Hey guys,
It's Friday, our day OFF, so as promised I am sitting down before lunch to pen some of the week's happenings and events.
Currently, I am watching the NFL Draft, a big kid from Georgia in South-East America, Cam Newton, was selected number one overall. His story is an interesting one, he was recruited to traditional American Football powerhouse school, the Florida Gators and was a back-up to star quarterback Tim Tebow.
The following season, Newton withdrew from Florida due to allegations he stole a lap top on campus. At the time, this was massive news as College sports in America are as big as the AFL over here. Newton, attended a lower-level junior college and led his team to a National Title, he then transferred to Auburn University, home of Charles Barkley, and he won the title of Divison 1 football's best player (Heisman Trophy) and led the Tigers to the National Title game. He is now the number 1 pick in the NFL and a Carolina Panther. All of North Carolina will look to him to lead that team, but he has question marks. Let's hope he succeeds with flying colours, he has had a storied road to the NFL.
Also in the USA, the NBA play-offs have been going on. There have been many upsets and the top teams have been handling they're business. The Celtics, Heat, Hawks, Thunder, Lakers and Bulls are all through to the second round while Dallas and Portland as well as Memphis and San Antonio battle out a thrilling 7-game series.
Closer to home, the Bendigo Bombers have the bye, however, the boys will still line-up against a formidable opponent, the Australian Institute of Sport U17 squad. Most Essendon listed boys will be playing so, IF you are looking for some good footy to watch tomorrow, head on down to Windy Hill at 1pm.
The seniors have a home game on Sunday against the newest boys on the block, the Gold Coast Suns. Following a brave win over Port Adelaide, the Suns will come into Etihad Stadium full of confidence and in good form. Let's hope the boys put in a good performance in my house mate 'Buddha' Hocking's 51st game.
For something different, I am planning to interview a few people around the footy club, however, not the typical suspects, I am targeting people outside the mainstream playing squad and coaching crew.
This week, I have posed a few questions to a lady at the club who, in my opinion, is the hardest worker we have. (Sorry, Johnny Elliot) The person I am speaking of is, Sue Anderson, personal assistant to the senior coach and the football co-ordinator.
Here are my five questions:
Q: Sue, what's your role at the club?
A: I am the footy co-ordinator and personal assistant to James Hird, or in other words, mother to 48 players, 7 coaches and all other various staff throughout the football department.
Q: What's the worst part about your job?
A: Well, funny you should ask, answering blog questions when I am supposed to be doing the ticketing is quite annoying. HaHaHa! No, in all seriousness, ticketing each week is the worst as everyone comes up and says, 'can I please just have one more ticket?' When you are ticketing for over 120 people each week and only have a limited number of tickets available, it's any wonder I need a drink by Friday night.
Q: Who are your three favourite players? (Loaded question)
A: Josh, I seriously cannot answer this as it will incriminate me. Remember when Hirdy introduced you at the Annual General Meeting last year and he said you were my new favourite player? Well, can I tell you how many players the next day did not want to know me as they thought they were in fact, my favourite player.
So, I cannot answer this, I love you all
Q: Which players always want more tickets etc.?
A: Do I have to name them all? Don't you want to know which coach?????? (In other words, every player and coach and staff member and relative always grinds Sue for extra tickets, which refers to her answer in question two)
Q: Who has been your favourite past player?
A: Gosh, equal between Jason Johnson and Courtney Johns.
So, there you go, that's a tiny insight into what the EFC's hardest worker, Sue Anderson gets up to each week. Sue has saved my behind on many a parking fine, or helped me understand my mail etc. etc. etc.
She's a marvel and every player on the list loves her and the work she does.
Lastly, I have a few other people in the gun for an interview and IF there's anyone you would like to hear about, drop a comment and I will see what I can do. Not naming names, MM10, but I have been physically threatened that IF a certain player (MM10) is mentioned on my blog he will 'deal with me as he see's fit'
So that only fuelled my desire to get him on here so stay tuned.
Thanks for taking the time to have a read and feel free to comment, praise or criticise because I can assure you, the boys are always there to let me know how I went.
Josh
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
My Easter weekend
Hey everyone,
Hope the Easter / ANZAC long weekend was rewarding and everybody had a great rest and relaxation.
The boys were hard at work trying to get two wins, on Saturday and in yesterday's big game at the MCG.
As I mentioned in my previous post, we had a good win in the VFL against a reasonably good Collingwood side. Yesterday's performance was a mixed result, we had chances to kick ahead but the Pies showed why they're the benchmark and were able to get away with the victory, and credit goes to them.
