during the recent pandemic. Whale gives us an honest and open account of his experiences through the last 12 months and he also shared some of the positive things in place at the Buds moving forward. Brett is yet another example of a hard-working, humble and inspirational leader at community level and I hope you enjoy this chat as much as I did...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘Bazz’ as he’s known to the Saints’ football family, joined us to share his journey. Formerly known as the Bethanga Saints, the club made the tough decision to move from Bethanga into Wodonga in 2002, making the Saints the 3rd club in Wodonga behind the Bulldogs and Raiders, who both compete in the stronger O&M league. Bazz shared with us some of the logistical challenges that come hand in hand with being the 3rd wheel to the other Wodonga clubs, as well as the great things that make his club such a great club to be a part of. We were also joined by special guest club life member Robert White, who shared some of his highs and lows through his time at the club, as well as some of the challenges he and other elderly club volunteers faced while in isolation through a tough 2020 away from their club. Both Whitey and Bazz are pure football lovers, whose dedication to driving their club towards a more positive era, following some very tough years is inspirational and their club and community should be excited about the direction the club is now headed...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Micky D has lived a remarkable football journey and he joined us to share some of his favourite memories and stories. Growing up in the remote community of Cora Lynn in West Gippsland, Michael was part of his home town’s first-ever stand-alone senior premiership in 1986. Following his decorated playing career, he’s given back to the game he loves, both as an umpire and also as a junior recruiter for his beloved Cora Lynn. As an umpire, Michael’s short stature, quick wit and big personality have led to him being referred to as the ‘Razor Ray’ of country footy. We spoke about the things he loves most about umpiring - the highs, the lows and some of the funny moments he’s come across with whistle in hand. The highlight of the episode for me, was when Micky D shared his groundbreaking Sudanese refugee youth development program with us - a program which recently saw Michael nominated alongside the great Neale Daniher for the Victorian Australian of the year. This amazing program may just change the way people think about junior recruiting moving forward. Micky D is a local legend in both footy and umpiring circles, a great story-teller and I had a ball recording this episode. Enjoy...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurls joined us for a chat to share some of his football journey, which has led to him becoming president of his beloved Merbein FNC for the last seven years. A self-proclaimed very modest footballer, Hurls’ journey has seen many ups and downs, from the Merv Neagle-led back to back Merbein premierships in 2002-03, to periods where he fell out of love with the game. For mine, Toney’s strength as a president is his genuine love and care for the people at his club - He also shared with us some fascinating and powerful insight into some of the struggles their small community faced with suicide several years ago. That challenging period led to the club becoming actively involved with the 'It's OK not to be OK' program, a program that now sees Merbein as a local leader in this space in their Sunraysia region. Toney is a simple, salt of the earth, knockabout bloke whose genuine love of his club and community is infectious and inspiring. Hope you enjoy this chat...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to longevity in volunteering, Buck Howard might just take the cake. A member of the Hay FNC committee for 54 consecutive years, Buck was president for a staggering 31 of those years - making him the longest-serving club president we’ve met through this series thus far. Buck and his wife Robyn joined us for a chat to share their journey - one that has seen ups and downs such as struggles to find a league to play in, premiership success, family challenges, as well as awards such as the VCFL Volunteer of the Year and an Order of Australia Medal. Despite all the awards and accolades, Buck noted the construction of his club’s community-built clubrooms as being one of his fondest memories in his time in football - a true sense of community spirit and an indication of the respect he has for his fellow volunteers. A genuine icon of Australian Rules Football, Buck‘s passion for his club and community is as impressive as I’ve ever experienced and it was a privilege to have the opportunity to listen to some of his perspectives on life and football.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beau joined us for a special two-part episode to share his journey, as well as offer a coach’s perspective on community football and what it means to him.⁠⁠Beau was a star junior and senior player at community level before an on-field accident in 2012 resulted in a spinal cord injury and quadriplegia. Since then Beau has travelled an incredible journey, inspiring thousands with his positive mindset and can-do outlook on life. Beau has coached at senior level for five years, with teams coached by this great man reaching grand finals in all five of those years!⁠⁠Beau won a national hand cycling championship in 2016, is a pride of Australia medal winner, a passionate advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities and in 2020 was inducted into the MCG’s Australian Sports Museum. ⁠⁠We spoke about some of the key events both pre and post-injury that have shaped Beau’s life. We talk everything from coaching to surfing, the power of community sport and what it means to him, as well as some of his key learnings such as having a laugh and not taking yourself too seriously.⁠⁠Beau is as engaging, caring, funny and genuine person as I’ve ever come across. It was a privilege to have the opportunity to get to know him and I hope you enjoy this chat...