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Home , Casey Radio, Chloe Molloy, Christian Petracca, David Saker, Dermott Brereton, Fox Footy

Issue 8 September 2017

CONTENTS • Rohan Connolly, 30 years in sports journalism. • John Stensholt on the growing prominence of business in sport • AFLW prospect, Chloe Molly, discusses her flourishing football career • James Mottershead on interning at ’s biggest newspaper • Graduate Anthony Bitzilis on producing at Australia’ biggest sports TV channel, • Life in the commentary box for third year sports media student, Mitch Wynd • The colourful life of Konrad Marshall • Journalist, Tom Morris discusses his journey to becoming an integral member of the Fox Sports team • A Q&A with current SEN intern, Alex Sports media students with sport journalist John Stensholt Zaia • Ben Gibson on living his dream Editor’s Foreword By Ren Thompson

Another stellar quarter is in the books. We catch up with former students Bryce Eishold, As we head to the sheds to have a rest, our Quarter Alex Zaia and Anthony Bitzilis who are making great Times team have been hard at work, capturing the strides in their dream professional careers. exciting stories of Holmesglen’s Sports Degrees.. We also have third year students and Quarter Times In this issue, titled the “Dream issue”, we recap the contributor, James Mottershead, recap his dream insights given by sport journalists Rohan Connolly, experience interning at Sun, while Mitch John Stensholt and Konrad Marshall about how they Wynd tells us tells us about the steps he’s taking to achieved their dreams. achieve his dream career as a sports commentator.

We catch up with potential top AFLW draft pick, Chloe You can read all this and more in the latest issue of Molloy, to find out how she balances her studies and the Quarter Times. her growing football career as she strives for her dream career.

@HgSportsDegrees

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Business www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness DO YOU WANT A CAREER IN SPORT? Then attend the Information night for Australia’s most industry engaged Sports Degrees

Bachelor of Sports Media (BSM13) Bachelor of Sport Business (BSPB16)

Monday 18 September 5.30 - 7.30pm Special guest Holmesglen Institute Chadstone Campus JEREMY Building 1, Level 1, Room 33 (C1.1.33) LOELIGER CEO

Attendees MUST register via [email protected]

Holmesglen Sports Degrees Internship Hosts:

ApplyApply now now for for direct direct entry entry into into the the Bachelor Bachelor of of Sports Sports Business Media www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportsmediawww.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness September 2017

IN THE EVER CHANGING WORLD OF SPORTS MEDIA AND SPORT BUSINESS, THE NEED FOR FLEXIBILITY AND A WIDE RANGING SKILL SET HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT.

In the ever changing world of Sports Media a more holistic media strategy which According to Coyle, the courses’ boutique and Sport Business, the need for flexibility includes free streaming services for NBL class sizes also add to the learning and a wide ranging skill set has never members, with streaming also available experience. been more important. in international markets including China and India. “It means our students don’t go Holmesglen’s Sports Media and Sport unnoticed,” he said. “Our students Business Degrees are designed to At the Information Night you’ll also develop great relationships with each other ensure students who aspire to work in learn about the courses which Coyle and the academic team, who all have the industries have what they need to describes as, “the most industry engaged extensive industry experience.” succeed. undergraduate degrees in Australia. Our internship host partners such as Fox Importantly, there will be both graduates For Course Leader, Robbie Coyle, engaging Footy, AFL , Victoria, and current students in attendance who’ll with industry leaders is a hallmark of both Victoria, the Stars and share their study experiences in the courses. Therefore Holmesglen would like SEN are leaders in their field. We currently Holmesglen’s Sports Degrees. to invite you to an Information Night on have 3 students employed at .” September 18th at our Chadstone campus If you love sport and want a career in with National Basketball League (NBL) CEO As part of their studies, students work sports media and or sport business, you Jeremy Loeliger as the special guest. closely with the partners to gain valuable simply cannot miss this one night only experience and the opportunity to put their Information Night with one of Australia’s Coyle, said “we are thrilled to have NBL skills to the test. leading sports executives, Jeremy Loeliger. CEO, and leading Australian sports executive, Jeremy Loeliger as our guest The extensive industry engagement Information Night details: speaker. Under Jeremy’s leadership the opportunities involves students working NBL has been resurrected as a thriving with clubs from the Victorian Amateur Date: Monday 18th September professional .” Football Association to develop a range Time: 5.30 - 7.30pm. of strategy documents, attending field Venue: Chadstone Campus, Building 1, The NBL has recently announced trips and hearing from a range of leading Level 1, Room 33. Melbourne United, Sydney Kings and the professionals, before completing a 228 Brisbane Bullets will face off against NBA hour internship in their final year. Register via email to: teams Oklahoma City, Utah Jazz and the [email protected] Phoenix Suns which is a monumental With regards to the internship program achievement for the NBL and Australian Coyle said, “Our internship program has basketball. been a huge success. Students complete a 228 hour internship which is longer The NBL has introduced some evolutionary than the average university internship Special guest strategies in recent times including new duration. Our students learn so much from equalisation rules which has seen a huge the experience, and are subsequently JEREMY improvement in the on court product and well prepared for transitioning into the quality of play. In addition there is now industry.” LOELIGER CEO

To apply for either course please visit www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportsmedia or www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness

AttendApply ournow Information for direct entry Night into 18th the September Bachelor ofwith Sports Jeremy Business Loeliger 3 www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusinessRegister via [email protected] A Sports Writing Life for The Ages Legendary sports journalist Rohan Connolly was gracious enough to speak at the Holmesglen Sports Degrees information night. After some 30 years in the profession he has a few tales to tell. Quarter Times editor Ren Thompson was there to capture his entertaining and revealing talk.

