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Squad’s bright future By Millie Thomas
I
t’s all about the junior football league at the moment.
President of the League, Matthew Daddow’s definite plans for the development of our younger football players came to fruition when Country Zone Coordinator Alby Brand and player Drew Gallard of West Adelaide Football Club came to Roxby for the Junior Development Squad’s first training. The Monitor spoke with Drew, who currently plays for West Adelaide’s under 18 side, and has in the past, played with Roxby’s own Jack Hombsch. “Today we’ll probably just go through the basic skills,” said Drew of the training session that night. “Like warm ups and pathways that it would take to get down to Adelaide and to the AFL system. “Just general football skills, mindset and to love and enjoy footy from here on in!” Drew said that this was a great opportunity for the boys to see what it will take to play football at a higher level and for the under 15 age group, a chance to play in the under 15 football state championships. From there, Alby reports back to high level coaches. Drew also pointed out that the successes of previous Far North football League football players meant the spotlight is now on Roxby. “There have been a few who have played with us; Mitch Blackie, Dylon Male and Hombsch so the opportunities are there. Mitch is now playing in the under 18 centre of excellence team, which is regarded as one of the highest levels of under 18 football in the country so there’s another good opportunity to play in that.” The proposed game that the Junior Development Squad will play at City Mazda Stadium, the same weekend as the Min-
er’s Cup, will also be great exposure for the boys. “They will play and train up there probably before one of the senior games, which gets a fairly big crowd,” said Drew. “We’ll get the Junior Development up there to see the club and how it all operates, and see the senior coach who’d really like to meet the juniors.” This strengthened alliance between West Adelaide and the Far North League is going to continue to grow. “We’ve had a new development manager appointed in Andrew Marks and he’s pretty organised, and he’ll be coming up here as our country development so I’m sure we’ll be getting up here more.” Drew also mentioned the possibility of a senior West Adelaide game being held in Roxby in order to hold an internal trial. “There’s a lot of potential out here you’ve just got to sort of find it. The more we come up here the more we’ll be exposed to your junior footballers,” he said. Daniel Rogers; Junior Development Squad Coach was also present at the training and is confident in the future of Roxby’s younger football players, and what he can contribute to their development. “I was hoping to be able to go down to Adelaide a bit and watch training with West Adelaide and bring a bit of that experience back with me,” said Rogers. “The way that they trained us at the northern areas there – that’s the sort of the level that we want a few of the lads playing to give them the best opportunity we can. “If they’re pointed in the right direction they definitely would be able to get to a high level of football.” Rogers stated that he would like the Junior Development Squad to head down to Adelaide to play against other under 16 teams from the metropolitan area, and this strengthened relationship enables that.
ABOVE and RIGHT; Local Olympic Dam player and Junior Developement Squad Coach Daniel Rogers is positive about the squad’s future.
What’s happening at the Roxby Downs Cultural & Leisure Precinct
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JUNIOR SOCCER Tuesdays during school term 4 to 7yrs - 3.30 til 4.15pm 8 to 10yrs - 4.15 til 5pm School Oval
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JUNIOR HOCKEY Thursdays during school term Ages 4 to 13 years 4 til 5pm Stadium 1
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID 2 Rated PG Duration 99 mins.
RED RIDING HOOD Rated M Duration 100 mins.
Back in middle school after summer vacation, Greg Heffley and his older brother Rodrick must deal with their parents' misguided attempts to have them bond. Stars Zachary Gordon, Devon Bostick, Robert Capron. Screens: Friday 6th May @ 3.30pm, Saturday 7th May @ 12 noon, Sunday 8th May @ 12 noon, Tuesday 10th May @ 3.30pm, Wednesday 11th May @ 10am.
Set in a medieval village that is haunted by a werewolf, a young girl falls for an orphaned woodcutter, much to her family's displeasure. Stars Amanda Seyfried, Lukas Haas, Gary Oldman. Screens: Friday 6th May @7.30pm, Saturday 7th May @ 7.30pm, Tuesday 10th May @ 7pm.
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