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State Team Contacts
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Queensland Sundevils Diaries
This State Season, the Gridiron Queensland website will follow the progress of the Queensland
Sundevils State Teams through the eyes of individual players for both seniors and juniors.
Contents
2009 Junior Sundevils Diaries by Jameson Clifton
2008 Senior Sundevils Diaries by Dr Dave
2007 Junior Sundevils Diaries by Sam Copping
2006 Senior Sundevils Diaries by Christian McCarty
2006 Junior Sundevils Diaries by Lachlan McIntyre
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| 2009 Juniors |
Jameson Clifton |
The season is over for most. All but some, have gone back to their regular routines. Sleeping in, playing Madden, late night games of Halo 3. However there
are an elite few, the cream of the crop who continue to play. For these dedicated few the season is not over, in fact it has just begun. These few
we call "The Sundevils". With their armour, strapped up, laces tied they have begun the march down the long road to nationals. Sundevils Diaries for
2009 will see one of these Sundevils share his experiences in the lead up to the title defense. Introducing Jameson Clifton, Running Back.
Episode 1 - The Climb Begins
This past Saturday was a great day to start training. The sun was hidden behind the clouds offering some much appreciated shade in the middle of almost Amazon
like humidity. Beads of sweat could even be seen forming at the sides of some of the stagnant spectators. I couldn't help, but think how lucky I am to live in
Queensland. There was a wide array of skill and talent on display, with some people showing signs of summer holiday's syndrome, while others appeared to have
been keeping quite fit and active over the holidays. Whatever the case was there definitely a lot of work to do before nationals, but with all players
excited to get back into it, I am filled with confidence.
The main focus of day one was start on improving fitness levels and revise basic skills left idle over the summer holidays. With a strong offensive
skill set ready to get to work, things were looking good oin the air and on the ground. The defense are off to a strong start as a unit and despite a new
combination, the O-line was looking very promising. I look forward to what next week will bring.
Episode 2 - The Devils of the Sun
Today was about as hot as a BBQ on Australia Day. However everyone was looking good during routine practice, a good sign of everyone coming together as a
team. During the warm up, everything looked fantastic with everyone looking much fitter and active after the first training session. As the day continued
everything was looking great with barely a pass hitting the ground, hard running, and excellent defensive pursuit and wrap-up tackling. There are a lot of
very promising young players, and with the return of the Australian representatives, the team is shaping up well on both sides of the ball.
At the end of the day everyone was drenched in sweat, looking like something from a Gatorade commercial, this was a good sign of everyone's commitment and
input. We have heard the tournament is shifting dates and venues. 2 weeks later means longer to wait before pulling on the maroon and gold, but also 2 more
weeks to polish the championship game.
For many club activity is soon to get started, I know our Flag Football should be a great kick-start. But for some of us, non-contact just won't cut it. Luckily,
we have state football to focus on.
Episode 3 - The Enemy Approaches
In the past several weeks of training a level of commitment and teamwork can be noticed in all the players. With just under a month and a half to go until
the 2009 Nationals everything is looking sharp. I am told by those who have been around for previous nationals that this team is further along in their
preparations than previous teams have been at a similar stage. Perhaps this is an ominous warning given the success of the 2006/2007 Sundevils.
Hitting the mid-point of preparations there has been an increase in intensity which hasn’t been noticed before. This was most apparent towards the end of
practice during a full out scrimmage, the motivation boosted by some incentives for the unit that was ‘hungrier’.
The spirited scrimmage saw offense move the ball well only to be stifled before the goalline. The defense continued the pressure through the next series, before
the deciding series saw the offense march 60-yards to ‘win’ the scrimmage, clearing memories of some previous miscues. Perhaps it was the coming together of
the Oline keen to get their ‘fill’ ahead of the defense.
After this situational scrimmage everyone appeared to be fired up which was exactly what was needed. Hopefully this continues on as we approach Nationals to help
us bring home the title and keep the Sundevils title streak going. The platform is there, with execution and further development of the team bond the most
important goals for the remaining training sessions.
We hear that all six states are competing which is great news. Now, we eagerly await the tournament schedule and set our eyes ahead to the enemy that is on
the horizon. Still plenty of work to do until then.
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| 2008 Seniors |
Dr Dave |
Sunday February 10 – First Training Session
Well here we are at the start of another quest for a national championship – “State ‘08”. The first training session
has crept up upon us and you could see by the look of determination in the eyes of all the players and coaches (though this
could be squinting as it was a bright day) the desire to go a lot better than our last two attempts at the title. It should
be added that this of course would not be that difficult due to our dismal attempts the last two times. However, there is now
a sixth team so we do not want to go worse.
The first thing that I should point out was that is was an absolutely lovely Sunday afternoon with temperature in the high 30’s.
Yes you could say that it was stinking hot but it made up for it by being about 110% humidity. Additionally we were extra
lucky by ensuring that the grass was at least up to our ankles (or in some players’ case cankles). There is however, always
a bright side and that is at least we didn’t have our 40’s timed as they would have been a bit slower as we waited for the
guides to hack their way through the grass for us. In saying that, my 40 would have been very accurate as there was enough
sun to get a really good reading on the sundial.
The second thing that really stood out was the amazing level of fitness of the players. I can assure you that if NSW or
Victoria brings a team of 80 year olds with walking frames we will have them this year (only of course if we get a big lead in
the first half because they may run us down). Never have I seen so many grown men attempt to be sick at the one time (unless
you count mad Mondays). The bright side of all this is that we can get better and fitter, if only we can lay off the
snickers bars just before training (remember this Tangles aka Christian McCarthy).