Rohan Connolly sharing his insights from an incredible journalism career spanning 30 years

Holmesglen sports media and sport business students were treated “What about your teammates?” Connolly said. to a special visit by sports journalist Rohan Connolly at our sports “No, I don’t want to embarrass them,” the superstar replied. degrees information night. “You’ve just played Brisbane, Gary, what did you think about the new The famous journalist known for never shying away from an Gabba ground?” Connolly asked. Nothing. argument, whether in person or through his twitter page, gave an overview of some his greatest experiences as a journalist. Connolly thought he would ask about Nathan Chapman, when Ablett asked the journalist who that was - it happened to be his Rising from the “copy boy” at the afternoon edition, the direct opponent, who he had dominated all day en-route to a bag of self-proclaimed “footy nut” worked his way through the ranks to goals. The audience were in hysterics. become the chief football writer at . Connolly gave the audience a glimpse into some of the difficulties Connolly received some recent notoriety after his impassioned plea sporting personalities, especially enigmas could provide. Connolly during a live televised post-game press conference on Channel 7’s also discussed what it was like covering the team you support, AFL coverage about the plight of his former Age colleagues who usually a cardinal sin in the profession. were fired that week. But Connolly, a well known passionate Essendon fan, made no He quickly reminded the audience tonight he hadn’t been “retired” secret of his allegiances in the press box, even when the team or “got the arse” as he put it, but rather chose to take a voluntary proved to be a glutton for punishment. severance package early this year from the struggling publication to focus on his own endeavours. Rohan recounted being at the for the famous Essendon-Sydney final where ’s point after the siren But Connolly reminisced about some of his decorated career won them the game. highlights. It started with what he thought was a ‘dream come true role’ as ghost writer for Gary Ablett, but it soon proved to be a Too distraught to type after his team lost the match, Connolly nightmare. dictated his story through a phone to a copy editor.

The role gave Connolly a unique insight into the enigma the man Taking some time to compose himself after the heartbreaking loss, labelled ‘God’ was. Connolly soon realised he was locked inside the stadium and had to make a prison break like escape over the fence in a nice When Rohan questioned him about what he wanted to write about suit, adding to his night to forget! Ablett didn’t make the task easy. But Rohan’s misery at the Bombers expense didn’t stop on that historic night.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Business www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness September 2017

A Sports Writing Life for The Ages

Once, before a finals match, Connolly was white with nerves when “Tomorrow’s newspaper is no longer a viable option for your story... Essendon coach Bomber Thompson approached him to tell him he the paper will be outdated,” Connolly said. looked terrible, while on another occasion he broke his finger after slamming his fist in frustration in the press box! “The immediacy of news online means you have to work harder and deliver the news in new ways.” However Rohan’s main point was the fantastic career that he has been able to experience as a sports journalist. But after 30 years in the profession, Connolly was just as passionate about his next venture as he was the “copy boy”. “It is a job that doesn’t feel like work,” Connolly said. “It has never been a drain.” Relaunching his own site, Footyology, Connolly will be leaning on the tried and tested staple of sports journalism, the match report, as the But Connolly acknowledged the job has changed dramatically over basis for his burgeoning readership to review the match. the years, thus is the nature of what he characterised as a “whack-a- mole industry” where if one outlet or writer falls, another will be there Perhaps when we are due to graduate Connolly will be looking for to bob up and take their place. staff for Footyology and we can get our break like he did some 30 years ago. In Holmesglen’s sports media and sport business degrees we are learning that to be a success in this cut throat industry you need to Connolly provided a fascinating insight into the journey of one be skilled in many facets of the media spectrum. of Australia’s most respected sport writers and another brilliant experience as part of Holmesglen’s Sport Degree. Rohan himself saw early in his career this need to upskill himself. His first venture towards broadening his skillset was to volunteer to host a weekly football show on SEN named “Football Feedback.”

“I loved it!”, Connolly said of this experience working on the show with football legends like , and .

“Whether it’s TV or radio, you can’t have a sole focus in this game,” Connolly said, encouraging the students to possess different skills to be employable in the future.

Attend our Information Night 18th September with Jeremy Loeliger 5 Register via [email protected] Money Makes the Sporting World Go Round

Australian Financial Review journalist John Stensholt was the guest speaker at the Holmesglen Sports Degrees Semester Two Orientation Day. Giving his incredible insights into the financial side of Australian sport, a fascinating talk about the future of the sports industry. Quarter Times editor Ren Thompson recounts the talk.

Sport Media students with Australian Financial Review journalist John Stensholt

Australian Financial Review (AFR) journalist John Stensholt was Covering the London Games in 2012, Stensholt spent the mornings the guest speaker at the Sports Degrees orientation day to kick off racing around the city seeing brands, and in the semester two of studies. afternoon he watched as many sporting events as the diehard sports fan could. Stensholt began his illustrious career as a humble researcher at AFR’s Parliament House before earning his cadetship at the But this experience at the Games cemented Stensholt’s thoughts Business Review Weekly. about the importance of money in the modern day sporting industry.

It was here Stensholt started working on the annual ‘Rich List’, “Money, rightly or wrongly, makes the world go round,” Stensholt capturing the biggest earners in Australian society for the financial said. year, rubbing shoulders with some of Australia’s most powerful people in the process. In 2010, Stensholt moved to the bigger Famous for compiling the annual ‘Top 50 Australian Sport Earners’ masthead, AFR, and his experiences around the sporting industry list, Stensholt rattled off some of the incredible statistics he began to change. discovered during his research of the list.

“I started to get to know CEOs of organisations and be in the “You think... the 120th ranked player in world in golf, earns more corporate box at games doing interviews,” Stensholt said. money than the top AFL player,” Stensholt said stunning the student audience in the process. Seeing the sport from this angle, Stensholt feels he has a better idea than most about the financial aspects of many of the nation’s “There are currently Australians in the NBA signing $70 million sporting leagues. deals.”

