While other students were heading to their respective work experience placements in engineering or at the local court house, Tom Dearnaley was making the 1,500km commute to his placement at the Saints’ Seaford-based Linen House Centre.
A year 10 student from Toowoomba Grammar School, Tom’s ultimate goal is to become an AFL footballer despite growing up in the rugby-dominated Queensland region.
Playing for the Coolaroo Football Club in the Darling Downs Football League, Tom was runner up for the under-14 best and fairest and was selected to play in the 2015 Queensland State Championships.
Tom wanted to use his work experience to build on his on-field experience, and his efforts were ultimately rewarded with a spot in St Kilda Football Club’s work experience program.
The program hosts approximately 30 students throughout the season from a vast range of schools and backgrounds and provides them with an all-encompassing understanding of how an AFL club operates.
Upon receiving the good news, Tom was eager to take a first-hand look at how the Saints operate.
“I’ve always thought they were a strong club, they’ve got a good rich history, they’re very passionate, they’ve got passionate fans and I do admire that from the club,” he said.
Tom expected to mainly provide administrative support during his tenure at the club, but was delighted at the prospect of working more closely with the team.
He participated in the setting up and packing down of training sessions, organising team equipment and also spent some time working with the customer and community departments.
“I was actually quite shocked that when I went to help out set up the drills I got to kick the footies back to the players and was able to watch them do their gym session.
“Seeing all of these players who have made a big name for themselves just going through their routine in the gym was pretty amazing.”
Taking notes for his own training habits, Tom was able to observe the dietary and training requirements of playing at the highest level.
“They’re so focused when they’re on the field. Yes, there’s room for being happy and having a laugh, but as soon as they’re on the field they’re extremely focused.”
A long way from home, Tom shares every detail of his day with his father while on the bus back to the hotel that he’s called home for the week.
While it’s been a big effort for both himself and his family, Tom knows that the experience makes it all worthwhile.
“If you’re aspiring to be an AFL player, it’s a massive experience and I would definitely recommend it.”
Allocation for 2016 work experience positions have been exhausted, students interested in applying for a 2017 placement with the St Kilda Football Club are encouraged to visit saints.com.au/club/about/Careers for further information.
Applications will open at the end of 2016.
