Issue 7 July 2017

CONTENTS

• Information Night • Brian Taylor Talk • Guest Speakers & Tours • Industry Day Recap • Internship Experiences • Chat with Holmesglen Higher Education Student of the Year Alexie Beovich • Talk with inaugural Quarter Times editor Kate Withers • Tour of AFL 360 • My Journey to Holmesglen • Sports Marketing Showcase • VAFA Women’s League Sports media students with commentator Brian Taylor • Industry Partners Editor’s Foreword By Ren Thompson 2016 proved to be a sensational year here at Holmesglen as we saw our With that we welcome you to the opening issue of inaugural Bachelor of Sport Media class graduate from their studies. The Quarter Times for 2017 and it’s a supersized cracker!

The inaugural class of graduating students are now trained in all elements Our vibrant team of writers aim to bring you a of sports media, including journalism, broadcasting, digital media and sport snapshot of the exciting happenings from the course, business – all vital skills to possess as they now embark on their future highlighting incredible student work, while also putting our training into careers. In this issue we catch up with former students Alexie Beovich and practice conducting interviews and attending sporting events. Kate Withers on their recent student award nominations. We give an insight into our Holmesglen partners Industry Day – a key But as we say goodbye and good luck to this graduating class, we welcome feature of our internship program, which is unlike any other offered a new class of keen and enthusiastic students looking forward to taking the at Australian higher education institutions. We hear about internship opportunities the Bachelor of Spots Media provides in 2017. experiences so far.

We also welcome the introduction of the new Sports Business degree! We recap our student’s trip to tour AFL 360 at and share a hilarious Robbo story. The new degree has been designed to produce graduates that are analytical, strategic and decisive decision makers and are able to work Plus we recap the recent sport marketing showcase. across a gamut of roles and sectors within the contemporary sports business industry. All that plus more lays ahead in this issue of The Quarter Times.

To kick off the year we were treated to hear from broadcasting icon Brian Taylor as he discussed his career both on the field and in the commentary booth.

Our coming information night on the 11th of July sees special guest Rohan Connolly speak about his career and the future of sport media, make @HgSportsDegrees sure you register your interest at [email protected] for the special night.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sport Business www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportsbusiness 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)

Tuesday 11th July 2017 5.30pm - 7.30pm with special guest Holmesglen Institute Chadstone Campus Rohan Building 1, Level 1, Room 33 (C1.1.33) Connolly Attendees MUST register via [email protected]

Holmesglen Sports Degrees Internship Hosts:

For more information please see: W: holmesglen.edu.au/sportsmedia and holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness @HgSportsDegrees P: 03 9564 1596

Media Services Department B2260617 Sports Degrees_Rohan A4 CRICOS Provider Code: 00012G. TOID: 0416

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Media www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportsmedia July 2017

IN THE EVER CHANGING WORLD OF SPORTS MEDIA ANDIN THE SPORT EVER BUSINESS, CHANGING THE WORLD NEED OF FOR SPORTS FLEXIBILITY MEDIA AND SPORTA WIDE BUSINESS, RANGING SKILL THE NEED SET HAS FOR NEVER FLEXIBILITY BEEN MOREAND A IMPORTANT.WIDE RANGING SKILL SET HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT. Holmesglen's Sports Media and and hearing from a range of leading "The program is really addressing Sport Business Degrees are designed professionals, before completing a and progressing the right questions toHolmesglen's ensure students Sports who Media aspire and to 228and hearinghour internship from a range in their of finalleading year. to"The make program sense is of really transition addressing into workSport in Business the industries Degrees have are what designed they professionals, before completing a theand sectorprogressing even morethe right possible questions for needto ensure to succeed. students who aspire to "Our228 hourinternship internship program in their has final been year. a graduates,"to make sense she of said. transition into work in the industries have what they huge success. Our students learn so the sector even more possible for Forneed course to succeed. leader, Robbie Coyle, much"Our internship from the experienceprogram has and been some a Angraduates," Information she Night said. is being held engaging with industry leaders is a ofhuge them success. have received Our students ongoing learn work so at the Chadstone Campus (Building hallmarkFor course of leader,both courses. Robbie Coyle, opportunitiesmuch from the with experience our partners, and some with 1,An LevelInformation 1, Room Night 33) is on being Tuesday held engaging with industry leaders is a threeof them graduates have received currently ongoing working work with 11that the July Chadstone from 5.30 Campus – 7.30pm, (Building with "Ourhallmark degrees of both are courses. the most industry Foxopportunities Footy, beyond with theirour partners, internships." with leading1, Level Australian 1, Room 33) sports on Tuesdayjournalist engaged of their type,” he said. “Our three graduates currently working with Rohan11th July Connolly from 5.30 as the – 7.30pm, guest speaker. with partners,"Our degrees such are as theFox most Footy, industry AFL AccordingFox Footy, tobeyond Coyle, their the internships."courses’ Thisleading will Australian be an opportunity sports journalist to hear Victoria,engaged Basketballof their type,” Victoria, he said. Cricket “Our boutique class sizes also add to the fromRohan Connolly, Connolly to as learn the guestmore aboutspeaker. Victoria,partners, the such as Fox Footy, Stars AFL and learningAccording experience. to Coyle, the courses’ theThis course will be andan opportunity to hear from to past hear SENVictoria, are Basketballleaders in theirVictoria, field.” Cricket boutique class sizes also add to the graduates.from Connolly, to learn more about Victoria, the Melbourne Stars and "Itlearning means experience. our students don't go the course and to hear from past AsSEN part are of leaders their studies, in their studentsfield.” unnoticed," he said. "Our students Sograduates. whether you’re looking to work closely with the partners to develop"It means great our relationshipsstudents don't with go each commence in 2nd semester 2017 or gainAs part valuable of their experience studies, students and the otherunnoticed," and the he academic said. "Our team, students who all inSo 2018 whether this you’re is an eventlooking not to to be opportunitywork closely to with put the their partners skills to to the havedevelop extensive great relationships industry experience." with each missed!commence in 2nd semester 2017 or test.gain valuable experience and the other and the academic team, who all in 2018 this is an event not to be opportunity to put their skills to the Thehave courses extensive have industry also won experience." praise Pleasemissed! be sure to register for Thetest. extensive industry engagement from industry leaders, such as the event via email to opportunities involves students RosThe coursesHolding, haveGlobal also Recruitment won praise [email protected] be sure to register for workingThe extensive with clubs industry from engagement the Victorian Executive,from industry Sportspeople. leaders, such as the event via email to Amateuropportunities Football involves Association students Ros Holding, Global Recruitment [email protected] toworking develop with a clubsrange fromof strategy the Victorian Executive, Sportspeople. documents,Amateur Football attending Association field trips to develop a range of strategy documents, attending field trips