The experience also provided Stensholt with a clearer picture of Basketball has solidified its position as the second biggest sport in the limitations of the Australian financial market in regards to the the world and developed a huge following across the country. ever crowded sporting landscape, more directly that a population of only 24 million may not be able to financially sustain the nation’s The Australian men’s team, the Boomers, are currently ranked fourth unrivalled passion for sport. in the world on the back of an impressive Olympic Games result in Rio in 2016. In contrast to this belief, Stensholt recounted his experiences covering perhaps the ultimate sporting and financial fanfare event Stensholt believes basketball is the “sleeping giant” of Australian in the world, the Olympic Games. sport with it building on the tremendous Olympic success and the advancements in the National Basketball League (NBL) CEO Larry Kestelman has made over the past few seasons.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Business www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness September 2017

Money Makes the Sporting World Go Round

“Larry Kestelman has given the league some credibility,” Stensholt But Stensholt was quick to highlight the notion “money always said. brings fights”, using the example of the recent cricket pay dispute of where money can cause issues for sporting organisations and one “I believe his goal is to have Chinese investors eventually buying of their biggest stakeholders. teams.” Stensholt continued to explain to the student body, that while Stensholt acknowledged this would be a tremendous advancement organisations may face internal conflicts regarding pay disputes, of Australian sport in the international business landscape. perhaps their biggest challenge stems from the rise in social media and streaming platforms. While Stensholt was celebrating the ingenuity of one league such as the NBL, he was quick to point out the financial struggles of other “Many of the younger demographic are ‘cutting the cord’ and moving competing sporting competitions in decades gone by. to solely streaming services,” Stensholt said.

“There is a push and pull battle between the old and the new ways “The challenge lies in how can sporting organisations monetise of sport in Australia,” Stensholt said. these streaming services.”

“We have seen this with the financial disaster of the Stensholt’s talk was a thought provoking look into the current state Rugby debacle, and more recently with the Australian Olympic of the sporting industry. Commission power struggle where money was a factor.” While media deals which exceed $2 billion dollars are championed, But for Stensholt he sees a number of sporting organisations and perhaps there are bigger concerns bubbling under the facade of the clubs who are looking to overcome this struggle by embarking on organisations. new methods of attracting funding and finance. It was an extremely interesting talk by John Stensholt, one of the “The AFL are installing goal posts at a number of private schools best journalists in Australia on the matter and another incredible across ,” Stenshold said. experience as part of studying the Sport Degrees at Holmesglen.

“While the China and Port Adelaide partnership is all driven by sponsorship.”

While sporting organisations now see media broadcasting rights as their main source of revenue, Stensholt believes sponsorship revenues is quickly gaining on gate revenues.

Attend our Information Night 18th September with Jeremy Loeliger 7 Register via [email protected] Kicking Goals on the Field and in the Classroom

Diamond Creek superstar forward has rocketed on to the scene of women’s football this year, returning to the game she loves after not playing for seven years. Quarter Times editor Ren Thompson sits down with the footballing prodigy to talk about her love of football, draft pressures and balancing it all being a full-time student.

Diamond Creek spearhead Chloe Molloy celebrating another goal with teammate Steph Chiocci

“I can’t wait until the AFLW draft in October, I’m really nervous “I surprised myself how I had played in the TAC Cup,” Molloy said of but I can’t wait to meet people’s expectations,” Molloy said of her her early success but still acknowledges some challenges adjusting burgeoning football career. to the different shaped ball.

It has been a meteoric rise to prominence for Chloe Molloy over the “I have been slow learning structures of the game and adjusting to past five months. The talented sportswoman has been the talk of different shaped ball”. the women’s footballing landscape since she picked up the sherrin after a seven year hiatus and starred in March’s girls TAC Cup. But you wouldn’t know it. Molloy has begun her senior footballing career with VFL women’s side Diamond Creek. “I wasn’t sure how I would go but it was good to be back on the field, and show I was good enough to compete,” Molloy said. The -studded line-up of the ‘Creekers’ features AFLW players including Melbourne defender Laura Duryea, Compete she did, Molloy’s incredible play was instrumental to her midfielder Katie Lamb and Carlton defender Laura Attard, to name winning the inaugural Cup premiership. a few. But it’s Molloy who has been the talk of the competition, starring in Diamond Creek’s forward line, leading the league goal- Molloy dominated the competition booting 20 majors, taking out kicking race with 28 goals from 13 games. the goal-kicking race, and being named a co-winner of the best-and- fairest award for her performance across the five game season. Fellow ‘Creeker’ and AFLW Collingwood captain, Steph Chiocci, has called Molloy the “best junior footballer she has ever seen” which On the back of her impressive hit out the buzz quickly started about is high praise from the women’s football pioneer. Molloy, initially in her future. awe of her teammates, has come to respect their views on the sport and of her. “After five games in the TAC Cup people were already talking about me going in the draft,” Molloy said. “It has been pretty hectic.” “When she [Chiocci] says something like that, it’s pretty big to me! It’s something to be proud of,” Molloy said of the glowing reference. Molloy has kept her humble nature despite the excitement generated around her versatile skill-set. But after leading the goal-kicking race in the women’s VFL all season long, Molloy has quickly begun to appear on opponent team’s radars What makes her performance all the more impressive is the fact as a focus of team’s defences. this was Molloy’s first organised football experience in seven years, after forgoing a promising basketball career in favour of returning to Molloy is now facing a new challenge in her footballing career, the Australian Rules Football. challenge of being ‘tagged’.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Business www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness September 2017

Kicking Goals on the Field and in the Classroom

“Being tagged is making me learn the game faster,” Molloy said of the new sensational of having an opponent be her shadow all game long.

“It frustrated me when it first happened because it had taken me out of my game, it was draining, but I take the attention it as a compliment.”

Molloy has not only overcome “It’s crazy having my name associated with the top pick,” Molloy said the challenge but has of the noise surrounding her draft prospects. embraced it, beginning to tag opposition’s best Having the experiences of her Diamond Creek teammates helps the players herself in an effort to young star, with the fellow girls telling Molloy tales of their own draft diversifying her game. experiences – some good, some not so good.