Of course the first training session is always one where players learn about each other and try to understand each others unique
personalities. Defensive Linemen work together motivating each other as they battle the Offensive Linemen, who in turn cheer
on and support their fellow team mates. Linebackers working together trying to work out which is tougher - their heads or their
helmets, and also helping each other learn to read. Defensive backs working closely with wide receivers’ discussing which type of hair
product works best for them and do they prefer to moisturize in the morning or the evening. And of course the running backs, practicing
their photo poses for the local paper (luckily we all wear helmets). And then there is Pony aka Jeff Moats showing everyone how much of
a man he is (??) by running through the plays in a mankini. With the pride of Gridiron Queensland on display (some in more ways than others) you
can’t help but ask – Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? You will all have to stay tuned to find out.
Some of the more senior players in the team feel that we should be more open than our previous attempts to win the trophy.
So to help the rookie and senior players alike who may feel the oppressive burden of the weight of expectation being
created by our supporters, to lift Queensland back to the pinnacle of Gridiron in Australia (where I might add it once
was), in front of our home crowd, in our own backyard, whilst coming up against the best players in the country - I will
be offering advice and counseling through our regular column “ask Dr Dave”.
So if you have any concerns or queries just drop me a line and I will discuss it and laugh at you with my fellow senior
players. You may find some of my advice a little harsh but I assure you it will always be cruel
Sunday February 17 – Second Training Session
Well it took a little longer than expected to recover from the first training session (at least for me).
By Wednesday I was able to hobble around quite adequately, but my hamstrings, groin and the muscles in my butt were
still very stiff and sore. By Sunday we were all raring to go again and the grass was even cut for us – talk about being
in a professional league. It was also good to see a few new faces at training this week and watching the results. I think
the overall fitness levels have definitely increased. In my opinion, it just could be that those players who trained last
week paced themselves much better, as a few of the new faces did seem to spend a lot of time bent over in the feotal p
osition, whilst those from last week seemed to miraculously make it through quite easily.
State ’08 playbooks should be ready by next weekend so we will have much more to work with from then. In saying that if
any of the other states wish for a copy, please email me and we can discuss terms. A vote from each head coach for me
to make the Australian team would not only get you copies but copies for your players, yours families and your players
families, as otherwise I would have to rely on my ability and as most of you would realize I am no hope (that’s enough from
you Victorian Boys).
As it was training was quite good with a great showing of players, it was also quite uneventful an almost an anti climax
without any of pony’s trademark ‘special’ comments to harass and rile the coaching staff.
I must admit I was very skeptical about the response to the advice column but I might say that I was very surprised at the
amount of emails and the want of the current crop of state players to become more in touch with themselves, their feelings
and insecurities. It shows great intestinal fortitude to admit that you need some help to make it at the next level, and
even more to ask me.
Personal growth both as a player and as a human being is almost as important as spending time in the gym working out on
weights. It is through recognizing weaknesses and changing them to strengths that a man is truly defined and I would
like to think that this current crop of senior players have had enough experience to help in the development and ridicule
of all Queensland State ’08 players. So please keep those emails coming to drdavesadvice@live.com.au.
Dear Dr Dave,
I am new to the state team and I really want to be a starter. There are many great players in the squad that may be ahead
of me at the moment but I think that I may be able to beat them out at training. My fear is making them look bad by trying
too hard at training and disenfranchising myself from the squad. Should I just dog it during skills and just go flat out
and let my skills show during scrimmage?
Signed, Confused Running Back
Dear Confused Running Back,
The first thing you can do is stop using big words as I play defense. Secondly you should consider that you are a rookie
and that no one in the team cares about what you feel and think and you should just shut up and do what you are told. Now
as to your problem, it strikes me as quite poniant that you are concerned about how others see you. As a running back you
should always go flat out, except when training against some of the older linebackers, in which you should allow them to
tackle you and you should pretend that it was a great tackle and it really “rocked you”. The reasons are twofold, 1) it
will make them look good and 2) it will stop you from being beaten up at camp when you have no place to run. As for your
fear of alienating your fellow team mates I would ask you to take the following advice seriously - As I have mentioned
before you’re a rookie and no one cares, give yourself an uppercut, stop whinging about “will the others like me” and
when your at training on your next water break, mix it with some cement and harden up.
Dear Dr Dave,
I have been playing this game for a number of years and have made numerous state and Australian sides. Yet despite all
of this I still have a recurring phobia about trying to intercept a pass. For some reason I don’t believe that my hands
are good enough and continually live in the belief that I will drop the ball and not be able to make the play. Why would
I feel this way after all of my success and what should I do?
Signed, Ben (not my real name)
Dear Ben (not your real name)
I have thought long and hard about your issue and discussed it with my fellow group of senior players and we all believe
that your phobia is derived from two main causes. To fix this problem we have to address each separately and deal with
each. If you can free your mind from these two issues I believe you can overcome any obstacles that you have held deep
within your psyche. Firstly, is the fact that you have made numerous state and Australian teams. This has had you
tormented and confused, as you are a no-talent player, it has had you wondering endlessly as to why you were chosen
(almost as much as us). I will clear this up for you so you can clear your mind of it. You are a token. Due to
Queensland’s poor performance over the last couple of seasons the Australian selectors have felt it necessary to
chose a token Queensland player in the side and you are it. This has far more to do with the results of the previous
state teams than with your ability. So you should live for the moment and cherish each selection in the knowledge that
you won’t get much game time and therefore unlikely to stuff up too badly. The second part of your problem is rooted
deeply in Freudian conundrums. It has been noted by numerous scholars of Freud that the inability to catch a large
leather ball is directly related to your masculinity. This is why you may have noticed I can catch the ball one handed
on many an occasion. My advice is to free your mind of this factor as it is not important, you are married and your
masculinity is no longer relevant. So free your mind, stop your whining and follow this simple recipe – 2 parts water,
1 part cement and drink - Harden Up.
