NEW PLAYERS INTRODUCED TO THE REBELS FAMILY
For seven new RaboDirect Rebels, this week has represented a busy process where introductions to the Club’s off-field staff, commercial partners, training and matchday facilities and coach’s expectations have ensured a full schedule.
For Cam Crawford, Steve Cummins, Mike Harris Tim Metcher, Sefanaia Naivalu, Jonah Placid and Dom Shipperley, it’s been their first official week as Rebels, and while it may be initially forgiven if they forget which door to enter AAMI Park through or who is in charge of designing the Club’s jersey, there are plenty of things expected for them to consume and lock into their memory bank immediately.
Outside of training early in the morning every day with the Rebels’ Coaching and High Performance team, alongside a few faces from the Rebels’ rehab group, there have been full facility tours of both VISY Park and AAMI Park, as well as introductory presentations from the Club’s Commercial, Communications and Community departments.
One on one meetings with CEO Peter Leahy, Head Coach Tony McGahan and his staff, Head of Athletic Performance Bryce Cavanagh and Player Development Manager Cam Yorke have focused predominantly on how the players have settled into Melbourne, their pre-season expectations and an understanding of the Club’s history.
“The main purposes of induction week are pretty straightforward,” Yorke explained. “We want the players to get to know the Club and all of the people who work in it, invest in it and are a part of it, whether that be staff, partners or members.
“We want the players to appreciate this great city, and we want to up skill them so that they are equipped with the tools to succeed as professional sportsmen at the Rebels.”
Further insight into the history of the Rebels, and Victorian Rugby Union, was provided by Board Member Gary Gray, while the Rebel Army’s Stuart Fazakerley also gave an overview of the reception the players will receive at AAMI Park. His message, in short; Rebels members and fans will provide unconditional support for all players who proudly wear the Five Stars on their chest.
Personal development and balance outside of Rugby play a huge part in the Club’s ethos, and a number of guest speakers were able to discuss elements inside and outside of the game with the new players. Dean Laidley, on the coaching staff of Carlton Football Club, spoke to them about professional athlete expectations, while Professor Simon Bell from the University of Melbourne spoke about personal branding.
Foundation Rebel and former Wallaby Nic Henderson, now the Club’s Elite Pathways Manager, gave a reflection on his time at the Club and his professional career, the Rugby Union Player’s Assocation (RUPA) provided financial advice and career development discussion opportunities and the Club Chaplain spoke to the players about wellbeing and asking for help when they need it.
Thursday saw the inductees out and about. Hopping on board the new Rebels-branded bus, provided by Kingston Tours, the seven new players ventured to the Melbourne office of Principal Partner RaboDirect, where they were given an overview of the company, their commitment to Victorian Rugby through the Conversions for Community program, and a delicious lunch while mingling with staff.
From there it was across the bridge to visit Platinum Partner Massey Ferguson, where Placid was quick to mention he had driven a tractor previously. He was put to the test and his words proved true, before the remaining six players were also given the opportunity to drive the machines around the yard; something they thoroughly enjoyed. An overview of the company was provided (with a voiceover from Morgan Freeman, if you don’t mind!), and so curtains were drawn on a fascinating day out and about.
One of the highlights of the week for the players was the opportunity to work with the Club’s community department and gain their ‘Coaching Kids Rugby’ qualification, which they then put to use on Friday with a Rugby Gala Day in Melton, before they finished up with the instruction to enjoy another weekend getting to know Melbourne, but to be ready for the beginning of pre-season with the full squad on Monday.
Rebels’ General Manager of Rugby Operations, Baden Stephenson, paid tribute to Yorke and the inductees for a week he called “vital for fast-tracking their transition into the Rebels squad.
“Cam has done a wonderful job in putting together such a complete induction to the Rebels family, which was both educational but also highly enjoyable for the players,” he added. “I would also like to commend the inductees for their professional attitude in embracing the week, and everything it encompasses.”
Courtesy of Rebels Media Unit