“I have thrown myself into “I don’t need to put extra pressure on myself,” Molloy said about her the role,” Molloy said of draft prospects. “The day after the draft, I have an exam so that becoming a tagger. helps me focus on something else besides the draft.”

“It’s been tough but it’s We have a laugh, and you have to marvel at the way she balances helping me learn the game quicker.” the demands of her busy life.

All the best Chloe, can’t wait to follow your Molloy has been able to impress on the football field while living a amazing career in the professional league. busy life off the field.

Working in a cafe who’s managers understand the demands of her footballing schedule, Chloe also is a development officer at AFL Victoria.

The AFL role sees Chloe run clinics at schools and help promote the game. But most of her time goes into her full-time studies in the Sport Media degree.

“I was looking around at the sports courses on offer, and when I saw the internship program at Holmesglen my eyes lit up,” Molloy said of the industry leading applied learning internships offered at Holmesglen Institute.

In her first year of the course, Molloy is already thinking about the opportunities the course will provide her.

“I would love to do my internship at AFL Victoria where if I am an AFLW player I can use the club resources to help run clinics and help promote the game,” Molloy said.

Being in the course provides Chloe with an escape from the apprehension the next few weeks leading up to the AFLW draft has in store.

Attend our Information Night 18th September with Jeremy Loeliger 9 Register via [email protected] Interning at the Herald Sun For every student completing the Sports Media Degree working at the Herald Sun would be a dream come true. James Mottershead earned the opportunity to intern at the nation’s largest newspaper over the past few weeks. He recounts his once in a lifetime experience.

Some of James’ bylines during his incredible internship at Australia’s biggest newspaper

The opportunity to complete an internship at the Herald Sun was But that wasn’t the best present. something I set my sights on very early in the Bachelor of Sports Media. Returning the next day and flicking through the newspaper I couldn’t believe it when I saw my article a few pages in. I knew opportunities like these didn’t come around that often, so when the time came to apply I gave it everything I had. I noticed it had been changed a bit and upon opening my emails saw an email from Shaun Phillips, the Sports Editor. Fortunately, I was chosen as the student to complete the two-week intensive internship. Shaun offered me some great feedback and I was extremely thankful he took the time to do so. The nerves I felt arriving for my first day took me back to the drawn 2010 Grand Final. However, luckily enough I didn’t have to come Over the next two weeks I was tasked with attending press back the next week at the Herald Sun and was warmly welcomed conferences and writing stories on them, compiling Tour de by everyone. France results, updating podcast spreadsheets, calling people for interviews and doing research. Within the first 15 minutes I was invited to the Riewoldts press conference prior to Maddie’s Match by Eliza Sewell. In that time I was also given the opportunity to attend footy meetings on Mondays with all the guys I love to read, which was great insight My attitude going into the internship was to say and to do as into how they operate. much as possible, so off I went to rub shoulders with two great modern day forwards. In my second week I was asked by Shaun to stay longer and help compile the Footy Fans Survey. Upon returning Eliza suggested I listen back to Jack talking on the Richmond website and put a story together on it. This was a great experience coming up with questions, interviewing Dermott Brereton, interviewing fans and compiling articles. I battled away, trying to put together something Richmond fans would want to read. In the end I spent three weeks at the Herald Sun and had 13 articles published, something I am extremely proud of. On my journey home I checked the Herald Sun website, and much to my surprise I saw my article on the SuperFooty blog. Thanks to Shaun and the team at the Herald Sun for the opportunities given to me and to Holmesglen for providing the opportunity to I thought it was Christmas. complete an internship at the Herald Sun.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Business www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness September 2017

The Journey from the Booth to the Community Newsroom Covering issues in the local community is a passion for recent graduate Bryce Eishold. But becoming a journalist wasn’t on his . Quarter Times editor Ren Thompson hears the tale of how the career radio presenter ended up in the newsroom.

Bryce Eishold enjoying life as a cadet journalist for the Latrobe Valley Express

For recent sport media graduate Bryce Eishold, becoming a “During the internship I had about 35 to 40 stories published print and digital cadet journalist was the furtherest thing from across different mastheads. The internship at Leader set me up his mind. to feel comfortable working at a newspaper.”

“When I started the Sport Media degree I was focused on radio But the allure of working in radio still caught Bryce’s attention, only, I have been involved in community radio since I was nine securing a second internship at radio station ABC Gippsland years old and, I’m the vice president of the Casey Radio 97.7FM,” in Sale for a week concurrently to his Leader internship which Eishold said proudly of his work within the community station. proved to be a blessing in more ways than one.

“But as the degree progressed my interests broadened.” “The experience at Gippsland gave me an opportunity to ask people about the local newspaper and gave me some knowledge of how As Bryce completed more topics throughout the course, he the paper worked. So I used this opportunity to network, heard about started learning about digital media platforms, developed the position at The Express and applied for the job,” Eishold said. journalistic writing skills, and started thinking about life outside of the radio booth. Four days after his graduation, Eishold was hired as a cadet journalist at the Latrobe Valley Express. “The degree offers so many things, not just skills to become a radio broadcaster, but to be able to work across multiple “Without the internship I would not have had the portfolio to secure platforms,” Eishold said. the full-time job,” Eishold said.

But it was the industry leading internship program on offer The Express is the primary source of local news and information for at Holmesglen where Bryce was able to put his new found the entire Latrobe City Council. With a monthly readership in excess journalism skills into practice. of 68,000, the publication is vital for those in the small towns of Yarragon and Trafalgar, through the major centres of Moe, Morwell, Rather than relying on his radio background, Bryce decided Churchill and Traralgon, and as Far East as Rosedale. to challenge himself, albeit apprehensively, and source an internship to be a journalist with a community newspaper. For Bryce working at this beloved community newspaper has already been an incredible experience. “I secured an internship with Leader Newspapers in Frankston,” Eishold said. “At The Express we have half a dozen journalists covering their section, but I get to cover every aspect of the newspaper,” Eishold said.

