SANFL coaches dive into AFL Level 3

By ZAC MILBANK

Six SANFL coaches have been immersing themselves in the coaching caper after starting the AFL’s Level 3 Coaching Course interstate.

Sturt League mentor Nathan Grima, SANFL Women’s coaches Shaun Ribbons (Central) and Tess Baxter (Eagles) as well as West U18 coach Paul Streatfield started their tuition with an intensive two-day opening in Melbourne this month.

Eagles League assistant Jeremy Cini and Bloods U16 coach Michael Wakim were accepted into the Western Australian intake.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Grima said he found the opening section of the course extremely beneficial, listening to new St Kilda coach Brett Ratten and head North Melbourne assistant Jade Rawlings.

Veteran coaches Andy Collins and Mark Williams also presented, as did respected leadership consultant Shane McCurry and AFLPA psychologist Guy Little.

Setting himself for his second season as a senior coach in the Statewide Super League, Grima said the focus on relationship building had been a key learning to this point.

The 34-year-old said he would adjust his mindset in 2020 to delegate more tasks to other staff members at Unley, allowing him more time to spend with his players in getting to know what makes them tick on and off the field.

Grima also chats about the Double Blues’ fast start to the recruiting season, which has landed South Adelaide star Abe Davis as well as former Sturt juniors Dean Gore and Jordan Houlahan.

The former North Melbourne backman also intends to meet with veteran Danyle Pearce in the coming week, to determine whether the former Fremantle and Port Adelaide star will play on next season.