There were almost 90,000 people at the ANZAC Day match but two very significant people came into the rooms before the game and you could see all the boys and coaches, were almost in awe of the stars in attendance.
10-time surfing world champion Kelly Slater made his way down to the rooms with a bevy of friends and followers. He was shown around by Andrew Welsh who was like a kid in a candy store with one of his sporting idols. Kelly was seemingly intruiged by the warm-up the boys did in the rooms and was filming everything on his iPhone (Get a Samsung, Kelly) whilst his entourage soaked up the aptomsphere as well.
Another sporting champion was supporting the red and black yesterday, Milwaukee Bucks NBA star Andrew Bogut. The 213cm man-mountain is an avid Bombers fan and he regularly attends games when he is home in Melbourne. Everyone was in awe of 'Bogey's' pure size and physique. He waited around following the game and was good enough to spend some time with the boys as well as pose for numerous photos and sign autographs. Despite playing in a league where guys manage to earn tens of millions of dollars annually, yet still go broke, Andrew is down to earth and willing to speak with almost anybody when back in Australia.
An interesting side-note to his time in Australia, the NBA is currently headed for a league wide lockout, therefore all players will not get paid after October and the season will not begin. That is neither good for the players or supporters. Hopefully the owners, players and NBA officials can come to an agreement.
Now, despite some efforts by a certain few, (not naming names: Zaharakis & Ross) some people are loving the new blog and I am trying my utmost to keep things fresh and interesting. Later in the week, I am going to try and tee-up an interview with someone involved in the footy club. As of yet, I am not decided upon who will be my first target, but I am hoping to steer away from run of the mill interviews and get some characters from the administration or football department.
Lastly, I wanted to mention a Facebook page run by Darcy Daniher. With everyone on Facebook these days, search 'Local Footy Scores' and feel free to comment and talk about your local league. Make sure you 'like' the page as well. Currently, around 500 people are on board, let's get him up to 1000 using the power of the blog!
Also, Jason Winderlich (@Licka_8) and Courtenay Dempsey both had traditional knee-reconstructions today so let's wish them a speedy recovery and look forward to them both being superstars in our 2012 campaign.
Here's hoping this blog was worth a read,
Josh
Links:
Twitter: @DavidZaharakis @JobeWatson @JakeMelksham_17 @MHibberd_43 @MikeRoss29
@LukeDavis27 @AngusMonfries @AlexBrowne24 @Andrew12Welsh @JoshJenkins24
Hope the Easter / ANZAC long weekend was rewarding and everybody had a great rest and relaxation.
The boys were hard at work trying to get two wins, on Saturday and in yesterday's big game at the MCG.
As I mentioned in my previous post, we had a good win in the VFL against a reasonably good Collingwood side. Yesterday's performance was a mixed result, we had chances to kick ahead but the Pies showed why they're the benchmark and were able to get away with the victory, and credit goes to them.
There were almost 90,000 people at the ANZAC Day match but two very significant people came into the rooms before the game and you could see all the boys and coaches, were almost in awe of the stars in attendance.
10-time surfing world champion Kelly Slater made his way down to the rooms with a bevy of friends and followers. He was shown around by Andrew Welsh who was like a kid in a candy store with one of his sporting idols. Kelly was seemingly intruiged by the warm-up the boys did in the rooms and was filming everything on his iPhone (Get a Samsung, Kelly) whilst his entourage soaked up the aptomsphere as well.
Another sporting champion was supporting the red and black yesterday, Milwaukee Bucks NBA star Andrew Bogut. The 213cm man-mountain is an avid Bombers fan and he regularly attends games when he is home in Melbourne. Everyone was in awe of 'Bogey's' pure size and physique. He waited around following the game and was good enough to spend some time with the boys as well as pose for numerous photos and sign autographs. Despite playing in a league where guys manage to earn tens of millions of dollars annually, yet still go broke, Andrew is down to earth and willing to speak with almost anybody when back in Australia.
An interesting side-note to his time in Australia, the NBA is currently headed for a league wide lockout, therefore all players will not get paid after October and the season will not begin. That is neither good for the players or supporters. Hopefully the owners, players and NBA officials can come to an agreement.
Now, despite some efforts by a certain few, (not naming names: Zaharakis & Ross) some people are loving the new blog and I am trying my utmost to keep things fresh and interesting. Later in the week, I am going to try and tee-up an interview with someone involved in the footy club. As of yet, I am not decided upon who will be my first target, but I am hoping to steer away from run of the mill interviews and get some characters from the administration or football department.
Lastly, I wanted to mention a Facebook page run by Darcy Daniher. With everyone on Facebook these days, search 'Local Footy Scores' and feel free to comment and talk about your local league. Make sure you 'like' the page as well. Currently, around 500 people are on board, let's get him up to 1000 using the power of the blog!