Attend our Information Night 18th September with Jeremy Loeliger 11 Register via [email protected] The Journey from the Community Radio Booth to the Community Newsroom

Another day in the life for Bryce being a community journalist this time covering amateur wrestling

“I have covered sport, covered news, agriculture, even automotive “I did a story on the Morewell Weir... I put boots on for the story... which is a passion of mine. People can tell when you are writing and walked a few kilometres, down a deep steep hill, walking about what you love.” with an elderly woman, struggling to keep up with her,” Eishold said laughingly. But for Bryce being part of his adopted community is something he sees integral to be a working journalist. “It was amazing to see the man made piece of engineering that supplied water to the community.” “I said in my interview that I would down the next week. I believe you need to be committed to your community,” Eishold These are some of Bryce’s early highlights of what is becoming said. a dream career.

“Unless you are part of the community, then you don’t know “There hasn’t been a day I haven’t loved coming into The Express,” what’s going on. It’s crucial to be a part of the community for my Eishold said. job... you need to be aware of the issues.” “The people are wonderful, they are professional, and it’s so Issues such as a high rate of unemployment, the closure of the important to be in a job you enjoy doing. I have a passion for Hazelwood Power Station resulting in many locals losing their regional journalism, I love working in the regional community.” livelihood, and a high rate of family violence has been some of the issues Eishold has become aware of working as a journalist For Eishold after working at both the Casey Radio 97.7FM in the greater Latrobe Valley and Morwell areas. station and now at the Latrobe Valley Express he understands firsthand the role these media outlets provide. But it hasn’t all been gloomy for Bryce as he’s had some incredible experiences. “I believe there is a massive demand for stories to be told, not only in Australia, but definitely in regional Victoria,” Eishold said. “Everyday has been different,” Eishold said. “It’s great having people call and thank me for doing their story.” “I climbed a 75 metre tall Dredger, which is a big massive machine that removes waste from inside a coal mine, being able to climb the machine which is off-limits to the public.” Impassioned with his ability to share these community and human interest stories is an experience that Bryce loves and we Eishold also appreciated exploring the area. hope he continues his passion throughout his growing career.

All the best Bryce.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Business www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness September 2017 From Producing Essays to Producing Television Shows For self-confessed footy tragic Anthony Bitzilis working at Fox Footy has been like a dream come true. Quarter Times editor Ren Thompson caught up with the recent graduate to hear some of his incredible experiences so far and what the future holds for his burgeoning producer career.

Anthony Bitzilis on the set of the Women’s Footy on Fox show he produces

What started as an offer to be “a spare pair of hands” on set - has But as with everything he does, Anthony came through with flying in turn set recent Sport Media graduate, Anthony Bitzilis, on the colours, retaining his position and became part of the Fox Footy pathway to becoming a full-time producer at Fox Footy. media team.

But his pathway began with an opportunity as part of the industry The likeable Bitzilis has quickly showed his ability to learn and leading Sport Media internship program. showcased his developing professional capabilities over the past months at the nation’s number one sports channel. “Obviously it was a hotly contested internship amongst the class, but I was lucky enough to land the gig with Fox Footy,” Bitzilis said. Bitzilis credits his Bachelor of Sports Media studies for his successes in transitioning seamlessly into Fox Footy. “After I completed the 230 hours of the internship I said to Lynne and David [the intern hosts] if they needed a spare pair of hands I’d love “It was a bit surreal when I first started, but recently I began working to get involved.” the ‘On the Couch’ show,” Bitzilis said.

Not given any immediate answer, Anthony discussed his feelings “And I was at an early production meeting having a coffee with the during this period of waiting, confident of the work he had completed producer, and was talking footy with hosts Jonathan Brown and during the past six weeks. David King.”

“I felt like I built good relationships with the people there while Bitzilis, a proud Brisbane supporter and self-confessed footy tragic, completing the internship,” Bitzilis said. has a new found appreciation of the sport after discussing the game with these former premiership stars. This confidence in his abilities was reward when a few weeks later Fox Footy reached out to Anthony and invited him to be part of the “You pick up on the little things they see, that you wouldn’t see channel’s pre-season media blitz. watching the game on the couch at home. Hearing them uncensored and expressing their knowledge and thoughts on the game has “Early in the year AFL teams come and have headshots and film been a highlight so far,” Bitzilis said. pieces for the upcoming season. I was helping the producers get the job done over the three weeks,” Bitzilis said. Bitzilis has used this new found knowledge of the sport to help him make production decisions and shape stories for the ‘Women’s “It’s probably the busiest three weeks of the year!” Footy on Fox’ show.

Attend our Information Night 18th September with Jeremy Loeliger 13 Register via [email protected] From Producing Essays to Producing Television Shows A relatively new show on the station’s line-up, Anthony was chosen “On Thursday and Friday I am prepping footage for ‘The Bounce’, as the show’s producer. watching footage of teams training and watching press conferences for anything funny. If you see anything funny that’s me,” Bitizilis said “I’ve been pretty lucky to be given my own ‘baby’,” Bitzilis said using laughingly. a common Fox Footy expression for their shows. Then on the weekend while most of us are watching and enjoying “They [Fox Footy] have put me in charge of it and it’s been really the games, Bitzilis is maintaining the chyron ticker. “It’s the text good. We had a few teething issues at first,” Bitzilis said of the along the bottom of the screen,” Bitzilis informs me. While also normal challenges of learning on the job. preparing graphics for the weekend broadcasts.

“But some of the older producers have really helped me out, and These are all skills he learnt through completing his internship. working with Kate Sheahan, Sarah Olle and Anna Harrington has Lucky for him he has Mondays off to rest. But for Bitzilis he wouldn’t been great.” have it any other way.

For Anthony, he has entered the women’s football industry at the “I am really happy with where I am... every day is different,” Bitzilis perfect time. said.