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

Attend our Information Night 11th July with Rohan Connolly Register via [email protected] 3 Brian Taylor Talk Holmesglen sports degree students were treated to a special guest for orientation day this semester with charismatic football commentator Brian Taylor speaking to the students. James Mottershead was there to cover the incredible experience.

Brian Taylor sharing insights from an incredible broadcasting career

Holmesglen was abuzz with students sharing stories of their But it was all worth it as Taylor has enjoyed a long and storied career summer holiday activities. We were back. The 2017 academic year post-football. was upon us. He even recounted an instance which saw him commenting But Orientation Day was different this year. There was an unusual air Twenty20 cricket with former Australian captain Allan Border. Taylor of eagerness for the first day. Students filed into one of Holmesglen’s was commentating a game in Perth and big-hitting West Indian auditoriums bristling with anticipation. Boy oh boy, this was going Chris Gayle was playing incredibly well. to be a treat. But Taylor is not a noted cricketing tragic. During the broadcast, he The room came to a hush as one of football’s leading identities posed a question to Border about whether Gayle would soon get a walked in. Like the minute’s silence at the footy, a paying of respect call-up to the national team. Of course, at the time, Gayle was in fact before the main event. captain of the West Indies.

Today’s main event was one of the greatest full-forwards in AFL/VFL His question irritated the temperamental Allan Border, but drew history and media guru. Brian Taylor was speaking to the students. laughter from the students.

Beginning by looking through some of Brian’s footballing and media Brian was very gracious of his time, even staying to answer highlights, the humble star was quick to move things along. questions from the student body, before offering some great advice to the budding sports media and management students. Taylor spoke of his time working as a plumber before being picked up by Richmond as a teenager from Mandurah in Western Australia. His number one tip was to do as much research as possible for whatever you’re doing. Doing the extra work and putting in more The humorous personality even told a great story about how his time to make things easier down the road was vital to his success. plumbing skills got him out of trouble once or twice. But the details will stay off the record. His incredible insights and tips about a career in sport media will be invaluable to all students now and in the future. Taylor then discussed his transition from the field to the commentary box. Taylor knew towards the tail end of his football career that he It was a fantastic day and something we will all remember for a long wanted to pursue a career in the media. time. Another incredible experience studying the sport degrees at Holmesglen. Taylor talked of the rarity of footballers speaking to the media. He took it upon himself to buck the trend, doing interviews and speaking to the media, even if it meant punishment from his coach, Leigh Matthews.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Media www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportsmedia July 2017 Guest Speakers & Tours Over the past semester our students have been treated to some incredible insight into the thriving Sports Industry. From commentators to operations managers. Media managers to recruitment consultants. Our students have heard about this exciting industry from all angles. These have been the speakers and tours.