⁠ ---- Beau Vernon's Website: www.beauvernon.com Beau Vernon's Journey Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeauVerno Beau Vernon's Instagram: www.instagram.com/beauvernon1 The Country Footy Prez Website: www.thecountryfootyprez.com The Country Footy Prez Facebook: www.facebook.com/thecountryfootyprez The Country Footy Prez Instagram: www.instagram.com/thecountryfootyprezSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beau joined us for a special two-part episode to share his journey, as well as offer a coach’s perspective on community football and what it means to him.⁠⁠Beau was a star junior and senior player at community level before an on-field accident in 2012 resulted in a spinal cord injury and quadriplegia. Since then Beau has travelled an incredible journey, inspiring thousands with his positive mindset and can-do outlook on life. Beau has coached at senior level for five years, with teams coached by this great man reaching grand finals in all five of those years!⁠⁠Beau won a national hand cycling championship in 2016, is a pride of Australia medal winner, a passionate advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities and in 2020 was inducted into the MCG’s Australian Sports Museum. ⁠⁠We spoke about some of the key events both pre and post-injury that have shaped Beau’s life. We talk everything from coaching to surfing, the power of community sport and what it means to him, as well as some of his key learnings such as having a laugh and not taking yourself too seriously.⁠⁠Beau is as engaging, caring, funny and genuine person as I’ve ever come across. It was a privilege to have the opportunity to get to know him and I hope you enjoy this chat...⁠ ---- Beau Vernon's Website: www.beauvernon.com Beau Vernon's Journey Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeauVerno Beau Vernon's Instagram: www.instagram.com/beauvernon1 The Country Footy Prez Website: www.thecountryfootyprez.com The Country Footy Prez Facebook: www.facebook.com/thecountryfootyprez The Country Footy Prez Instagram: www.instagram.com/thecountryfootyprez See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing up in Melbourne’s working-class northern suburb of Reservoir, Casey was taught the value of community involvement and inclusion by his parents, who were heavily involved in volunteering during his early football years. These days Casey finds himself at the helm of one of the largest clubs in the Eastern FNL, arguably Melbourne’s strongest league outside of the VFL. We discuss Blackburn’s community-based business model and mindset, as well as the important role that football and netball are going to play in assisting communities to bounce back post-Covid. We touch on some of the iconic local volunteers who help make his club tick, as well as the impressive role Blackburn’s leadership group played through Covid in keeping volunteers and sponsors connected through 2020. A refreshing chat that proved to me that a community-first mindset is achievable regardless of the size of the club...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonesy as he’s known at the club has enjoyed a fairly different journey to most in becoming president. From early days as a masseuse and trainer at AFL clubs, Hawthorn and Melbourne, to becoming the head trainer at Tooradin.⁠⁠Lee was thrust into club leadership following the sudden and tragic passing of their club’s president. Jonesy used his positive outlook and fantastic people skills to bring everyone at the club together and progress forward, resulting in a successful on-field result for both football and netball in 2019, following his club’s return into the West Gippsland FNL.⁠⁠Jonesy is your classic knock-about bloke who simply loves footy, his club and his community. He shared with us some fantastic perspective on delegation, empowerment and working together towards a common goal - something both myself and many others at clubland will hopefully get something from. Hope you enjoy...⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘Gags’ as he’s known to most in the far north-east of the state has lived and breathed football his whole life and as he so eloquently puts it “You’re born and you die and there’s Aussie Rules in-between”. Gags played his first game in the U/16’s as a 7yo and went onto play senior football from the ages of 14-53 - that’s right 40 years of senior football. He got involved in volunteering while still playing, becoming secretary of the ODFNL and is currently that league’s president. Gags’ journey has been incredible and I had a ball talking footy with him - the old school function stories were a real highlight! Gags’ family has been a staple of their community for well over 100 years and his local perspective makes interesting listening for anyone not from up that way. A footy nut, dedicated family man and a proud member of his league and community, this one’s a ripper and I hope you enjoy…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We kick off 2021 in Melbourne’s inner south-east to catch up with one of the sport’s genuine characters. Beany played with St.Kilda and Footscray through the early ’80s and later went onto a decorated career at Sandringham and East Brighton. A Southern Football Netball League life member and hall of fame inductee, since retiring as a player he has been a staple at Heatherton FNC for the last 20 years, taking on various coaching and committee roles and is their current president. We talk sharing forward lines with all-time greats, lessons learned from legendary humans such as Trevor Barker and Doug Hawkins, as well as near-death experiences after starting overseas food fights with Plugger Lockett. We touch on some of the junior participation challenges for suburban leagues and Beany shares some interesting perspective about the importance of AFL players giving back to the sport at grassroots level. Beany’s passion and love of the game at a community level is impressive and infectious, from his time spent being part of the Southern Footy League radio show, to organising fundraising and charity luncheons, Beany is a man of the people who always has a smile on his face and a cheeky story to tell. An iconic figure both on and off the field, this was a fun episode to make and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More widely recognised as The Suburban Footballer, Tom generously joined us for a special two-part feature episode to share some stories from both his football and comedy journey. From early days at Yackandandah/Wodonga, to a rugby union season that went into Canadian folklore, to a decorated career at the Caulfield Bears, ‘Siegs’ is as passionate a football person as I’ve ever met. His stand-up comedy journey is equally as interesting, from cutting his teeth in Australian stand-up competitions to developing a show that now sees him visiting more than 60-plus footy clubs a year, from special times spent touring with Danny Frawley, to gigs in some of the strangest locations you could imagine. Behind the glare of the shining lights, you’ll discover that Tom is a caring family man and a champion bloke who loves his footy and a laugh...