Speaking with avid Melbourne supporter Nadia Oliver is like a breath of fresh air, with her approach to life and her insight into the Club proving most impressive.

 

Fifteen year-old Nadia, from St Leonard's College, recently spent one week at the Melbourne Football Club, where she participated in the Clubs' work experience program.

The week was packed with interesting activities and Nadia learnt about the elements that make up the football club.

 

Nadia began the week designing a new Melbourne retail store, finding a new location that would attract youth. She was also involved with a branding activity, and discussed promoting a positive brand, as well as helping with a footy clinic involving Melbourne players.

 

David Neitz addressed a talk where Nadia and the work experience group were able to ask questions - they compiled a mock press release and conducted a mock press conference, before having a tour of the MCG finding out the history of the ground. Later in the week, the younger players of the Club presented a leadership talk to the group and afterwards they analysed the Essendon team, working out position analysis to see their strengths and weaknesses and how they could work on breaking through their game plan.

On Sunday, Nadia was back at the MCG to hand out placards for the `Debt Demolition' campaign, and took a tour thorough the Melbourne training rooms.

 

`` I knew there was (a work experience) program that they designed but I didn't think it would be so in depth about the club and so extensive,'' Nadia said. ``It was so much fun.''

 

Moving from South Africa to Australia with her family at the age of three, Nadia has been a keen Demons supporter since she can remember. Friends of the family introduced them to the AFL code and the Club, and they were instantly hooked.

``Our family friends took us to watch Melbourne, and I have followed them since then,'' Nadia said.

 

``It's a really interesting game, our family is interested in watching sports and we find AFL really exciting. We liked to watch the rugby, but AFL is so much more exciting. And now we've got a lot of potential coming through with the new draft picks, it's so exciting watching them.''

 

When Nadia isn't participating in sport, socialising with friends, working in a cafe or umpiring and coaching netball, you will find her at the MCG, cheering on the mighty Demons. Nadia becomes quite competitive, excited and emotional when she's watching her beloved club, following them through its ups and downs.

 

``You kind of grow with them cause they're a growing team,'' Nadia said. ``You get into their game, and every week you see the different players rising up. I look at them as a baby team, even though I'm younger than all of them, I find I get really proud when they win.''

 

Nadia enjoys watching Jack Trengove, Brent Moloney and older players such as James McDonald and Mark Jamar, as she feels Jamar is “playing really good footy at the moment by keeping the team together.” Nadia hopes to see the Club reach the top eight next season, playing in finals, and within a few seasons, make it to the Grand Final.

 

``They're a good team - the other teams are getting older and we're just starting up.   We're going to have a great future.''