After a wildly successful inaugural AFLW season, Anthony and Fox “I want to keep learning as much as I can, being a sponge, working Footy are looking to increase their presence in the women’s football my way up the chain at Fox Footy.” viewing market. Bitzilis credits his Bachelor of Sports Media studies for his “The sport is certainly growing and it’s only going to get bigger,” successes in transitioning seamlessly into Fox Footy. Bitzilis said. “The course really sets you up for life post study,” Bitzilis said. “It “Closer to January for season two of the AFLW we will be doing a gives you hands on, real work experience.” half an hour program.” For Bitzilis the third year topics were incredibly crucial in him Recording a weekly half an hour program requires more hard work securing his role at Fox Footy. that many realise, something Anthony is acutely aware of. “The transition to professional practice topic was great for me. It For the young media professional working six day week is becoming helped my public speaking and interviewing, picking up little things. routine. Things that definitely helped with my interview at Fox Footy,” Bitzilis said. “We record the show on Wednesdays, so on Tuesday I sink my teeth into prep and do vision hunting,” Bitzilis said. But Bitzilis echoes what many other graduates have stressed about taking every opportunity offered to you. “For the under 18s and draft story footage we used the girls Grand Final from last year, so I needed to contact the AFL to source the “You need to work hard and do things outside of the course. Putting vision. Then I always prepare the run down and prepare the graphics your hand up for opportunities leads you to a good place,” Bitzilis for the show.” said.

But for Anthony his week is only beginning. It may even lead you to living your dream like Anthony working at Fox Footy in the future.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Business www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness September 2017 Life in the Commentary Box Quarter Times contributor Mitch Wynd has been living out his dream of becoming a footy commentator. Working with the AFL Yarra Rangers this is how the opportunity of a lifetime came about.

You can hear Mitch and his colleagues on Yarra Valley 99.1 FM Radio

Knowing that I’d never make the big-time as a player, I wanted to be TV commentators have the ability to let the pictures speak for a footy commentator from a very early age. themselves, whereas the radio commentator must be the eyes for the viewer and describe things in much greater detail. Since I was seven years old, I thought: “What better job is there? To be able to watch the footy every week and be on TV like Dennis The assessments for that class were a great primer for what I now Cometti?” find myself doing.

As I near the end of my Bachelor of Sports Media studies, I have A key theme of the training is understanding how to effectively use developed the commentary and broadcasting skills to begin taking the voice to capture emotion and highlight a big moment. the first steps towards seven year-old Mitch’s dream career. It is important to know when to speak up and when to let the other Through my secondary internship with AFL Yarra Ranges (I’m also commentators take control. doing an internship with AFL Victoria), I have been allowed the opportunity to sit in the broadcast van and provide stats and special Most importantly, developing a genuine chemistry and a rapport comments for the match of the round. with the other members of the commentary team is key.

My role is to note and relay statistics of interest to the audience, as The audience isn’t stupid, they know when you’re faking it. well as providing special comments and ‘around the ground’ scores Personally, joining the AFL Yarra Ranges commentary team has from both the local league and the AFL – much like Ash Chua does been a fantastic experience. for radio. I am fulfilling a role that I have aspired to for a long time, and Alongside my co-commentators Leo, Angus, and Jason, we bring gathering additional experience in a previously unfamiliar field for the local footy to everybody in the Yarra Ranges from Warburton to me. Upwey and beyond. Our matches are live on Yarra Valley 99.1FM radio, as well as at Our commentary style is unique. www.valleyvision.com.au from 2:00PM on Saturdays.

We are live on radio as well as internet video streaming, so we must Tune in! borrow from both schools of commentary and deliver it on the go.

In the Advanced Sports Broadcasting topics, students learn the subtle differences in radio and television calling.

Attend our Information Night 18th September with Jeremy Loeliger 15 Register via [email protected] The Colourful Life of Konrad Marshall

The Good Weekend contributor Konrad Marshall stopped by the Introduction to Journalism class to share his wealth of knowledge from a journalistic career which has no equal. James Maxwell was there to recount the eccentric writer’s career.

Konrad Marshall shared his journalism experiences with the Introduction to Journalism class

From being a drag queen to being a contributor at Marshall cemented a role at The Post-Star in Glen Falls, New York. The Good Weekend, Konrad Marshall is one colourful character. Then at The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville. Marshall was in class to pass on his expertise regarding the keys to successfully observing and writing a quality article. Then at The Indianapolis Star writing what he calls the “flowery stuff”, features on a Saturday and Sunday. When the students sat down to listen to Marshall something stood out on his desk at the front of the room. Amongst a world of sports media, Marshall found joy in dressing up as a drag queen called ‘Miss Indy Starlet’ where he performed, His coffee cup. received money and gave it all to charity.

Covered in fluorescent colors, the cup sparked an interest. During his time overseas, he was constantly applying for jobs back in Melbourne. The bright sticky notes and loud posters shone from the surrounding walls, bringing out the true person within. After countless applications, one day he returned home.

Marshall started by walking the class through the road to his Marshall arrived and became the writer for the Melbourne Magazine, journalism career, going right back to when he started his media with the highlight of his time there being a profile on Richmond career in public relations. superstar Matthew Richardson.

This was before Konrad moved to America for seven years, working Marshall is a self-confessed Richmond tragic. his way up the journalism ranks. Marshall continued to pursue his dream and he finally got there. Upon arriving in America, Konrad started as a desk boy in the He now writes for ‘The Good Weekend’ in The Age. graveyard shift at a local restaurant diner. Marshall then gave the students some advice, but there was one When he finished his overnight shift, he would write articles as a piece that stood out the most. freelancer sending the articles to numerous newspapers around the area in a hope to find some work. “When writing, always remember to show. Not tell,” Marshall said.

Eventually he did.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Business www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness September 2017 A Journalist on the Rise Fox Sports journalist Tom Morris prides himself on breaking news accurately. But the former cricket star has had an interesting road in making it to the big time. James Maxwell caught up with the young journalist to find out more about his journey and what the future has in store.

