Redland Football Club Recruiting Package 2012 “See the Bombers fly up” www.redland.aflq.com.au A Brief History The Redland Bombers entered the new millennium with a position in the premier competition of Australian Rules football in Queensland – AFL Queensland‟s State League. This elevation came after consecutive premierships in the Brisbane Australian Football League in 1998 and 1999. Since the Club‟s inception into the State League, the Bombers have evolved into a prominent football identity within both the Redland Shire and South-East Queensland. The ongoing development of local players competing at higher levels all across Australia highlights the talent of young and up- and-coming players within the local community. The Club now competes in the newly formed NEAFL competition, which was launched in 2011 and includes teams from the Queensland State League, the Northern Territory, the AFL NSW/ACT State League, as well as the four northern AFL sides – Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast Suns, Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney Giants. The Sharks Sporting Club The Victoria Point Sharks Sporting Club Inc. is the parent body of the Redland Bombers Australian Football Club. The Sporting Club currently has a membership base of over 10,000 members, with this figure growing at a rapid rate. The Sporting Club assists the Football Club in terms of resources and funding. The Sporting Club consists of a gaming lounge, restaurant, three bars, a Sportsmen‟s bar with TAB facilities, a courtesy bus for members, a bottle shop, a lounge featuring free live entertainment, and a new state of the art multi-million dollar function room. The Gaming Lounge has 116 of the most up-to-date gaming machines. Development The Key History was created for the Redland Football Club in late 2005, when star player Michael West was selected by the Western Bulldogs at pick number 57. Michael became the first Redland player to be taken in the AFL National Draft having played all of his junior football with the Redland Juniors. Michael debuted with the Bombers in 2003 as a sixteen year old. Since that time, another six young players have entered the AFL system via the Redland Football Club. The strong developmental focus and the desire to nurture young aspiring players towards their ultimate AFL dreams is what the Club and coaching staff pride themselves on. Michael West Brad Howard Paul O‟Shea Redlands Junior Recruited from Toowoomba Recruited from Rockhampton Drafted 2005 Drafted 2006 Drafted 2006 Western Bulldogs St. Kilda F.C. Western Bulldogs Jake Spencer Charlie Dixon Josh Thomas Alex Sexton Recruited from Townsville Recruited from Cairns Redlands Junior Recruited from Springwood Drafted 2007 Drafted 2008 Drafted 2009 Drafted 2011 Melbourne F.C. Gold Coast Suns Collingwood F.C. Gold Coast Suns The League – NEAFL The North East Australian Football League (NEAFL) was formed in 2011. The League consists of two conferences: Northern Conference Eastern Conference Northern Territory Thunder Sydney Swans Brisbane Lions Greater Western Sydney Gold Coast Suns Sydney University Morningside East Coast Eagles Mt Gravatt Ainslie Aspley Belconnen Redland Queanbeyan Labrador Eastlake Southport Tuggeranong Broadbeach Combining four developing states and territories into a two-tiered conference league demonstrates the AFL‟s commitment to making further inroads into the strategically important markets of Queensland, the Northern Territory and New South Wales/ACT. Currently just 11% of AFL-listed players come from the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, and the ACT. The NEAFL standard now challenges the traditional second-tier competitions such as the VFL, SANFL and WAFL. FOXTEL Cup To complement the newly-formed NEAFL competition, the FOXTEL Cup competition was also introduced in 2011. This knock out FA Cup-style competition features 16 teams from State Leagues across Australia who do battle throughout their own domestic seasons to crown the country‟s number one team. The games are shown live on Fox Sports, which creates tremendous exposure for, and interest in, second-tier clubs. In 2011 Morningside and Labrador competed, as well as the Northern Territory Thunder who were narrowly beaten in the second round by East Perth. VFL club Williamstown went on to win the competition, defeating WAFL club Claremont in the final. Community Involvement We at the Bombers pride ourselves on being leaders in the community and, as a Club, participate in the Redlands ANZAC Day dawn service every year. As part of this historic day, the Club awards an “ANZAC medal” in all three