What are you up to these days?
I’m still involved in footy with AFL Queensland.
I look after game development on the Gold Coast. We’ve got a pretty big team based out at Metricon Stadium with the SUNS - who are the opposition now of course.
We focus on all types of development activities from Auskick programs all the way through to talent identification. I’ve been doing the role for 12 years now, so pretty much since I finished playing.
Have you noticed a significant change in the development of Queensland football over the past decade?
No doubt. It’s been a credit to the AFL for investing so much time and money into the area.
Our development team are out and about all the time working on Auskick activities and school programs.
The work that has been done is really starting to filter out into junior footy clubs as well with participation rates increasing all the time.
What are your fondest memories of your time at the Brisbane Bears?
I loved it. I was a born and bred Queenslander who had the opportunity to play for the Queensland AFL team. I felt really fortunate and honoured to play with the Bears - it was something I had always dreamed of.
I guess part of my role now is to help these Queensland kids coming through to reach their football goals and realise their dreams.
In terms of on-field memories, there probably weren’t too many good ones back then.
Although I played in the Reserves Grand Final side in 1991 under Rodney ‘Rocket’ Eade which was fantastic. Also playing my 50th AFL game at the Gabba was pretty special.
I really enjoyed playing alongside some really good people such as big Roger Merrett and seeing all the young kids come through like Vossy, Aka, Chris Scott, Justin Leppitsch, Nigel Lappin… Being there at the start of their careers was another bonus.
Do you still catch up with any of your former team-mates?
Not as much as I’d like to.
I know the Club has plans though to set up a bit of a past players reunion up here in Queensland which I’m really looking forward to.
But I still catch up with people like Danny Craven and Vossy to a lesser extent. Steve McLuckie and Corey Bell are also still really good mates of mine.
The Brisbane Lions are currently in the process of updating their database of past players and coaches. If you played a senior match with Fitzroy, the Bears or the Brisbane Lions (or know someone that has) and haven’t remained in contact with the Club, please email your phone and address details to melbourne@lions.com.au so that we can keep you in touch with any future events with past players.
