Kids need to be on the ball
GOLD Coast Australian rules identities say getting the Sherrin into a player’s hands early and often is the key to preventing the current skills decline in the AFL.
Debate rages over a downturn in basic skills, both across the ground and in front of goal, while critics have also taken shots at the low scoring and congested football on show at the highest level.
AFL clubs say they don’t have time to teach new skills to draftees while others have taken aim at a development system they believe isn’t instilling the fundamental skills required.
Former Richmond, Brisbane and Gold Coast player and current Suns academy coach Andrew Raines has acted on the issue and developed a coaching business designed to improve the quality across all levels.
Raines is the creator of One on One Football, an online platform that connects accredited AFL coaches with players for private coaching sessions or in groups of up to six.
“There is some brilliant stuff going on in the academies but there is a deficiency (in skills) Australia-wide,” Raines said.
“Kids also lack a mentor that can help them off-field.
“As a kid all I remember is being in the backyard with the footy and I have no doubt that helped me.
“I was lucky my old man (former Richmond player Geoff Raines) played and had that experience.
“Many don’t have that, especially in Queensland where a lot of the family of players don’t have an Aussie rules background.
“We won’t shy away from it. We know we have to work on Queenslanders coming through because they lack that exposure in terms of having a footy in their hand at all times.
“This can help with that. As early as you can you need to practice your skills and have that repetition that will enhance you in the long term.
“The quicker you start the better. It’s about having those contact hours and a more intimate approach with coaches.”
The likes of former North Melbourne captain Andrew Swallow and ex-West Coast and Suns player Ryan Davis are among the group of coaches that are accessible to players on the Gold Coast and Brisbane already.
For more information, go to oneononefootball.com.au.