grades to the player deemed most courageous on the day. The Bombers are also leaders in player education, running courses on topical issues including respect and responsibility, drug Redland players help at a relief awareness and anti-doping (through ASADA) and others, conducted centre following the devastating by Club Chaplain Jason Fiddes. In 2011, the players and support Queensland floods in 2011 staff and volunteers united and helped those affected by the January floods in Queensland. Greg Seton-Lonsdale – Leading the Way Greg Seton-Lonsdale was appointed as the interim coach of the Bombers after round 7 in the 2011 NEAFL season, following the departure of Matt Francis. Greg has brought great professionalism and a strong direction to the Club, which has seen him re-appointed as the Senior Coach for 2012. Greg‟s background includes coaching stints with Sturt in the SANFL, Eastlakes in the Canberra State League and, most recently, as an Assistant Coach with the Brisbane Lions reserves in the NEAFL. Greg was also an Assistant Coach at Redland in 2010, so has an intimate knowledge of the Club‟s list and what is required to take the team to the next level in the competition. Seton-Lonsdale addresses the troops School Scholarships In 2008, the Redland Football Club and leading private school, Faith Lutheran College, established a School Scholarship program for regional Queensland players. The program provides talented football players an opportunity to relocate to the Redland Shire and complete their QCE, whilst training within a semi-professional State League environment. Players are placed with host families who offer them support and comfort, similar to what they are used to at home. Summary of the 2011 Season The 2011 NEAFL season saw Redland finish one game outside the top five, just missing out on finals. Despite a change of coach following round 7, the Bombers fought back and found themselves in fourth position with just two rounds to play in the season, unfortunately slipping outside the top five with a round 21 loss to Southport. It was a disappointing season that the Club hopes to build on in 2012, with this disappointment serving as a driving force for the playing group. Summary of senior listed players: Tom Salter 2011 Best and Fairest winner Phil Carse 2007, 2009 and 2010 Best and Fairest Winner 2009 and 2010 AFLQ Team of the Year Josh Pullman WAFL recruit and 2011 leading goal kicker Anthony Corrie 56 AFL games for Brisbane and Collingwood Phil Carse James Charlesworth 2009 AFLQ Team of the Year, NAB Rising Star Redland F.C. Captain Scott Clouston 2008, 2010 and 2011 AFLQ Team of the Year Former Brisbane Lions listed player Daniel Dzufer Former Brisbane Lions listed player Brad Howard Former St. Kilda listed player The average age of the Bombers list is just 21 and, with a number of key signings, 2012 will make for an exciting season down at Bomber Land! Brisbane – The Lifestyle The Redland Football Club is located 35 minutes south-east of Queensland's capital. Its coastal position makes it an ideal location for the recreationally-minded individual – catch the ferry to stunning Stradbroke Island, experience Brisbane‟s nightlife, or venture down to the bustling Gold Coast for some sun, sand and surf. There is also the opportunity to watch premier sporting events at the world famous „Gabba‟, see local and international bands along with recreational expos and other touring events. The Redlands municipality is one of the fastest growing coastal areas in South-East Queensland. The Bay Islands are literally a stone‟s throw away and with premier fishing and recreational living, the Redlands Shire has plenty to offer. Housing & Work The Club‟s extensive networking with businesses directly involved with the Sporting Club allows for housing and work opportunities for all interested players. The well-established relationship the Club has with recruitment agencies and the Redland Shire makes it possible for us to get the ball rolling for you by sourcing employment in various industries. All you need to do is supply an up-to-date CV. In terms of housing, rental properties throughout the Shire offer first class living with bay views and cool sea breezes. They‟re close to shops, parks and, of course, the Football Club! Club Contact Details Craig Millar Marty King Greg Seton-Lonsdale Club Development Manager Recruiting Manager Senior Coach M – 0411 054 426 M – 0412 697 711 M – 0439 585 868 E – [email protected] E – [email protected] For further information relating to the Redland Football Club, please visit the website. www.redland.aflq.com.au “See the Bombers fly up” .