NAME TITLE ORGANISATION

Aaron Bailey Region General Manager AFL Yarra Ranges Aaron Chilcott Content Director, HIT FM Gippsland Southern Cross Austereo Anthony Alsop Executive Producer of Digital, Seven Sport Seven Network Anthony Stanguts Communications Manager - Talent AFL Victoria Blair O’Hara General Manager, Commercial VAFA Brett Anderson Editor, Online, Digital & Press SEN1116 Brian Taylor Sports Broadcaster Seven Network Callum Twoomey AFL Reporter AFL Media Cassie Jovan Graduate Employment Officer Holmesglen Cassie O’Brien Marketing & Communications Manager Melbourne Stars Dan Lonergan Sports Broadcaster & Host EON Sports & NIRS Daniel Cencic Media Manager Eastern Football League David Field Head of Broadcast Operations Fox Footy Fox Footy AFL 360 Tour Geoff Fithall AV Producer Holmesglen Ian Cohen Commentator & Broadcaster Cozalive Media Jack Heverin Sports Broadcaster EON Sports Kirstie Fitzgerald Communications Manager - Community AFL Victoria Luke Holmesby Public Affairs Manager Greyhound Racing Lynne Walker Operations Manager Fox Footy Mark Collins Group Manager Recreation and Leisure Glen Eira City Council Michaela McShane Game & Market Development Administrator Cricket Victoria Mike Ronchi Premier Cricket Strategy & Development Manager Cricket Victoria Rohan Connolly Senior Sports Writer The Age Ros Holding Global Recruitment Consultant Sportspeople Stathi Paxinos Sports Journalist The Age Teo Pellizzeri Media & Communications Manager Football Federation Victoria

Attend our Information Night 11th July with Rohan Connolly Register via [email protected] 5 Industry Day Review Holmesglen’s Sport Media Industry Day took place in April. Holmesglen’s Sports Media Internship Program is an industry-leading initiative where students complete internships with some of Australia’s leading organisations in the sport media industry. Mitch Wynd was part of the process and reported on the day.

Third-year Sport Media Students before their Industry Day interviews

Slightly over two years since beginning our sports media journey at From understanding the best ways to craft a resume and cover Holmesglen, it’s time for the Industry Day. letter to developing unique value propositions (UVPs) and of course, interview strategies, this subject has equipped us well for life beyond Industry Day is the day where our internship partners gather at our sports media degree. Chadstone to interview potential candidates for a range of positions. Through the semester, we have also been creating weekly ePortfolio All nine third-year students, dressed up in our finest business attire, entries, chronicling our experiences along the way. The portfolio listened intently as each of the providers gave a short presentation helps to analyse what we know, what we’ve recently learned, and on their organisation, what they do, and what we can expect if we how we can apply it in future. are lucky enough to be selected. For example, I have been able to secure a part-time journalist/ From AFL to soccer to cricket, there are plenty of sports on statistician role thanks to the skills I learned in Transition to offer, as well as plenty of roles on offer. Video editing, media and Professional Practice. communications, and production assisting are just some of the positions available this year.

Once the presentations are done, it’s interview time.

All the preparation, practice, and waiting is leading up to this point. For five minutes, we are interviewed by the organisations, making sure to highlight our skills and experiences that we have had during the last two years.

When the interview is done, we shake hands and move on to the next one. As the process settles into a rhythm and the initial nerves fade away, each interview gets a little bit easier.

Our successes on the day certainly would not have been possible without the skills and techniques learnt in the Transition to Professional Practice subject.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Media www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportsmedia July 2017 Industry Day Review

Week by week I have been able to describe the process as it was If you are a first or second year student reading this, my advice is unfolding. Looking back on the portfolio highlights how far we have to simply apply for as many internships as you can in third year. come in such a short time. You’ve worked hard to develop a wide range of skills that these organisations are looking for, so why not show those skills off to After the Industry Day, the internship partners develop their shortlist everybody? of candidates and invite them for a second round of interviews in early May. From there, each of us students will soon find out where Plus, each interview you do will settle your nerves and make you we will be headed, and the next chapter in our sports media story better for the next one. will be underway. A great experience as part of the Sports Media degree.

Attend our Information Night 11th July with Rohan Connolly Register via [email protected] 7 Internship Placements

STUDENT INTERNSHIP HOST 1 INTERNSHIP HOST 2 OTHER

Cameron Osterlund Sports Community

Jake Morris AFL Victoria

Victorian Amateur James Mottershead Cricket Victoria Herald Sun (2 Weeks) Football Association

Jay Singh AFL Yarra Ranges

Mitch Wynd AFL Victoria AFL Yarra Ranges

Victorian Amateur Mitch Deken Fox Footy Football Association Cricket Victoria Dale Atkins Southern Bayside

Alex Zaia SEN1116

Ryan Scott Melbourne Stars

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Media www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportsmedia July 2017 My Time at Cricket Victoria Holmesglen’s Sport Media third year students have now begun work at their interships with some of Australia’s leading organisations in the sport media industry. James Mottershead has been stationed at Cricket Victoria, here are his experiences so far.