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More widely recognised as The Suburban Footballer, Tom generously joined us for a special two-part feature episode to share some stories from both his football and comedy journey. From early days at Yackandandah/Wodonga, to a rugby union season that went into Canadian folklore, to a decorated career at the Caulfield Bears, ‘Siegs’ is as passionate a football person as I’ve ever met. His stand-up comedy journey is equally as interesting, from cutting his teeth in Australian stand-up competitions, to developing a show that now sees him visiting more than 60-plus footy clubs a year, from special times spent touring with Danny Frawley, to gigs in some of the strangest locations you could imagine. Behind the glare of the shining lights, you’ll discover that Tom is a caring family man and a champion bloke who loves his footy and a laugh...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Myrtleford local for 44 years, ‘Bimbo’ has been a dedicated Saints man taking on playing, coaching, as well as recent volunteer roles. He shares his journey, as well as some interesting memories and perspective on the effects the media had on good friend and former teammate Gary Ablett Snr. As a club, Myrtleford has overcome many challenges and experienced many ups and downs over the previous 70 years since joining the strong Ovens & Murray League. The highlight for mine in this episode is the discussion around the club’s new mental health and well-being program - a program I believe every sporting club across Victoria could relate to and hopefully draw some inspiration from...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s not every day you get to sit down for a chat with a president who also was a 500 game player. Not just a legend on the field, Doc has continued to give back to his club and community since his retirement. We revisited some of his favourite memories of the Orbost hay days and also touched on some of the challenges for remote clubs such as his that are suffering from declining local industry and population. Doc is a passionate and caring all-round ripper bloke, oh yeah and he can tell a funny yarn or two as well...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than 50 consecutive years of involvement at his club, Ted has experienced almost every high and low you could possibly imagine along his journey. He shared some funny yarns about his playing era, described by some as the era of the pointy elbow. We talk dairy farming, coaching, earning respect and the importance of what a sporting club can mean to it’s community. Ted is an absolute ornament to the game and this was just one of the most special chats that I’ve experienced along my journey...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we shine the light on the importance of female participation at football/netball clubs. Meringur is one of six clubs in the Millewa Football League, a small league in the Mildura region. It operates with a full array of netball, women’s footy, plus just the one senior men’s team. We talk about the importance of women’s football for their club and league, with it noted as perhaps the most important driving force behind their club’s progression in recent years. This episode is a must listen if you’ve ever considered female footy for your club or league.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From humble and challenging beginnings in the 70's, to becoming one of Victoria's largest and most powerful suburban football clubs, St. Joseph's evolution as a football netball club is one that is to be admired and one we can all learn something from. Todd's journey itself is a beauty, his family ventured across from Tasmania when he was younger to Geelong, where his father John was coach of the cats in 1986. From here Todd and his family have become a staple at the Joey's, playing and coaching premierships, along with volunteer roles in the netball and football departments before becoming club president.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special episode for anyone who has ever worked on or known someone who works on the land... Mal is a 3rd generation crop farmer from the Mallee's Underbool community and is as hard as they come. We talk crop farming, discuss some of the challenges linked to living such an isolated life, as well as work our way through his triumph after tragedy football journey, which is nothing short of remarkable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michele is just one of those people you meet along the journey who put a smile on your face when you listen to them speak. For this episode, she reflects on her 43 year Spotswood journey, which now sees her at the helm of this culturally diverse football family. We talk about the effects of the lockdown on suburban businesses and the role football and netball clubs are going to play in bringing people back together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam shares with us his incredible football journey which culminated with his first senior premiership at age 46, as well as his perspective on the the devastating East Gippsland bushfires. Adam is a ripping bloke, a natural leader and his desire to try and take a positive out of every negative situation is uplifting and inspiring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.