Tom Morris a young Fox Sports journalist on the rise who is making a reputation as a newsbreaker

Choosing the career path you want isn’t so straightforward for most Tom’s first post-graduation job offer came from the St Kilda Football anymore. For Tom Morris, he knew he wanted to be a journalist club to be the clubs digital coordinator. He excitedly accepted and it from the age of 12. But his pathway into journalism wasn’t so direct. was a role he thoroughly enjoyed.

When Tom finished Year 12 in 2009, he didn’t have the grades to During his time there, he was able to interview a number of high jump straight into journalism, so he enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts at profile stars, including , and Robert Melbourne University. In 2010, Tom decided to defer his studies and Harvey. head to England for six months to play cricket. Before an interview with Nick Riewoldt, Tom was as nervous as he During this time, Tom weighed up his future in Arts to decided once had ever been, even more nervous than having to face Scott Boland and for all whether or not he should pursue his journalism dream. during his cricket career. When Tom walked through the arrival doors at Melbourne airport, he knew he wanted to become a journalist. But getting into the But he said that after getting that first interview out the way, it just industry was another challenge. became more natural for him.

From there, he enrolled in a journalism degree in 2011 which he “After that initial interview, it was quite daunting,” Morris said. finished in 2013. “But the more experience I got, the more I just ask those ‘dumb’ questions, because I know I’m just doing my job.” “You might think my pathway to where I am today was straight forward, but it certainly wasn’t,” Morris said. “I was very lucky when I Tom then became the senior football writer for the club, before got back from England, all my ducks fell into place for me”. being offered a job at Fox Sports in late 2015. Tom balanced his workload with playing 1XI premier cricket for St Kilda at the same But along his journey Tom suffered some minor setbacks. time. A quality keeper-batsman, Tom appeared to have the Throughout the course, a lot of his mates were obtaining internships talent to sustain a future at that level. But Tom had to make a hard or other voluntary work, which hurt Tom. decision to give up cricket to ensure he could devote all his time to his new job at Fox Sports. “Those setbacks push you further behind, but they make you want to work harder,” Morris said.

But throughout his course, he did eventually receive some unpaid work, boosting his credentials for when he finished the course in 2013.

Attend our Information Night 18th September with Jeremy Loeliger 17 Register via [email protected] A Journalist on the Rise Tom started at Fox as a football and cricket writer during their “The best stories are the ones that make you feel sick in the respective seasons. Tasked with the job to break stories, write stomach,” Morris said. “If you write a story that no one else has, it analysis pieces on teams and players, and provide content makes you feel sick because you are the only one who has it and production for other colleagues at the station. Tom says the best because you know it’s true, but you hope it’s true.” part of working for Fox is being able to meet famous people, but not for the reason everyone thinks. When Tom was saying this, the tone of his voice changed into one of a passionate, fiery journalist, hungry to find the best stories out “Networking is not to just go out and meet famous people,” Morris there. But like all journalists, Tom has made his share of errors, said. “It’s getting out there to understand the industry that little bit especially spelling mistakes. more.” “You are embarrassed about at first, but you simply apologise and Tom understands his role at Fox and quite enjoys it, but he can be no one remembers it afterwards,” Morris said. an opinionated person. Tom says he would like to spend as much time breaking stories as he possibly can, purely because he gets the Throughout Tom’s relatively short career, he has already acquired a most satisfaction out of it. lot of experience. Prior to his professional career, Tom was inspired by Clinton Grybas and . Within his job, Tom always encounters setbacks such as not being able to break a story. But when he does get the opportunity to break Working at St Kilda and Fox Sports, two journalists mentored him the story, it feels just the little bit better. Tom remembers trying to and helped him get to where he is today. break a story about David Saker becoming the new bowling coach for the Australian Cricket team. The first is Luke Holmesby. When at St Kilda, Luke showed him how to become a modern day journalist and quickly learn the ins “I heard wind that it was going to happen, so I confirmed it with a and outs. At Fox Sports, his current mentor is Jake Niall, most source, posted it and it was right,” Morris said. “But Australia’s media commonly know as ‘The Claw’. manager was scathing of me because they wanted to break it not me”. An old school journalist, Jake has shown Tom the old fashioned way of writing and reporting. Sitting across from Jake has meant Tom These are the challenges in Tom’s role and make you question your can pick his brain at any time. Tom believes having the combination job description. of an older and younger mentor has benefited in molding his views and opinions. “This sort of situation can give you mixed emotions,” Morris said. “But to me, I didn’t care. I broke the story first and I did my job”. Given the variety of his articles and the diversity of topics, Tom cites his best work as a feature on Tim Membery, a breaking story on When asked whether he would like to be the next Mark Robinson Jamie Elliott being sidelined for a season, and ’s through voicing his opinion, Tom gave an insight into his current sacking 30 minutes prior the press conference. position in the industry. At only 26 Tom has experienced the full spectrum of the industry. “Right now, people don’t really care what I think,” Morris said. “If journalists don’t get a story, it makes you feel flat,” Morris said. The desire to write opinion articles is there, but Tom knows he needs to build his credibility up just like Robinson did when he started. But Tom is happy to share his wisdom to any young, up and coming But it doesn’t stop Tom trying to voice his opinion in any interview journalists. he does. Asked about whether journalists, himself included, were ethical in their reporting, Tom summed up his feelings on the matter. “Be bold. Don’t be afraid to be knocked back and to be criticised,” Morris said. “That’s my main advice.” “Its about holding authority to account, which we do quite well, so, we do act ethically.” Morris said. “It’s about holding authority figures Tom has been bold with his career to date and he will certainly accountable for their actions, which we generally do quite well, so, continue to be, breaking stories now and well into the future. we do act ethically.”

“I would like to be perceived as someone who works hard, is proactive, talkative, friendly,” Morris said. “Someone who has vigour and wants to get out there, meet people and put his neck on the line for a story.”