James is completing his internship at Cricket Victoria

The most exciting part of completing the Bachelor of Sports Media It couldn’t have been easier to fit in, with staff making me feel is having the opportunity to undertake an internship at at one of the extremely welcome from the moment I walked through the door. Sports Degrees Internship host partners. Immediately I had meetings organised with different people who Having completed previous courses in the past, I understand work within GMD team to discuss what they had coming up and how rare these internship opportunities are therefore I have been how we could improve on what was done in the past. extremely keen to gain as much experience as I can through my internships. This enabled me to make a start on the communications plan and offered me an insight into how things were done at Cricket Victoria. After presenting myself to the Holmesglen partner sporting organisations at our industry day, I have been fortunate enough to After my first week, I had met with almost everyone in the GMD team secure an internship with Cricket Victoria. and had dozens of pages of notes on events, ideas and background information. As a result of my portfolio of work, I have also been given the opportunity to complete shorter internships at the Victorian It has been great to get stuck into the internship because it hasn’t Amateur Football Association (VAFA) and the Herald Sun. taken me long to understand the workings of Cricket Victoria and get to know everyone in the teams. These opportunities all offer different experiences and tasks to help me grow my array of skills for my future professional career. Having just finished my third week, my tasks have included completing audits on Cricket Victoria’s and Victorian Premier Not only will I bring hard work to these positions but also providing Cricket’s social media platforms, developing social media strategies these organisations different perspectives, talents and skills to help for both channels, continuous work on the communication plan, them grow. editing articles for the Harmony in Cricket magazine, and I will be working at the Refugee Week Cup in the coming days. Starting at Cricket Victoria on June 5th was an exciting and nerve- wracking experience. Special thanks must go to Michaela McShane for making my transition at Cricket Victoria extremely easy, and thankyou to My role is the Media and Communications Intern and my main task the Holmesglen Sports Degrees for providing this wonderful is to develop a communications plan for the Game and Market opportunity. Development (GMD) team.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Business www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness 9 My Time at AFL Victoria Holmesglen’s Sport Media third year students have now begun work at their interships with some of Australia’s leading organisations in the sport media industry. Mitch Wynd has been stationed at AFL Victoria, here are his experiences so far.

Mitch is completing his internship at AFL Victoria

From my desk at AFL Victoria’s offices at IKON Park, I have the Throughout the day, I call up coaches and other administrators perfect view of the ground when the are looking for comments for articles; interviewing someone by phone training. was not something I had done before, but I have adapted to this interview style quickly. Seeing those players out there who are the elite provides excellent motivation for me, as I make my first steps towards reaching the In my role, there is a level of trust in my abilities to complete the top of the sports media industry but it was by hard work that I am articles. I am enjoying the freedom and the belief in my abilities to sitting here. be able to get the task completed.

The second round of interviews was much more intensive compared After six days at AFL Victoria, I have already produced sixteen to the Industry Day with each organisation having its own way of separate articles, these have been published on the organisation’s conducting their interviews. website and shared across their social media platforms to an audience I could never hope to reach by myself. AFL Victoria tested our knowledge of the different footy competitions within the state, while Cricket Victoria provided mock situations to An important part of our internships that we explored before the understand how we would cover an event in print and digital media. Industry Day was culture; we asked what makes a good culture, and how can you do your best to fit in? Initially, I was not offered a second-round interview at AFL Victoria, I thought the opportunity had passed me by, however, I worked hard I’m happy to say that AFL Victoria has a fantastic culture upheld by and earned another chance and I received the full internship offer. brilliant people that make me look forward to walking through the Not a bad turnaround. doors every morning.

So how does a day at AFL Victoria go by? By far my favourite time of the day is the office-wide quiz from the two major newspapers, these are closely fought battles of wits While I’m rattling along in the tram to Carlton, I get my list of articles between some incredibly competitive people but its all in good fun. for the day emailed to me. Needless to say, I made quite the impact when I was undefeated in They are mostly previews and reviews, across a wide range of my first two weeks! competitions the organisation runs. The VFL, VFLW, TAC Cup, and the U18s National Championships are just some of the competitions I can’t wait to find out what else this internship has in store for me. I’ve had to cover already. Whoever secures the AFL Victoria internship next year has plenty to look forward to.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Media www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportsmedia July 2017 Pressure?!.. What Pressure? Quarter Times editor Ren Thompson sat down with the Holmesglen Higher Education Student of the Year Alexie Beovich to talk about his studies, overcoming challenges and what the future holds in store for the sport media professional.

Alexie Beovich

2017 Holmesglen Higher Education Student of the Year

Agonising over this week’s SuperCoach line-up, who should be Diagnosed with depression during the first semester, menial brought in? Who should be dropped? tasks such as getting out of bed were becoming a daily challenge.

