Excellence School tours Melbourne

The players took part in a number of wide ranging activities.  They attended three AFL games with the highlight being the Collingwood vs Adelaide match at the MCG.  The also played two matches against Eumemering College and Essendon Grammar.  In both games PBC were defeated by bigger more skilful teams however as Mackay explains

The results were of no significance to us.  The purpose was to take the boys out of their comfort zone.  For a number of the players they are a big fish in a small pond.  That is they are very good players  on the Gold Coast and perform well in that setting.  We wanted them to see the bigger picture and remind them of the things they need to improve in.

The greatest learning experience for the players was the opportunity to have dinner with both of PBC's former students Dane Beams (Collingwood) & Sam Gilbert (St. Kilda).

Other football related activities consisted of a training session with Richmond AFC's development coach Craig McRae.  The session was voted the highlight of the tour by many players.  The team also participated in a leadership seminar conducted by the Leading Teams company.  Simon Fletcher, a former AFL player himself, took the players through a process that identified their trademarks, desired behaviours and leaders.  The coaches rated this session as the most valuable of the tour.

The team also participated in a number of personal development presentations.  In a unique experience the boys were filmed undertaking Jason McCartney's program Your Destiny is a Matter of Choice by the AFL.  To see their model good looks check out the AFL web site. Another activity aimed a developing PBC's young footballers was their participation in the Respect and Responsibility program with Luke Brennan and Sue Clarke.

To cap off a highly successful tour the boys visited the Victoria Markets, the National Sports Museum, Lygon Street, China Town  and participated in an indoor rock climbing session that tested everyones mettle.

Much thanks must be passed on to Leading Teams and the AFL for their great assistance.