Dear Dr Dave,
I am a linebacker in my early 40’s. Scrap that, I mean 30’s. I am wondering if the game is getting too much for me. I
have been training and watching the younger players coming up through the ranks and it has made me worry about whether
or not I can cut it as a player at this level for much longer. Do you think I am right?
Signed, Old Man River
Dear River
It is an interesting question that you pose and the answer is quite simple. NO you can not cut it at this level. To
put it bluntly you are too fat, too old, too slow, go back to playing in the 80’s with some disco music while watching
Welcome Back Cotter. My advice is to leave this game to the younger guys as they are the ones that it is meant for,
not whining old men. It is obvious to me that your ability is zero and that is your real concern. You probably played
behind an excellent defensive line that made you look good because you didn’t have to do anything. Your reputation (if
you would call it that) probably far outweighs your talent and this is the cause of your fear -your extreme lack of
talent. Your career has probably only lasted as long as you say by constantly changing clubs so no one will realise
just how terrible a player you are. I would say that your footballing ability is comparable to a seventy year old lady,
except she would be better. Stop whining if you don’t think you’re good enough - get out and don’t bring this team down
any more. Otherwise shut up with the moaning, give yourself an uppercut and get some water add some cement and drink it
so you can harden up.
So thanks for all your letters and hopefully we will have some more next week if the fascist bullyboys don’t censor the
hell out of us!
Editor’s Note: Some censorship of the above journal was required, and the credentials of our consulting doctor are
currently under review. If he doesn’t like it he can give himself an uppercut, get some water, add some cement and...
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| 2007 Juniors |
Wide Receiver Sam Copping |
Hi everyone, and thanks for taking the time to share in my Sundevils experience. I’m
Sam Copping, I play Wide Receiver with Gold Coast Stingrays and this year I am back
again for another taste of Junior Nationals with the Queensland Sundevils. Over the
lead-up to the tournament I will be here every couple of weeks to give you an insight
into what is going on as we prepare our title defense. I hope you enjoy it. See you at
on the Gold Coast in May!
Episode 1 - The Road Starts Here
Well, the title-defense has begun. With the memory of last year’s Junior Nationals still
fresh in my mind the 2007 campaign is just beginning. I am one of seven Queenslanders
back for another go-round, and we have a great team of newcomers along this time.
The last club season was great and we saw so many players emerge as stars, bringing their
skills and ability to the State team experience. It is great to be back working with
Coach Box, Coach Knight and Coach Miller and with Coach Maddison and Coach Walker on
board we have some really knowledgeable and motivated coaches.
I guess my role changes a bit this year, now I will have to step up as a leader and to
set an example, a challenge I am looking forward to. We have had two training sessions
now and there has been plenty of great effort and some excellent early signs. It is
always good to get to know the other guys from different clubs and there are plenty of
lads from my club the Stingrays, as well as Wildcats, Ravens, Bears and Cougars. One
of the highlights last time was how we came together as a team, and I am looking forward
to that happening again, we’ll need it to happen if we are going to take that
title again.
I have heard that the other states are pumped for the Nationals and we will have a big
target on us so we will have to ‘bring it’ if we are to be successful. For me personally,
I had such a great week on the field last nationals and I hope I can contribute like
that again. My head is in the playbook. I am working hard at the gym and generally
keeping focused on football. Another training session this week, and I can’t wait.
See you all in the next issue of Sundevils Diaries.
Episode 2
Now that the Easter break is over we are only four weeks away from the 2007 national championship title defence and
the morale among the players is of a high standard. It is good to see that all the players are getting along with
each other and seeing everyone as a team mate instead of seeing everyone in there club teams. This will go a long
way to the team success that we can all work together and work towards one goal - retaining the national title. Me
personally I can’t wait to get back on that playing field and hopefully produce another great week of performances
to help the team get to where we want to be again and that is as national title-holders. I can tell that all the
players are eager to get out there and give it out best shot.
Our coaches have been working us hard and all the players can see the difference. Our defensive unit is coming along
very well and should be a force throughout the Nationals. The offensive unit is starting to gel as one, which is a
very good sign. We have got four weeks left of hard training then we will all be ready to compete.
This year there have been some new rules such as full special teams so that should add more excitement to the games.
Special teams is a real big part of the game now because a run back kick return or punt return can change the whole
momentum or out come of a game. With Mitchell Eve, Jeremiah Uzelpasaci and myself back returning kicks we will be
looking forward to that opportunity.
With nationals just around the corner all the boys are working very hard keeping their fitness up and working hard
on the training pitch so that we can get the best results when we do hit the filed for the real thing.
Be sure to look out for the next episode coming soon.
Episode 3
The final chapter: We Are Champions Again!
It has all come full circle. Four months ago we had just been named in the Junior Sundevils team and now we are the
Champions!
It was even more special to me because I was lucky enough to be a part of last year’s as well as this year’s Jnr
Nationals and winning the state championship back to back with a record of 8 – 0 is a very satisfying accomplishment.
As a team we put so much work in, so to come out with the title is exactly what we wanted to do and nothing less.
This year’s team was made up of a great bunch of guys and we were all like brothers, we each had each other’s back
and I believe, apart from our skill, that was why we won. Simply because we were there for each other, just like
a team is supposed to do. I would like to thank all the boys for making this year’s campaign most enjoyable and it
will never be forgotten.
This year it was once again held at the Tallebudgera Recreation Centre. It is a great venue for the tournament with
it having great accommodation, food and access to the beach and creek it was just perfect.