“Bring in Taylor Walker,” a voice informs me, turning around to “It was tough but it did explain a number of things in my life.” see Alexie Beovich. But this new diagnosis didn’t deter Beovich as he runs his fingers Wearing a radical Space Jam shirt paying tribute to his love of along his signature moustache. basketball and a throwback to his childhood, Beovich is on his way home from a shift at Basketball Australia. “I participated in ‘Movember’, grew a mo and raised a whole bunch of money for a good cause.” “Tex is one of my sleepers this week,” he continues. While overcoming his challenges Beovich continued to excel in Beovich’s word should be taken for gospel when it comes the course which became almost a solace for him. to these matters. Beovich is the author of a weekly fantasy infographic, “LekDog’s Cheat Sheet”, on the popular “Jock “Everyone was so helpful, the teachers, my classmates, the Reynolds” SuperCoach website. school, it was a great,” Beovich said of the course paying homage to the academic team. He receives between ten and 15 thousand hits on any given week for his passion project. “I maintained high distinction averages over the last two years in my topics,” Beovich boasts and he should, it’s an incredibly “I get a headache from it some weeks,” Beovich talks of the impressive achievement. pressure to appease fantasy football addicts. This academic success saw the recent graduate awarded the But being under pressure is nothing new for the recently 2017 Holmesglen Higher Education Student of the Year award graduated student who completed the Bachelor of Sport Media at the at the Holmesglen Awards Nightt. in only two and a half years – a full semester earlier than planned. “It was a complete surprise, I don’t think I believed it when they “I wanted to prove that I was capable of doing it, being able called my name,” Beovich said of his astonishment at winning to produce quality work under pressure, I like the challenge,” the award. Beovich said. “I didn’t even bother to write a speech but I think I nailed it without But challenges are nothing new for Alexie. writing one.”

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Business www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness 11 Pressure?!.. What Pressure?

It’s this confidence in his abilities while remaining humble, that “I have work with Basketball Victoria as a result of my internship saw Beovich chosen to intern at Basketball Victoria part of the and I’ve had a number of interviews with some media start-ups Sports Degrees leading internship program. which have been exciting,” the media professional said.

During this time Beovich hit the ground running being entrusted “My short term goal is to be part of a media communications by the state sporting organisation to carry out his tasks with a team, but I would love to one day have my own communications professional manner. team,” Beovich said of what’s in store for his future.

“I was sent to Echuca for five days to cover a basketball camp The internships are incredibly challenging but undoubtedly are and produce videos,” Beovich said. proving to be a rewarding program for the sport degree graduates.

“I was the only media member to be sent for the entire span of Making them industry ready evident with the quality of work the the carnival.” student body is producing and the regard in which the course is held. It was a great moment for a student on an internship. After completing this intensive internship program, Alexie is now But for Alexie, one of the biggest highlights during this internship on the path to enter the competitive sport media industry. was shooting the breeze with Boston Celtics assistant coach Jay Larrañaga. But before we wish him all the best in his future endeavours we ask for any advice for the current student body. “We were just talking about basketball, and talking about life,” he said happily reminiscing of the moment that will stay with him “Take every opportunity that is presented to you, the internships, for life. the lecturers’ help and advice, but above all have fun and enjoy it!” “It was then I felt like I wasn’t just a student, I felt like a professional and a peer... I felt like I belonged.” Great advice from an impressive and skilled media professional.

This moment came as Alexie attended the NBA’s ‘Basketball All the best Alexie. Without Borders’ program that visited Melbourne and was held behind closed doors to major media outlets.

Beovich, one of the only media personnel there as part of his internship, got to interview current NBA player Kris Middleton and former NBA star Jerry Stackhouse among others.

“I had a selfie with NBA legend David Robinson too,” Beovich humblebrags to me, a fellow basketball tragic, but he deserves the spoils that comes from his hardwork and dedication.

Beovich completed a number of internships during his final semester, one of the only students in his class to do so, crediting the quality of work in his portfolio in assisting to gain the opportunities.

“My portfolio was massively important, being able to show the work we had created during the course definitely helped,” Beovich said.

“I am finding when I am applying for jobs now, I am being asked in interviews about how I would go about creating a social media strategy,” Beovich remonstrates.

“Then I can take my portfolio and say, ‘well here is one I made for a VAFA club already’, it’s a great feeling having those abilities.”

Now the transition into the real sporting industry lies ahead for Beovich.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Media www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportsmedia July 2017 Theory into Practice Quarter Times editor Ren Thompson sat down with the inaugural Quarter Times editor Kate Withers to discuss her recent student award nomination, graduating while being a technophobe and becoming a freelance writer.

Kate Withers

Inaugural Quarter Times Editor at her graduation

On a chilly afternoon better suited to the middle of winter rather “It was so daunting, we were given a camera and a microphone than April, my bones shiver with the breeze, longing for the sun, but and told to film a ten minute story every week,” Withers said of her for Kate Withers it’s her favourite type of weather. experience on the community television station show.

