Collingwood and the Australian Defence Force (“ADF”) are leading the way in a unique shared pathway between the two organisations.
Part of the arrangement has allowed Army Sergeant and Physical Training Instructor, James Debono to join Collingwood’s AFLW side this season as the team’s forward line coach, while also offering strength and conditioning support. This was all made possible as part of a full-time secondment between the club and the ADF.
Debono has over 18 years experience in the Australian Army, seven of those as the head coach of the Australian Army AFL side.
Since coming on board with the club last October, Debono has been a major asset to the group having integrated his military experience into the AFLW training environment, while also providing support to the club's AFL team. As a Level 3 AFL High Performance accredited coach, he's not only been able to drive fitness programs at the club, but has also helped build on foundational skills including communication, adaptability and teamwork that are essential in battle and on the football field.
"This secondment helps both Collingwood and the Australian Defence Force by allowing both organisations to share learning experiences with one another," Debono told collingwoodfc.com.au.
“Defence experience and involvement has the capability to provide sporting organisations like Collingwood with a unique understanding of what an elite training environment looks like particularly in the way information is presented while also helping people manage expectations."
A major part of Debono's work involved planning and leading the AFLW team's military-style 'Squad Day' during the pre-season which not only tested the physical ability of players, but also stressed the importance of adapting mindsets and understanding different perspectives which are key qualities required not just in football, but in all high-performance environments.
There are currently 15 individuals associated with the ADF across the AFLW community which extends to staff, umpires and players including Collingwood’s very own Aliesha Newman and Jordan Membrey.
Newman is in the inception of her defence career as an infantry solider having enlisted into the ADF last November. She’s due to complete her final training in Kapooka at the conclusion of the AFLW season.
“It [joining the ADF] sounded like a really challenging, although very rewarding career. It was something I thought I could step out of my comfort zone and really learn a lot of general life skills from,” Newman said.
Membrey is an active reserve member serving as a Cav Scout in the armoured vehicle crew. She also said that the ADF has given her an opportunity to learn new qualities and skills which she’s found have complemented her life as a footballer.
“I thought it [ADF] would be a great opportunity to grow as a person, learn skills not accessible in civilian life, meet like-minded people and to be pushed outside your comfort zone,” Membrey said.
“The two work hand-in-hand as in the in army, everyone has a role for the mission to be successful similar to that needed in a football team where you need to play your role for the team's success.”
Having encountered several injury setbacks in both joining the ADF and launching her football career, Membrey also said that both journeys have taught her the importance of having a positive mindset and remaining resilient.
“It took six years from my first defence recruiting session to finally be enlisted. Getting my application knocked back again and again and having to appeal decisions with references ultimately showed my determination and strength to keep pursuing the dreams I had.
“Similarly, in footy, I have been overlooked in the draft and been delisted twice. But knew I wasn't done yet and had to keep persisting and put in the hard yards to make that dream a reality.”
You can find more information on how to join the ADF here.