To all of our coaches I would like to congratulate and thank you immensely for the amount of tireless work that you
have put into this years campaign. I know individually am very grateful for what you have taught me and it is
because of you that I am the player I am today and I am grateful. As well, I appreciate being selected for the honour
of captain this year and I enjoyed the role of being a leader and I hope I lived up to the role.
I would like to say thank you to Gridiron Queensland for giving me the opportunity to share with everyone my
experience and I had a lot of fun doing so.
Back to Back State champs not many people get the chance to do that and we did. In two year’s time, although I won’t
be there as a player, I am sure the next intake of Sundevils will live up to the legacy we have created.
See you all out there on the field this season.
Sam Copping WR #6
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| 2006 Seniors |
Linebacker Christian McCarty |
2006 Seniors Linebacker Christian McCarty Christian was a debutant of the 2006 Senior Sundevils on a tour that went horribly wrong for him personally as much as the results humbled the team as a whole. After recovering from a serious hand injury Christian was good enough to put together his thoughts and observations of the tour and remind us that win or lose, State is State!
Day 1 – 8th of July
An early morning for some, a normal day for others, we all ended up in Adelaide before
dinner (except for Kev who slept in through his initial flight and had to book another
plane later that night). As we came through the cloud cover and the coastline of Adelaide
became obvious, we knew that this trip was going to be extremely cold. We were not
disappointed. The crisp breeze blew straight through our Queensland tracksuits and we
shivered as we made out way to the hired Taragos waiting for us in the car park.
We arrived at the South Australian Police Academy not twenty minutes after leaving the
airport. The accommodation was quite sufficient for everyone’s needs with single rooms
for all team members, coaching staff and support personnel.
The common room has become our general mingling area due to one very important fact:
it has a television. We started watching some DVD’s that a few of the other guys bought
along including “Blazing Saddles” and “The Boondock Saints” as we struggled to get
used to the somewhat extreme temperatures (well, extreme for us sub-tropical
Queenslanders anyway). The movie winner of the night, though, was “Jarhead” which
we all seemed to have a bit of fun watching. So, in saying that, I guess we hardly did
anything today except go up the road to “Chicken With Attitude” and get some weirdly
packed chicken in a bag, not a box like we were used to. This posed a serious problem,
especially for Andy who copped chicken oil all over his pants which then progressed
ontoa 45 minute heated discussion about why take-away chicken should be served in a
box, rather than a bag.
Tomorrow will pose new challenges and tasks for the Queensland State Team, including
the beachfront walk early in the morning. Since the only land mass between here and the
South Pole is the Antarctic, I’m sure there will be some colourful language and a lot of
whining from the boys about the “extreme weather”. Although we are cold, I’m sure
we’re going to enjoy this tour very much, and come back better people and better football
players.
Day 2 – 9th of July
The day started with a 7am wake-up call, and a nice brisk walk along the beach. With a
nice breeze blowing straight in our faces, we trudged on up the path that ran alongside the
sand. The walk lasted for around half an hour, but seemed like a lot longer in the crisp
wind.
At 8am, we demolished the breakfast laid out for us, cereal, toast, fruit, and of course
coffee. The feeding frenzy subsided around twenty minutes after it began and everyone’s
stomachs stopped groaning for sustenance. Now full of food, we were told training was
to start very soon, so we made our way back to the dorms and quickly got changed for
our firs Adelaide training session.
Getting acclimatized to the cold air is getting easier now, as we kitted up and began to
run our warm-up lap. The air is still bitterly cold when it hits exposed nostril, but we’re
getting used to it and making the most of every minute we get out on the paddock.
Offense and defense trained well for our premiere on the police academy field. Dipper
realized his helmet was too small, though. A fortune paid out for a brand new DNA
helmet, and it doesn’t fit. He’s not exactly too happy about the size selection he made.
But, being a linebacker, he decided to just paint his head white and wear nothing.
Straight after the training session, we were given an hour to get ready in our Queensland
gear and get ready for our first look at the 2006 Nationals. For some, it was the very first
time they had ever been on a Queensland tour, so it was the centre point of many
memories for the days and games to come.
Getting to the field, we were nearly immediately organized into our respective teams for
the opening marches of the ceremony. Kyle was given the honor of making the
“Captains Pledge” which he did in his usual laid back princess-like way.
We had a chance to watch our opponents, study their techniques and also mingle with
each other and players of other teams as well. We were the only team not playing on the
day, but we enjoyed watching the beginning of the spectacle and getting used to the
atmosphere of the 2006 Nationals.
After returning to the Police Academy, there was a knock on the door. “PIZZA!!” was
yelled down the hallway and a chorus of doors opened and gridiron players poured out
into the open spaces of the common room. Forty pizzas were attacked and pillaged.
There was nothing left but crumbs and empty boxes. We all spared a moment of silence
before Matty Skelton interrupted… It was truly charming. “Does anyone have a lighter?”
were the next words to come out of his mouth. He then had a Pepsi bottle hurled at him
from across the room. That was the end of that.
A few of the guys watched the World Cup final game at 3am, but most stayed under the
warmth of as many blanket as they could find before the day of prep tomorrow: the eve
of our quest for the championship.
Day 3
The early walk was called off due to a few of the guys showing signs of sickness, and
continuing on with the beach journeys, was called off. Thank God too, because it was
damn cold this morning. Jase played weatherman and enlightened us on the fact that it
was a red sky in the morning, and it was going to rain.
We ate breakfast at 8am again, and got as much energy into our bodies as possible before
we began training. The feed contained the usual list of cereals, toast, juice, and coffee.
Nothing of a culinary delight, but it was more than sufficient for our later tasks.