“I love the cold weather,” Withers said. “It was thinking on your feet, thinking of questions for television in a short time but the experience gave me a confidence boost.” Kate was part of the 1st Bachelor of Sports Media graduating class however this wasn’t her first undergraduate qualification. Kate’s extra-curricular work during her studies was rewarded was rewarded by being nominated as one of three finalists in the Most “In 2012 I completed a Bachelor of Journalism, it was something I Outstanding Student in Higher Education category for the entire wanted to do since I was 14,” Withers said of her adolescent dreams Institute, which came as a surprise for the modest Withers. but the course proved not what the teenage Kate had imagined. “It was quite an honour,” Withers said. “I used to walk past the library “The course was not very practical, it was all theoretical,” Withers so many times and saw the banners of the award winners and said of her first degree. thought they must have worked so hard, so it was very humbling.”

“So I graduated but I wasn’t sure what to do with it.” But for Withers the nomination was also a reminded of her hard work during the course and the skills she learned along the way. Unsure of what the future held, Kate came across the Sport Media course and it immediately proved to be the missing piece of the “I am a real technophobe, I am a bit of klutz when it comes to puzzle for the sport crazed student. technology, so the emerging media production class was great for me,” Withers said of learning photo-editing and video creation skills “The course has all the practical experience and the sports specific using industry grade software packages. focus I didn’t get previously but also so much more,” Withers said. Completing media work that she could include in her portfolio, “All the opportunities offered in the course are so rare, you’ve got to which has been crucial for her first endeavour into the broad sport take them!” media industry.

Withers definitely immersed herself in everything the course had to offer becoming the inaugural editor of this very publication but also a television reporter for the “Local Footy Show” on Channel 31.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Business www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness 13 Theory into Practice

“In this industry your portfolio is what you are judged on and what An amazing first step in her career but for Withers journalism is now you are hired on,” Withers stresses the importance of showcasing just the tip of the iceberg. her work. Continuing with her recent achievements Kate has secured her first “It’s cool to say you’ve done ‘it’, but you’ll get asked ‘how have you full time industry role. done it?’, ‘where have you done it?’ and it feels good to link them to my portfolio on my LinkedIn page to show my work.” “I’m thrilled to announce that on Tuesday 27th June I was offered the sports journalist role at the Latrobe Valley Express based in In fact the digital CV has been an invaluable resource for Kate as it Morwell.” provides an opportunity for the stellar work she completed during her internship at AFL Victoria to be seen by a wider audience. “I start on the 10th July and I can’t wait. Thankfully another graduate from the 2016 graduating class Bryce Eishold, has been working at “I completed 230 hours at AFL Victoria during my internship and I the paper since January this year so that will assist greatly.” got 100 stories under my belt,” As she begins her career, Kate shared some advice for the current Withers said but there were a number of highlights during her student body. experience. “Take every opportunity that is offered to you as you never know “It was great to network with ex-footballers and former journalists what it can bring.” who worked there and having a double-paged feature I wrote in the VFL Grand Final record.” “Sacrifice. It will be short term pain but for the long term gain.”

In fact having her work online has lead Kate to landing her first Some great advice for any student. freelancing position. All the best Kate. “Golf Victoria magazine approached me after seeing pieces I had done with my course work and now I am writing paid commissioned pieces for them.”

Photo to Sports Media stars Alexie, Kate and their supporters at the Holmesglen Awards.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Media www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportsmedia July 2017 Fox Footy AFL 360 Tour Sports Journalism students were in for a treat sitting in on a live taping of AFL 360 and a tour of the Fox Football studios. Editor Ren Thompson shares his experience of the incredible night.

Gerard Whateley and Mark “Robbo” Robinson on the set of AFL 360

During the first semester, our Sports Journalism class was treated In his typical relaxed carefree style, he is shocked at the number of to an incredible experience as we were able to tour the students sitting in on the filming tonight. studios and sit in on a live taping of the award-winning AFL 360 program. “It’s a party down here,” Robbo said.

Hosts Mark “Robbo” Robinson and Gerard Whateley are football “If I knew I would have come down earlier.” media’s odd couple. “This is still pretty early for you,” Whateley said giving a glimpse into The duo are two of the most respected voices in the saturated the banter dynamic which makes their show a success. football media landscape, however, their styles and mannerisms are completely different which results in an entertaining and engaging Our tour group was part of the crew’s shtick when Robinson asked television content with their shows a part of football lovers’ weeks. the class which host they favoured more, we were all to vote for Gerard (as the crew had instructed us too) as Robbo realised he Seeing them go about their craft in person was a thrill. was had.

Gerard Whateley the straight-laced, consummate professional; Sitting in for the opening segment to see how both sportswriters arrived in the studios some twenty minutes before showtime to approached the weekend of football, dealing with issues surround run through the script, rehearse segment openings, and prepare shirt punching and the plights of a number of wayward teams. remarks on the biggest stories after the weekend of games. But like all great front men, there is a band behind them keeping the On the other end of the spectrum is Robbo. show together.