Every time Tom is writing a story, he thinks back to something Caroline Wilson once said.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Business www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness September 2017

Life at sports radio station SEN 1116

Alex Zaia is completing his Sport Media internship at sports radio station SEN. Quarter Times contributor Nicole Erasmus sat down with Alex to talk about his early experiences at the nation’s biggest sports radio station.

Alex Zaia has been busy in his internship at SEN, writing his own column and interviewing AFL player

Nicole Erasmus: What have you enjoyed at SEN during your Having to write quickly in order to publish a breaking story internship so far? is something that has been challenging, but it has been incredibly valuable, as it has given me an insight into how Alex Zaia: Working for a prominent media organisation like hectic a newsroom can get. SEN has been a terrific experience so far. Seeing how SEN go about things internally has been a real eye opener for me. NE: What are some of the tasks that you been doing at while completing your SEN internship? Being able to make worthwhile contributions has been extremely rewarding. It has been great to meet new people AZ: I have spent the majority of my time situated in the and broaden my network too. newsroom, churning out stories that are then sent through to the organisation’s website and social media platforms. At the beginning, it was surreal being surrounded by such esteemed media personalities but as the internship has Using Flashback8, my role is to listen to audio from the rolled on I’ve felt more and more comfortable in my new various SEN programs throughout the day, transcribe key surroundings and the staff at SEN have been very welcoming. quotes and then formulate a story using those quotes.

NE: What are some challenges you have faced working for I then have to add context around the story as well as audio, the nation’s biggest sports radio station? photos, video and embedded tweets to give the audience the complete story. AZ: Initially, navigating the various types of software SEN uses such as Contentful, Audioboom and Flashback8, took a My supervisor, Brett Anderson, has allowed me to be inventive little time to get my head around. But I’ve managed to grasp by initiating my own ideas. I have focused on creating my them as the internship has progressed. own niche.

Finding a suitable angle when writing a story has also been As a big football fan I have begun to write my own columns something that I have quickly needed to master. such as my ‘EPL Team of the Week’ piece.

My colleagues in the newsroom have been extremely helpful in providing me with advice in regards to SEN’s writing style and making adjustments to my own writing style in order to entice readers to read my stories and gain greater traction to their website and social media platforms.

Attend our Information Night 18th September with Jeremy Loeliger 19 Register via [email protected] Life at sports radio station SEN 1116

Alex with internship host Brett Anderson at the control desk

I have also been lucky enough to attend a St. Kilda press NE: Was radio your preferred career path before beginning conference that took place at Melbourne airport with Alan your internship? If it wasn’t, has this changed after this Richardson. internship experience?

I have also attended an AFL match between the Western AZ: I still don’t know what path I want to go down just yet. Bulldogs and Essendon at Etihad with my supervisor Brett Anderson. What I do want, though, is possess as many technical skills as I possibly can in order to be an attractive proposition to Brett is a boundary rider for SEN so it was an awesome potential employers. experience to tag along with him and witness how he goes about his boundary riding duties. Internships like this at SEN and what I have learnt in the Sport Media degree definitely help. Post-match I was then able to go into the Western Bulldogs rooms and conduct an interview with Caleb Daniel! But there are still more strings I want to add to my bow.

This experience was invaluable in improving my interviewing This experience while being at SEN has been incredible giving skills and feeling more comfortable in a one-on-one me an insight into how a radio station works and I am forever interviewing situation. grateful for the opportunity.

I have also spent time with some of SEN”s producers I hope to continue to develop myself and make myself assessing how much work goes into being a producer and as valuable as possible in whatever career path I end up the specific tasks involved when overseeing the functionality choosing. of a radio program.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Business www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness September 2017 Dreams Coming True Quarter Times welcomes guest contributor Ben Gibson to hear about his exciting recent work with Melbourne Demons reserve side . Writing match reports and living out his childhood dream.

Ben interviewing Melbourne star after a game

“Never work for the club you support.” Firing questions at a coach just moments after defeat is daunting, but Plappy has been extremely generous with his It is incredible how often this statement comes up in the time and supportive of my work, making my job much easier. sports media industry. But it is a statement I find absurd. In round 16 of the AFL season, I was fortunate enough to From a young age, the lingering dream has been to replicate attend Melbourne’s clash with Carlton at the MCG alongside ’s AFL success in the red and blue guernsey. the media team.

But despite working tirelessly on my left foot, I was quick to On a monumental day for the club with an eight-point victory, realise my future in the AFL wasn’t going to be on-field. I was privileged to sit in the media box, write two articles for the website and tuck into a couple of party pies at half-time. So, if I can’t play for the mighty Demons, then why not work for them? After the heart-stopping win, I was able to soak up the joy in the rooms. In 2017, I have been covering the Casey Demons VFL matches for www.melbournefc.com.au The tremendous journalism experiences didn’t stop there, as I interviewed Christian Petracca and attended Simon Although temperatures have dropped to drastic lows Goodwin’s press conference. throughout the year, and my fingers have turned purple on occasion, I am thoroughly enjoying the experience. It’s fair to say getting involved with Melbourne FC has been far from a disappointment. Instead, I am rubbing shoulders I have also become very acquainted with Siri’s voice, following with my idols and doing the job I love. her directions to venues in Casey, , Williamstown, Hoppers Crossing and Beaconsfield, just to name a few. I have been told there may be an additional role to take on at the Demons next season and deep down I’m hoping they’re While writing articles from Nandos in Preston is far from planning on drafting me to wear the number 18. ideal, and filing pieces from the backseat of my car within minutes of the games conclusion is a challenge, creating the But it seems unlikely. content which I once consumed is genuinely exciting. Nonetheless, I can’t wait to be involved with the club next Furthermore, I interview Casey’s coach Justin Plapp for season when we break our 54-year premiership drought. quotes after every game - win, lose or draw.

Attend our Information Night 18th September with Jeremy Loeliger 21 Register via [email protected] 2017 Holmesglen Internship Host Partners Enquiries:

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