Once on the training field, we were quite shocked. It was warm. We were running
around in the sun and spirits were high. Fifteen minutes into the training, the wind came,
and so did the clouds. Jase was right. It was going to rain. But lucky for us, the rain
held its water (unlike Huey who was threatened with a lovely brisk mile run if he false
started again). The training was helpful and we went through special teams assignments
and ran some scout defense for the offense to show them what they would be facing
against South Australia tomorrow night.
Scurrying back to the warmth of the indoors, the Queensland players were given free
reign until around 5:30pm, when we had to be ready for the bus to the official dinner for
the event. Everyone except the offense had the time off, anyway. They had to be back
out on the field for another hour starting from 2:30 after the coaches had viewed the game
footage and made adjustments to the game plan.
Preparation for the dinner was interesting, with both linebackers from North Queensland
finding out that they had bought their black dress pants, but no black dress shoes. Nice
outlandish Nike’s for them tonight. Ironing the shirts was another matter entirely. Turtle
asked “how do I iron?” after turning the iron on and beginning his severe learning curve
about hot surfaces. He came up alright, and managed to do a satisfactory job after twenty
minutes, but also came up with the conclusion that whenever he gets cold again, he’s just
going to come up and iron his clothes because it’s the closest thing to a heater down here
since the central heating doesn’t work.
The dinner turned out to be more formal than we had imagined, although we were the
only State to wear formal gear (white collared shirts, black dress pants and a tie). Lukey
picked the perfect table – the closest one to the bar. Although not many guys had more
than two drinks, it was more a question of convenience, and we liked his rationality.
Kyle got busted for stealing the cheerleaders’ bread basket. What a great captain’s
performance. We found out a few of the South Australian boys dobbed us in for the
bread stealing, so we’re going to make sure we pay them back for that when we play
them tomorrow.
The guest speaker was a represented from the South Australian Sharks wheelchair rugby
team. He was a heavily handicapped 23-year old who has made the most of what life has
handed him. He has taken his disability and turned it into an ability to play for Australia.
He is a current national player, and gave us a talk of what he has achieved even with such
a severe disability. It inspired a lot of us to give everything tomorrow night, and to make
the most of what we have now. As he exited the front of the dinner floor, he was given a
massive standing ovation for his courage and bravery through the toughest time any one
of us could imagine.
After the dinner, we returned back to the academy and the lot of us were just totally
stuffed. There wasn’t much of a sound after half an hour of being back at base camp.
We had all retired to our rooms and fallen to sleep, in preparation of a bigger day
tomorrow. Game day.
Day 4 – Game Day #1
A 7:30am breakfast got us out of bed, and the mood was more somber this morning as
everyone’s mind was on the game tonight. We play South Australia at 6:30pm, and we
have a score to settle. First of all, the Queensland trip last year wasn’t the best, and we
have had to put up with everyone looking at us like we are going to be another walk-over.
Plus, the South Australians dobbed us in for stealing their cheerleader’s bread. Two
score we have to settle.
Training time at 10am. We worked through the offenses and defenses that were shown in
South Australia’s last game, and we are very confident that we can match them and really
bring the noise. We’re not only looking to win, we’re looking to change everyone’s mind
about the Queensland side. The offense is working like a charm, and everyone knows
their roles inside and out. The defense…well, we’re just drooling at the opportunities
that we’re going to have to complete Coach Hiddleston’s game plan, which is to totally
dominate this South Australian team. We’re confident, not cocky. We’re ready.
Once we say the green of the hockey field, we knew this was it. This was our time to
make a stand. All the training has led to this point and we weren’t going to repeat the last
Queensland tour.
I was cold and had just started raining. We entered through the player’s entrance, which
was a concrete corridor with training rooms either side of the main field entrance. We
were positive and ready for a good hard-hitting battle.
The warm up was our usual jog, stretch and drills. We also did a few extra drills and
exercises to keep the knowledge of certain techniques fresh in our heads. Before long,
the South Australian team came out of the training rooms and onto the field as well. We
sized them up, and we knew it was going to be one hell of a game.
Kickoff. The special teams folded in to form the wedges and explode out, but we
couldn’t hold onto the ball, losing it on the ground. It was a disappointment, but with the
defense holding them to nearly no gain at all, they were forced to punt on their first
series. We got the ball back. Unfortunately we weren’t able to convert our possessions
into points until late in the game.
The defense held the South Australian Fire to very little gains on the ground. Their
running game was nearly non-existent thanks to a powerful defensive line and
linebackers always cleaning up their backs before any major gain. Even Benny Walker
got into the run-stopping action a few times with some awesome hits laid. Defense was
keeping us in the game.
The score at half time wasn’t to our advantage. Letting only one touchdown in, we were
behind, but certainly in the game.
The second half was to remain the same, with us failing to convert on crucial downs and
letting the South Australian defense dominate our offensive line on run plays.
The game was taking its toll with injuries to a few players, especially where we were
short in depth. Offense lost both Clinton Fraser and Paul Mason (Buttercup). Clinton
with a torn hamstring, and Paul being led away in an ambulance, and also Nathanial
(Funny) was taken off after a special teams incident where he sprained his knee.
A special team error let in another S.A touchdown, and a positive end seemed further
away.
Late in the fourth quarter, we were given a glimmer of hope, as Kyle connected to his
favorite target for the night, Ryan Kelly from the Bayside Ravens. With 6 points finally
up on the board, there were lifted heads on the sidelines. After a failed attempt at the
extra point, we decided that Matty Skelton was never to be a kicker.
The final whistle blew with the score in South Australia’s favour, 17-6. Ryan Kelly won
the Queensland MVP for the night. A bittersweet result for Ryan, and a disappointment
for the rest of the Queensland squad, we gathered our things and retired to the change
rooms.