Mark Robinson head football writer writer at the Herald Sun beats As part of our tour, we were introduced to the team of some twenty to his own drum. media professionals who make sure Robbo and Gerrard have everything they need for AFL 360 to be a success. As the clock ticks down to the show’s start time, Robbo saunters in with four minutes to spare.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Business www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness 15 Fox Footy AFL 360 Tour

Inside the chaos that is the Control Room of AFL 360

From the freelance camera operators taking the director’s queues to Like worker bees, the team in the control room were a hive of the stage manager keeping the hosts on time, our tour group then activity, needing to be in constant communication with each other headed behind the scenes. to manage the time, the footage, the graphics, everything to make the show run smoothly; arguably more fascinating than seeing the Our class was introduced to the sound engineer tasked with keeping hosts. the audio levels of the hosts, the guests and the incoming footage at a pleasant level to the viewer’s ear. While we all might aspire to be the next Mark “Robbo” Robinson or the next Gerard Whateley, we also have more chances to secure We met the assistant director who had the job of timing every clip work in these roles to begin our media careers. in the show’s proposed run sheet to make sure the director was constantly aware of the time remaining. Being able to see these numerous roles in a real-life situation was again all apart of another incredible experience from studying the We met the show’s director responsible for calling the shots and Bachelor of Sports Media. angles, the visual effects supervisor in charge of overlaying the graphics throughout the show and the producer whose word was The tour was made possible because of Fox Footy’s Lynne Walker final and had to decide which segments must be cut to fit into the and our lecturer Peter Rolfe and is another moment none of us will show’s time slot. ever forget.

Sitting in the studio with the hosts the mood was serene and calm; within the control room, the mood was stressful and chaotic.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Media www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportsmedia July 2017 My Journey to Holmesglen Holmesglen Institute’s Sport Media degree is third time the charm for our newest contributor James Maxwell. But he’s now found his calling. This is his journey.

James and his team United Consultants meeting with VAFA Fitzroy Football Club

Do you see the photo up there of the first graduating Holmesglen Sports company working the Internal Sales, something I will always regret. Media students? About two weeks into the job, Swinburne Online contacted me saying I would be able to join their course. I quit my job and started my next Well, that could have been me. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. course, the one I thought I was destined to stick with.

Let’s go back to 2012, I was in Year 11, struggling to stay focused and This wasn’t the case. be successful in my learning. I knew in the back of my mind that Year 12 wouldn’t go well because I simply wasn’t interested; this prompted me Fast forward to semester two of 2016, I was seriously not enjoying my to leave high school. time at Swinburne so I applied for Sports Media at Holmesglen. I was contacted during orientation week, finalised my enrolment and I was in In 2013 I enrolled at the SEDA Talented Player Program to start my the course, my third change in as many years. Certificate 4 in Sport Development based at Melbourne University. The move was fantastic; I enjoyed the experience and learned a lot of useful But since I started the Sports Media course, I haven’t looked back. life skills. My girlfriend constantly tells me that when I speak to her about what At the end of 2014, I had finished my Diploma and was awaiting to I have learnt each day, she can tell I am in love with what I am doing. hear back from various universities to start the next phase of my life. I eventually heard back and it came down to two courses, Bachelor of She isn’t wrong. Sports Media at Holmesglen or Sports Management at Deakin. Unfortunately, I chose the latter. Transferring into the course at Holmesglen has been the best decision I have made. The work we do throughout the semester is fantastic, In 2015 I chose Deakin because my goal was to get into primary school the relationships you build with your peers but also your lecturer’s teaching at another university, so I thought after six months in the are second to none. You wouldn’t be able to have the interaction you course I would transfer into teaching. have with your teachers in any other university course, it is really quite rewarding. This didn’t eventuate, resulting in starting semester two at Deakin, something I didn’t want to do. I reflect back to one key decision I made, leaving Year 11 for SEDA. I think and realise that if I stayed in high school and chose Sports Media About two weeks into the semester, I decided to pull out. I didn’t have after year 12, I could have been a part of the graduation ceremony just any motivation or the want to continue and I wasn’t prepared to do been. something I wasn’t happy doing. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Although I won’t live with regret, I will put This prompted me to enter the big wide world of full time work and get that in the back of my mind and let it spur me on to finish in two years’ a job to earn some income to tide me over. I found a job at a timber time.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Business www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness 17 Sports Marketing Showcase Our second year Sport Media students presented their strategic marketing plans and emerging media suites to our industry partner VAFA clubs. James Maxwell gives his firsthand account of this tremendous experience.

