4 minute read
Sullivan Moody, 1st XVIII football Captain, interviews Coach Steve Malaxos, and Assistant Coach and Manager, Matt Jahn
Can you give us a brief rundown of your coaching history prior to joining Scotch?
SM: I was the Assistant Coach to AFL teams Sydney Swans and Fremantle Dockers for 5 years each. I coached East Fremantle Colts who were premiership winners in 2010 and League 2011-2015.
MJ: My first year teaching was at St Philip’s College in Alice Springs where I coached the 1st football team to the Grand Final. That team included Tom Logan who was in Year 9 at the time and went onto being drafted by Brisbane and then traded to Port Adelaide.
What were the biggest changes and challenges coming into a PSA environment?
SM: The limited pre-season and the fact that many of the first XVIII players are engaged with Futures or Colts up until very close to the start of the PSA season is a challenge. The three weeks break in July, whilst a good refresher, is nevertheless a big break. You have to a do lot of things right to get the team ready to go for Term 3.
MJ: The biggest challenge is dealing with parents who don’t agree with selection decisions. It is always the hardest part of football when you have to inform a student that he hasn’t made the team.
The PSA has many coaches carrying impressive resumés. Do any of them pose challenges?
SM: All the coaches and teams throw different challenges. We have consistently adapted and progressed our coaching as a result. This year we had our closest games against Chris Mayne’s Trinity. They were highly motivated to beat us. I think our fundamental game-style, when executed well, stands up to most tactical challenges.
The PSA is a famously close competition with every week being a big test. How have you kept the boys motivated and playing at their best week-in, week-out?
SM: It does take energy from all of us to be absolutely ready every week. I rest and recharge a lot during the week. I try to assist the boys in doing this, even though we still need to train properly. The players have been intrinsically motivated which is critical. I think the boys coming through have seen success and want to be part of it.
MJ: I have learnt to listen more and talk less. I want to empower players to be able to make good decisions on the field, not wait for coaches to tell them what to do. In quarter time breaks, listen to the players, don’t overload them with information and make sure I understand how they perceive the game to be going. As for motivation, it’s about commitment and understanding that wearing a first XVIII jumper is an honour.
What has most impressed you about the Scotch footy programme?
SM: They are desperate to achieve success for Scotch and prepared to do almost anything to achieve it. The coaches from seconds right down to Middle School are very good.
What qualities do you look for in higher individual honours and for team success?
SM: You need at least a solid athletic base and reasonable skills by Senior School. To get to even WAFL level requires a dedicated approach and mental toughness. Football is a demanding game in every way; physically, mentally and emotionally. Whilst it takes a variety of players to form a good team, they must all be desperate to play well and be prepared to give full effort, always.
MJ: Work ethic. How willing are they to keep improving? They also need to be team orientated, have good decision-making skills and spacial awareness.
Controversial question but is the 2023 team the best out of your time at Scotch?
SM: A very controversial question! The 2023 team is statistically and results-wise one of the best teams in PSA history, let alone Scotch history. All the teams were slightly different. The 2023 team won more comfortably, more often than the other teams. I am very proud of all of them.
MJ: Statistically I would say yes. To finish with a percentage over 300 is an amazing effort. The 2022 team only lost one game by two points. The 2021 team was very talented but maybe not quite as defensive. The 2020 boys were just a hard-nosed outfit that got a sniff of winning and never wanted to lose!
Scotch hasn’t won five Alcocks in a row since 1986-1990. Will we see you next year?
SM: Much easier to think about doing well in 2024 than focussing on 5 in a row.
MJ: Yes, if Steve still sees a place for me where I add value, then I’d be more than happy to be involved again. The squad should be very strong again, so, anything is possible!