The bus ride back to the academy was a quiet affair. Hardly a word was spoken as we
contacted relatives and friends and told them of the loss via sms messages and quiet
phone calls as we watched the Adelaide landscape pass us by.
Tomorrow, we have preparation for the New South Wales game. The past is behind us,
and we have another challenge in two days time. No time for regrets, no time for second
thoughts. Today is finished, and tomorrow is about to begin.
Day 5
A 7am wakeup call, and everyone got out of bed extremely sore. Upon further
inspection, more bruises and injuries had become apparent in the Queensland camp. Ben
Quigley ended up discovering a broken ankle. Some would say a broken bone would be
a very hard thing to miss, but he played on ever since the 1st quarter when he sustained
the injury, which is extremely ballsy and commendable. We’re sorry you won’t be on the
field with us again Ben, you were a key player on the offense and great pressure receiver.
A few people had gone to breakfast early. Callum, our youngest member and GQ flag
bearer, was one of those people. During a slip in his concentration, Callum let his guard
down and put the flag in his lap to eat his cereal. Kyle, being the sneaky critter he is,
crept up behind the unsuspecting victim and nabbed the flag off his lap. Callum’s face
was nothing short of devastation. The punishment was to be handed out later. Poor guy.
As the normality was reinstated into the camp (after Kyle pranced up and down the main
street of the academy with the flag above his head), everyone began to arrive at the main
dining hall. Breakfast was the usual “continental” setup, with cereal and toast. Buttercup
was back at camp after a long wait at the hospital. His injury was only an abdominal
strain, he hospital trip was only precautionary. We now get reminded of how “tough” he
is ever since he posted his medical report on his door.
Todd Sneddon had a doctor’s trip as well, after being eye gouged during the game. He
has now made a very smart decision and opted for a clear visor to protect his eyes from
now on.
The first training of the day was relatively simple consisting of a light walk around the
oval, and some stretching and mobility exercises to get the lactic acid out of our systems.
It was a short session before we were allowed into the dining hall for lunch which was a
generous helping of hot food - a very welcomed addition to the daily menu.
Retribution came full circle for Kyle. Callum was just as sneaky, and he proved it by
going into the laundry while everyone was resting, and he took Kyle’s game jersey. The
tides turned and Kyle was now stressing. A technicality ensued, with Callum being
reprimanded once more as stealing the jersey was not allowed, due to the jersey being in
Caroline’s care. Poor guy once again.
It has become very obvious that no one was thinking about the South Australian game
any more. Our minds were focused on New South Wales, and how to stop their wide
passing game.
After another afternoon training session, we were quite confident that we can contain
their passing game efficiently while also giving their running game some stiff
competition from the front seven. The niggling soreness, headaches and general tiredness
passed as training continued. We were back in good spirits, and looking forward to the
battle tomorrow night.
Barbeques are a great Australian condition, and what better way to serve a massive meal
to a starving football team. Gorging ourselves on anything but chicken was close to a
dream for some, as it’s all we have been eating for the past few days. Rissoles, sausages,
salads…it was just great! We had our fill, and Callum was given the job of cleaning the
now extremely dirty barbeque plates. Poor guy, yet again.
As the night winds down to a dull roar in the common room, we all have two things on
our minds, sleep and tomorrows game. The nerves will show tomorrow as we prepare for
what could be our final fight for this tour. We will certainly do our best as to secure a
place within the fixtures on Saturday, but time will tell, and so will our performances.
Day 6 – Game Day 2
7am, and we’re awake again. There is only one thing on our minds: The Wolfpack. The
reigning champs were not going to give up a victory easily, but we were confident that
we could do some damage thanks to the several game film sessions. But before we could
get onto the field, it was breakfast time.
Butterflies filled the room, but we were able to have a laugh and get some chow before
the day started. Some of us were still sporting bumps and bruises from the game the
other night, some of us were suffering more that that. No matter, the Queensland boys
were prepared to empty the tanks against last year’s victors.
Throughout the day, the anxiousness started to bust through our best-attempted tough
exteriors. The extroverts became quiet, except for Buttercup – he got worse. I swear
they’ve given him take-home morphine. Everyone else has started to feel the pressure.
We trained lightly, as we knew we would have to conserve every little bit of energy for
the game tonight. The Wolfpack were out to win, and they are an extremely strong team.
Don’t let the pretty uniforms fool you, they are an extremely quick and pass-oriented
team and will try to beat us deep with some great receivers, a solid offensive line and a
quarterback that can throw a ball near a quarter-mile.
Game time. I’ve seen how they play, and I’m confident we can stop the running game,
but the passing game is by far their strongest point. We’ll have a tough time covering it,
but we must have faith in our secondary, and I do. Walker will just try and tackle their
ankles – he seems to love that. Sorry Benny, it’s true. You’re an ankle biter.
Kyle passed like a demon, picking apart their defense. All five receivers caught some
great balls, especially Callum who must have had Velcro on his hands to catch one of the
passes over the middle. We all stood to our feet as a rookie out-shone us all, but he
deserved the catch after all the crap we’d given him regarding the flag.
Our running game didn’t even get out of first gear. A real shame, since we had some real
quality backs that were just dying to break loose into the secondary.
Unfortunately, I was not to stay on the field for too long. The Wolfpack decided to place
their biggest Defensive Tackle at fullback. They ran it right up the guts at me. I hit him
– all 150kg of him. He fell onto my hand and all I remember hearing was a loud crack. I
got up and couldn’t move my thumb. Thinking it was dislocated, I attempted to put it
back into place. Another loud crack! The thumb was moving, then popped back out
again. By that time, I was in an enormous amount of pain. I looked at the sideline. I
looked at the line of scrimmage. I stayed for just one more play. I had to. I was wearing
my State’s colours, and nothing was going to stop be from playing as much as I could.