Also, Jason Winderlich (@Licka_8) and Courtenay Dempsey both had traditional knee-reconstructions today so let's wish them a speedy recovery and look forward to them both being superstars in our 2012 campaign.
Here's hoping this blog was worth a read,
Josh
Links:
Twitter: @DavidZaharakis @JobeWatson @JakeMelksham_17 @MHibberd_43 @MikeRoss29
@LukeDavis27 @AngusMonfries @AlexBrowne24 @Andrew12Welsh @JoshJenkins24
Saturday, 23 April 2011
Bendigo Bombers v Collingwood VFL
In great conditions today, our boys were able to have a great win over a reasonable Collingwood VFL side. The tone was set in the opening quarter, going into 1/4 time up nine goals to zip. The Pies fought back in the second term and at half time things looked a little more even.
But, in a strong show of concentration and effort, we were able to run away with a big win and pepper the goals. In my books, we were lead extremely well by Andrew Welsh, Ricky Dyson and Brent Prismall while Alex Browne and Michael Ross were great in only they're 2nd or 3rd VFL level game.
Personally, I was pleased to get through unscathed and have a run around and a win with the lads after Round 1 against the Bullants. Missing a fortnight seems like a year but with the bye next week we will head in and support the seniors on Monday and hope for a similar result, although that might be a little farfetched.
Josh.
But, in a strong show of concentration and effort, we were able to run away with a big win and pepper the goals. In my books, we were lead extremely well by Andrew Welsh, Ricky Dyson and Brent Prismall while Alex Browne and Michael Ross were great in only they're 2nd or 3rd VFL level game.
Personally, I was pleased to get through unscathed and have a run around and a win with the lads after Round 1 against the Bullants. Missing a fortnight seems like a year but with the bye next week we will head in and support the seniors on Monday and hope for a similar result, although that might be a little farfetched.
Josh.
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Good Friday Blogging
First of all, today is the Good Friday Appeal so everyone should do they're best to give to the appeal. I understand that times are tough in many homes but the kids really need all the help they can get. Almost every young person can relate to a friend or relative who has spent time in the Royal Children's Hospital. Give what you can.
Now, with some free time before tomorrow's game against Collingwood at Windy Hill, I thought I would sit down and write a little about how I got to the Essendon Footy Club, my background, some characters in the team and anything else that springs to mind.
As some people know, I played basketball as a junior and enjoyed every moment. The round ball game took me interstate and even overseas where I got to tour the United States, namely Charlotte, Virginia and Los Angeles. I was born and raised in Swan Hill, in country Victoria and played footy, basketball, cricket, hockey and tennis as a youngster.
When I was beginning Year 12 I moved to Townsville in North Queensland to take up a basketball scholarship at Townsville State High School. Fair to say that academics took a back seat over the next two years. I completed Year 12 over two years and therefore was able to play more games with the school team. I was lucky enough to train with the Townsville Crocodiles whilst still at school and got a feel for being a professional athlete. I enjoyed every minute of my time with the Crocodiles and despite being one of the NBL's most insignificant players, I would probably do it all again.
Moving on to 2010 I decided to head to Mount Gambier in South Australia to play with the local SEABL team, The Pioneers. Things did not work out how I had liked so I decided to head home to Swan Hill and play local footy in the CMFL. I played with the Lake Boga footy club, ironically called... The Magpies.
I went home to play with Lake Boga and all I had hoped to achieve was enjoyment from the game. Making an AFL list was the furtherest thing from my mind but things fell into place, I was able to gain some interest and with the help of friends and family, clubs decided to come and take a look.
Initially, the clubs, whom I will not name, were not overally interested but luckily, following the National Draft, Essendon were keen to take a look at me. Following a week of training with the boys in pre-season, I was unbelievably lucky enough for the club to use it's first rookie pick on me and here I am at Windy Hill.
Now, some interesting stuff:
I live with the bullocking, barrell chested Heath Hocking in his big house about 10 minutes from our training base. 'Buddha' is great in the kitchen and loves putting on a meal for a clan of friends or family. His dog, a Huskie named 'Assassain' also creates some havoc in the household.
As many people will see, Twitter is becoming a source of contact between the boys after hours. Speedster Jason Winderlich and 'Milky' Melksham are the latest additions to the Twittersphere alongside Zaharakis, captain Watson, Prismall, Ross, Browne, Davis, Monfries, Hibberd and myself.
Here's a small insight into what some boys can offer your Twitter feed:
@Licka_8 is a self-confessed comedian, he will always have a crack at one of the lads.
