BRETT Goodes made the right choice. A gutsy choice.
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Fresh off Western Bulldogs’ AFL playing list and a wealth of state league success, Goodes could pretty much have suited up for any club across the Goldfields region that took his fancy for the 2016 season. He was offered good money and would make a great addition to any team. There are plenty of clubs where Goodes could polish off his football career playing with friends.
Goodes chose a club that has struggled to piece together multiple wins in the past decade.
He is no messiah – nor is he trying to be – and Sebastopol head coach Shane Snibson made clear to The Courier Goodes signing alone would not conjure a finals miracle. The ‘Burras still have a long way to go in the Ballarat Football League.
Goodes’ signing makes a public statement Sebastopol is a club with a journey worth investing.
His move carries extra weight given his day-job as the Bulldogs’ new Ballarat engagement manager – an important front-line community role – and his decorated playing career. Goodes is a dual North Ballarat Roosters premiership player in the Victorian Football League, has VFL experience with then-Bulldogs aligned heavyweight Williamstown and mature-age recruitment to AFL ranks.
The versatile Goodes played 22 AFL games for the Bulldogs the past three seasons while in between, he spearheaded the Bulldogs new VFL arm Footscray, earning a premiership medallion and Footscray best and fairest award in the club’s inaugural season.
Struggling country clubs are tough gigs. Good young players tend to drift away with the lure of greener pastures. Recruiting guys, especially proven quality guys, is near-impossible.
But there is something special about Sebastopol the past 18 months. Almost a decade ago, you would enter the rooms to interview a near-tearful coach and players who looked like they had endured a nightmarish bouts with Brock Lesnar.
Under Snibson’s new reign last season, the Burras found an edge. Power clubs like Redan were even a little off-guard and suitably impressed with the game the Burras served up. Fans from the eastern bloc were excited to check out the form of new ruck-forward Rowan Marshall, protege to former AFL ruck Orren Stephenson at the Roosters. Roosters captain and former Brisbane Lion Matt Austin, one of the Roosters’ most diligent in rehabilitation, built match fitness back from injury with the Burras. Club netballers worked closely with the footballers for a more structured approach to training and stronger game day support.
Goodes will add to this. He is a player well-versed in what it takes to reach the top and is experienced in helping other young men to succeed off the field in his work as an indigenous officer at St Patrick’s College, in the Northern Territory and player welfare at the Bulldogs.
For too long, Sebastopol has carried a stigma. Goodes, back working with long-time friend and coach Snibson, are determined to build a new respected reputation at the club. This will take time but ultimately benefit the whole league.