The play after, Coach Hiddleston took me off, seeing I was in agony. Heartbreaking and
disappointed, I sat on the bench with ice on my hand, watching more and more points
racked up against my beloved defense. It was one time where I will admit to shedding
tears. I had come all this way to break my hand and let my team down, or so I felt.
We went home with a 69-7 loss. The Wolfpack handed us a spanking in anyone’s terms.
I didn’t go home with the team. I was taken straight to emergency, where they told me I
would have to be operated on as soon as possible.
I spent the night in my football clothes, starring at the ceiling, thinking about what I did
wrong, and what I can improve on when I heal up. It was a very sleepless night, needless
to say.
I did, however, get a surprise the next morning. Andy, Ryan and Buttercup came to see
me and filled me in on the nights’ happenings. I was worried everyone was down and out
with the loss, but I was informed that it was quite the opposite.
After the game, they went to the bottle shop and filled up with a few cartons and had
some beers together. I was relieved to hear that, for some reason. I wanted the guys to
be happy, and proud of what they had accomplished. And, they were.
Of course, there was one question begging to be asked…
Who the hell gave the Skelton boys enough alcohol to encourage them to do naked
cartwheels up and down the hallway at 3am?
I’d like to thank absolutely everyone involved with the 2006 Nationals tour. It was an
honour and a privilege to be a part of it, and to represent my State in such a tournament.
On the road to recovery, I look forward to the 2008 State try-outs. Thank you for helping
me fulfill a dream that I didn’t even think I had a chance of living out.
Christian McCarty, aka Tangles
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| 2006 Juniors |
Quarterback Lachlan McIntyre |
McIntyre was a member of the 2004 team and also the Australian Junior Team in 2005.
Regularly in the ‘Sundevil Diaries’, McIntyre will give his perspective on the
happenings in and around the team.
Episode 5 - We are the Champions!
What a feeling! After months of hard work and preparation we can hold our heads high
as Junior National Champions. The tournament was such an enjoyable time for me,
being with a great bunch of blokes and part of an amazing experience.
One thing is for sure, the other states made us work hard for it. I was so impressed
by the improvement ACT showed from two years ago, worthy runners-up and I have to
say, they almost took that title away from us in the nerve-racking overtime game on
the Saturday.
There were a few familiar faces in the other teams from the Australian squad last
year, so it was good to see some of those guys as well.
The Tallebudgera complex was perfect for the tournament with good food, good
accommodation and the closeness to beach and the creek as well, plus not having to
travel to the game venue is great as well. Many thanks to GA and the tournament
organisers Gold Coast Stingrays and DIR for putting on a great tournament, I'm sure
everyone enjoyed the experience.
It was a great honour to be awarded Queensland MVP for the tournament, but the
victories and sharing it with a great TEAM made it all the better. Congrats to my
teammate Shane Crawford who thoroughly deserved the Defensive MVP of the tournament
award. Amazing stats, great leadership and a sensational performance.
To the rest of my teammates, thanks so much for being hilarious, committed and
talented Queenslanders and making my final Junior nats experience unbeatable. All
of the coaching staff and Captain Ron, you guys rock and thanks so much to Gridiron
Queensland for backing us all the way.
We have a good reunion planned for our game against the visiting New Mexico team.
I can't wait to get back on the field with all of the guys and see what we can do
against the Americans.
Thanks to GQ for giving me the chance to share this journey with you all through
this diary. I have enjoyed it immensely. Best wishes to Coach Hiddleston and the
big boy Sundevils heading off to Adelaide for Senior Nationals, do us proud guys
and have fun.
See you all out on the field sometime...
Lachlan McIntyre QB #10
Episode 4
It’s time! After four months of preparation and training the tournament has arrived,
and along with my team mates, I am as excited as anything. Last Friday night we had
our Team Presentation Dinner which was a great night. One of the highlights for me
was getting selected as a Team Captain. It is a privilege to play for your state,
let alone be named Captain and I’m sure Shane, Michael, Mitch and Graham feel the
same way and will help us lead the team towards the Championship.
It was great to finally get our game jerseys in our hands along with the rest of the
great apparel package. We will definitely be a well-presented team on and off the
field.
The feeling among the guys is great at the moment, kind of that perfect mix of
nerves and excitement that makes you want to get into it. I am looking forward to
getting that first game underway against Victoria and taking it from there. Off the
field it should be a great time as well, we have a top group of guys and I’m sure
Coach Box has a lineup of Grade 6 Camp activities for us (just kiddin Coach).
As we are just about to head into camp I want to thank all of our coaches and our
manager Mr Knight, and wish all the other states good luck for a great tournament.
We look forward to seeing as many QLD supporters as possible at the games cheering
us on. I am sure we will do the State proud! See you on the Gold Coast!
Episode 3
Well we have all been training hard putting in plenty of time and effort into making
QLD the top state in Australia. The Easter break is behind us and training has
really kicked in, and we all know it! I personally cannot wait, the excitement is
building and I know I am definitely not speaking for myself. All of my team mates
feel the same way. Training is getting faster, better, smoother and more and more
aggressive. The offense is coming together nicely and same goes for our defense, we
as a team are all good mates and have fun every time we step onto the field. This
years GQ competition is going to be amazing there is going to be some hard-hitting
games between all of us in the Junior state team - I CANT WAIT!
Our coaches are pushing us and it really is paying off. Everyone is starting to see
the potential they have and that the players that are on this team deserved their
way on to it no one got a free ride or didn’t deserve to play. On this team, whether
you are on offense in my case or on defense, you know your team mate has your back.
It’s a great feeling and it is an honour to be on the same team with such a great
group of athletes.
