For any aspiring grassroots coach, the opportunity to learn from leaders at an elite level is rare.
AFL Tasmania Coach of the Year Craig Fox received the opportunity of a lifetime, rubbing shoulders with the sharpest minds at the North Melbourne Football Club.
After nominating North as his club of choice, he was granted access to the Roos’ football department at Arden Street, in an extension of his football education.
As the junior coach revealed, the two day experience has been a whirlwind.
“It was a bit of a surprise, really,” Fox told North Media.
“I was nominated as the junior coach of the year, and was lucky enough to win that. All the regional winners went to AFL Tasmania, where the state winner was announced, which was me.
“Part of the prize was a coaching experience with an AFL club, where I requested North Melbourne. To get a glimpse of how things operate over two days, it’s a huge benefit for me to be here."
Granted with an all-access experience at the club headquarters, Fox met the likes of Darren Crocker, who provided an insight from behind-the-scenes.
“The facilities they have here and the technology available is unlike anything I’ve seen,” he explained.
“Coaches have the ability to go over training and match footage, which they can then pick apart. It was then explained to me, so that I can understand it.
“The two days’ experience worked out well for both parties. It’s been really good.”
Having experienced the authenticity of an elite football environment, Fox plans to implement the learnings into his day-to-day experience at a grassroots level.
“It’s opened up my eyes to how the game is seen,” he said.
“Even though I don’t expect the kids I coach to understand the bulk of it, I’m hopeful of taking two or three things away structurally.
“In regional areas, there are so many clubs that don’t have access to anywhere near the level of technology available.
“Getting new and contemporary experiences has been great. The professionalism and desire behind the scenes has been great to see.”