Omega Consulting and United Consultants presenting their work

During this past semester, the second-year students continued their Capturing this strategic data meant we could formulate marketing applied learning program working with Victorian Amateur Football tactics for the marketing strategy and create effective media content to Association (VAFA) clubs to develop a strategic marketing plan and a drive fan engagement on the club’s social media platforms. suite of emerging media content to assist the clubs in achieving their goals. Both our teams identified five major objectives where we believed our strategies and media suite could assist our designated clubs and the The two VAFA clubs involved in the program this year are the Fitzroy plans put forth ideas to achieves these objectives. Football Club and the De La Salle Old Collegians Amateur Football Club. For example, my team United Consultants identified the need to drive Two proud clubs in the amateur football landscape blessed with long engagement from the younger fanbase of Fitzroy FC, therefore we and successful histories, passionate supporter bases, engaging fans created a smartphone application the club could implement to appeal and most importantly open to our recommendations to help their clubs to the younger fans. now and into the future. While our fellow student group, Omega Consulting, identified a lack of Both clubs are poised to take the next step with their marketing and physical evidence at De La Salle home games was detrimental to the media efforts, therefore, it was our task to develop the plans and the club; therefore they suggested investing in promotional signage to raise content to help them take this next step. the awareness of the club in the community.

In the process providing our teams with incredible real-world insight into Our student teams presented these ideas as part of a strategic the work of sports marketing and sport media professionals. marketing plan coupled with the emerging media suite to our clubs in a professional setting. Our first task was to gain an understanding of the current market position of both clubs, to achieve this our student teams developed While it was daunting at first, being able to share the stage with my market research methods to capture both qualitative data – that is teammates was a sensational feeling presenting our hard work and our descriptive and opinion based data – and quantitative data – that is ideas to the Club. grounded in numbers and statistics. Both teams presented impressive plans and media content to their club To achieve this our teams created fan surveys, performed extended contacts, but the even better feeling was knowing our ideas could be interviews with club stakeholders, and performed observations at game implemented by our clubs and help them achieve their goals. days; these methods meant we were able to capture valuable data about our clubs. Another fantastic experience.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Media www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportsmedia July 2017

Covering the VAFA Women’s League

The VAFA have launched their inaugural Women’s league comprising of 40 teams. Our writer Nicole Erasmus has been chosen as the media officer for the new league. This is her experiences so far.

Nicole on the weekly VAFA Tragics live streamed round recap show

At the commencement of the academic year I was delighted Armistead said, “It was a great chance for Nicole to meet a lot to receive the opportunity to be the Victorian Amateur of the women’s players and she performed exceptionally well, Football Association (VAFA) media officer for the inaugural especially making the nervous girls feel more comfortable season of the women’s competition. on-camera and also given they were long and tiring days.

On the back of the highly successful first season of the AFL Not often will she be asked to conduct so many interviews Women’s competition the interest in the VAFA Women’s with different people in such a short period of time so it was competition has been phenomenal. a great baptism of fire of which she lapped up.”

Initial expectations at VAFA Head Quarters were that there’d In my role I’m writing weekly match reports, collating match be approximately 6 – 8 women’s teams, however, there are results and will also be a panellist on the VAFA’s award now 40 women’s teams. winning show the “VAFA Tragics” which is a live streamed weekly show. Since commencing in this voluntary role I’ve been working under the tutelage of VAFA Media and Communications Being a part of the glass ceiling breaking period for women’s Manager Nick Armistead, a wonderful mentor already. football has been an absolute privilege.

He has gifted me with valuable industry experience as well With 40 women’s VAFA teams and the success of the AFLW, as constant encouragement to participate in media activities it’s a great time to be a woman - a woman who competes in well out of my comfort zone. sport and a woman who aspires to report on sport.

One of my first tasks was the VAFA Media Day where I I’m extremely grateful to the VAFA and Holmesglen for conducted on screen interviews with some of the men and presenting me with this once in a lifetime opportunity. most of the women.

Apply now for direct entry into the Bachelor of Sports Business www.holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness 19 2017 Holmesglen Internship Host Partners Enquiries:

Robbie Coyle Course Leader Bachelor of Sports Media and Bachelor of Sport Business

P: 03 9564 1596 E: [email protected]

Nadja Koller Sport Degrees Administrative Officer Bachelor of Sports Media and Bachelor of Sport Business

P: 03 9564 6342 E: [email protected]

VAFA applied learning partners @HgSportsDegrees

Bachelor of Sports Media BACHELOR OF SPORTS MEDIA AND W: holmesglen.edu.au/sportsmedia BACHELOR OF SPORT BUSINESS Bachelor of Sports Business ORIENTATION W: holmesglen.edu.au/sportbusiness DAY 2017

With special guest John Stensholt

Wednesday 19 July 10.00 - 15.00 Chadstone Campus MUST Corner Batesford and Warrigal Road Chadstone ATTEND Building 1, Level 1, Room 33 (C1.1.33) EVENT FOR ALL STUDENTS ORIENTATION • Welcome and course overviews DAY ACTIVITIES • Guest speaker CALL 9564 6342 • Lunch provided • Meet the sports media and sport business Robbie Coyle community E: [email protected] • Learn about sporting opportunities at Holmesglen E: [email protected] • Campus tour • Administrative tasks @HgSportsDegrees Students must be enrolled to attend this event