Our Team Jersey presentation is coming up soon as well. Last time it was a great
night as all the players and their families got together to celebrate the team
before we head off to camp. At this event the coaches will name team captains and
present all of the players with their jerseys and apparel packs. I’m wearing #10
this time in honour of Vince Young who had a big weekend himself getting drafted
third overall by the Titans. I can’t wait to see how he goes in the pros.
The state games are going to be great the time is drawing near. Plenty more reps to
get in before we kick it off. See you all in the next edition.
Episode 2 - The Journey Begins
The last couple of weeks have been jam-packed with football and I loved it. With so
many college bowl games on ESPN, now the NFL playoffs I was itching to get into our
Sundevils football preparations, and now we are.
At the start of January we had our first meeting as an actual team, the atmosphere
in the room was strong and gave off that it was a success in the making. We talked
about the philosophy of the team – Discipline, Unity and Execution. These three
words highlight what we need to have to be successful, and the unity was really
apparent from this first gathering as a team. The coaching staff was very good at
explaining what they are wanting from us during this experience and it was clear
that all players bought into it. It is an honor to represent your state so the
coaches expect each and every one of us to work and play our hardest and show them
why we were chosen in the first place; after all they chose the players on this team
for a reason. The meeting was great a first step towards the team coming together.
In this meeting we really got our first chance to get to know each other before we
represented our state. Each person had the chance to introduce themselves, because
even though we knew who each other was, it was mostly from on the opposition
sidelines. Everyone talked to one another and there was a natural bond, having a
passion for the game of football. We also received our copies of the precious
playbooks, both offense and defense. They are different to most of our playbooks at
club level and that is to be expected. Coach Knight and Coach Box, my coaches at
club as well put together great playbooks, and I feel that if everyone does their
job down to the last technical movement and if we as a team, players and coaches
can and will show the other states what GQ is made of. The meeting was great and I
think the coaches set everything up well for us as the other players and I left the
GQ office feeling great about the upcoming weeks and months which are going to be
football, football and more football.
2 weeks later the time had finally come to hit the training field. Every player
showed up on time and ready to go, it was great just seeing everyone there ready
to get into it.
The session was broken into a number of phases, going through warm-up, position
drills, playbook learning, unit work and scrimmage. I feel that the team already
looked pretty sharp, especially for a first session and really bonding as a unit,
which was great to see. Mitchell Tierney (my QB buddy) and I had a great time today
throwing passes to our receivers who did a great job, especially learning new
passing routes, so I was really pleased. Our backs were, as expected, on top of
it all and the big boys up front were showing signs that they will a top unit.
And that defense…they sure look up for it, making the scrimmage and unit work
tough on our offense which is what we want.
I enjoyed the training a lot, it was obvious that everyone had been studying their
playbooks and with only 2 weeks behind us the players on the team have shown their
commitment to one another. The training session was very professionally run, by the
coaches, Coach Box, Coach Knight, Coach Johansson, Coach Miller and Coach Blyth.
The coaching staff was sharp and really let the players know that this is for real.
I think even the warm up had players gasping for air. So far the state team of 2006
is really looking good and we’re only just beginning.
Cant wait for the next training session.
See you next episode.
Episode 1
This week has been a good week for me. Coach Box and the rest of the Sundevils staff
announced their selections for the 2006 Junior National Championships, and I was
lucky enough to be chosen to play Quarterback for the team. This will be my second
State team experience, and I couldn’t be prouder! I am excited to again join forces
with Mitchell Tierney, who was chosen again at QB as well. We have a good natured
rivalry as QB’s having played together last nationals, as well as on the National
team, and now we have a joint mission to bring Queensland the title. There are three
of us in total back for our second attempt – Mitchell and myself, plus Shane
Crawford, who this time gets a chance on defense.
I am really excited about the team that we have for the tournament. We have players
from almost all clubs involved, with some really talented players. I am lucky to
have a number of my Ravens team mates along for the ride this time, including my
younger brother Callum, but I am sure the rest of the guys will be great team mates
as well. I think all of the guys picked feel grateful for the opportunity,
especially after seeing the standard of all the other players at the trials. We also
have some really good young (15yo) players in the team, and what is really exciting
is that three of them are linemen.
All the coaches ran a very organized trial with players getting the chance to show
their skills in a range of positions. I trialed first as a quarterback, and then as
a safety. QB is my preferred position, but I enjoy when I get the chance to play
defense as well. The trial started with a warm up and then some ‘cone drills’ which
tested our movement and agility. All players trialed at an offensive position and
practiced passing, catching, running the ball and blocking. It was interesting
passing the ball to guys from all different teams, but from what I saw, the guys
who were picked will be great to work with. I saw my younger brother off with the
linemen going through a range of drills with Coach Knight. Knowing Coach Knight as
I do, I am sure they were required to work very hard to earn their spot on the
team. The defensive section was also tough, with some position drills before some
tackling, which really saw some players shine.
The second scrimmage trial saw about 35 players selected to test their skills in
some game conditions scrimmage. I was on the orange scrimmage team for this trial.
It was so very hot, but everyone gave their all. Both teams ran through some
scripted plays to test skill against the opposite scrimmage team. I was able to
complete a number of passes and we moved the ball pretty well. The defensive players
did a really good job in this scrimmage, I am sure our state defense will be great.
This was a really good trial, and there were so many good performances that picking
the final 22 players must have been very tough.
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all the guys who made the team, I
look forward to playing alongside you for our state. I also want to say bad luck to
the boys who didn’t make it, and encourage them to keep working hard, next season
will be a great club season.
For us players now we have a few weeks to fill before we have our first team meeting
on 7 January. I am going to enjoy Christmas with my family and try to keep my
fitness levels high ready for our nationals campaign.
See you next time!
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