@DavidZaharakis and @AngusMonfries are international sports gamblers, responsibly of course.
@BrentPrismall09 loves his observational tweets whether that be look-a-likes or jokes.
And @Hibbo_43 will just flat out give anyone grief and will regularly say 'bad' using the word as a good thing, similar to the way we would say, 'geez, that's cool', he will say, 'geez, that's baaaad.' Weird I know.
At the club, people always ask me, 'Come on, who do you hate down there, which boys are total wankas?'
My answer is simple but surprising to most, every last bloke on the list has been great towards me and I get on well with all 47 other boys on the list. Of course, there are guys you are closer to and I get on very well with veterans and energizer bunnies Brent Stanton and Ricky Dyson, fashion icon and surfer Andrew Welsh as well as younger players like Jake Melksham, Michael Hurley and Tayte Pears.
Obviously, myself and Heath Hocking have a great relationship and he has taught me plenty about learning to become an AFL player; just don't eat his jelly...
Now, with all that said, I am not on here to talk about myself and tell everyone how well I am going blah blah blah, I want to do things that people would not usually be able to read in newspapers or on the news. I always wanted an insight into footy clubs when I was young and hopefully some kids are still the same, not just sitting on Facebook 24/7 a la Kyle Reimers.
So, anything you would like to see on the blog, sign-up and follow me and post a comment and I will see what I can come up with. I am thinking an interview or two might be on the cards so to any boys reading this, give me something interesting or you will be on the scrap heap.
Welsh, Winderlich, Dyson, Stanton, Monfries, Hurley and recruiter Adrian Dodoro... I am looking at you blokes.
Until later in the upcoming week, stay safe over Easter, enjoy your 5-day weekend and I hope to see an Essendon dominant crowd at the big ANZAC Day game on Monday.
Happy Easter to all,
Josh
Now, with some free time before tomorrow's game against Collingwood at Windy Hill, I thought I would sit down and write a little about how I got to the Essendon Footy Club, my background, some characters in the team and anything else that springs to mind.
As some people know, I played basketball as a junior and enjoyed every moment. The round ball game took me interstate and even overseas where I got to tour the United States, namely Charlotte, Virginia and Los Angeles. I was born and raised in Swan Hill, in country Victoria and played footy, basketball, cricket, hockey and tennis as a youngster.
When I was beginning Year 12 I moved to Townsville in North Queensland to take up a basketball scholarship at Townsville State High School. Fair to say that academics took a back seat over the next two years. I completed Year 12 over two years and therefore was able to play more games with the school team. I was lucky enough to train with the Townsville Crocodiles whilst still at school and got a feel for being a professional athlete. I enjoyed every minute of my time with the Crocodiles and despite being one of the NBL's most insignificant players, I would probably do it all again.
Moving on to 2010 I decided to head to Mount Gambier in South Australia to play with the local SEABL team, The Pioneers. Things did not work out how I had liked so I decided to head home to Swan Hill and play local footy in the CMFL. I played with the Lake Boga footy club, ironically called... The Magpies.
I went home to play with Lake Boga and all I had hoped to achieve was enjoyment from the game. Making an AFL list was the furtherest thing from my mind but things fell into place, I was able to gain some interest and with the help of friends and family, clubs decided to come and take a look.
Initially, the clubs, whom I will not name, were not overally interested but luckily, following the National Draft, Essendon were keen to take a look at me. Following a week of training with the boys in pre-season, I was unbelievably lucky enough for the club to use it's first rookie pick on me and here I am at Windy Hill.
Now, some interesting stuff:
I live with the bullocking, barrell chested Heath Hocking in his big house about 10 minutes from our training base. 'Buddha' is great in the kitchen and loves putting on a meal for a clan of friends or family. His dog, a Huskie named 'Assassain' also creates some havoc in the household.
As many people will see, Twitter is becoming a source of contact between the boys after hours. Speedster Jason Winderlich and 'Milky' Melksham are the latest additions to the Twittersphere alongside Zaharakis, captain Watson, Prismall, Ross, Browne, Davis, Monfries, Hibberd and myself.
Here's a small insight into what some boys can offer your Twitter feed:
@Licka_8 is a self-confessed comedian, he will always have a crack at one of the lads.
@DavidZaharakis and @AngusMonfries are international sports gamblers, responsibly of course.
@BrentPrismall09 loves his observational tweets whether that be look-a-likes or jokes.
And @Hibbo_43 will just flat out give anyone grief and will regularly say 'bad' using the word as a good thing, similar to the way we would say, 'geez, that's cool', he will say, 'geez, that's baaaad.' Weird I know.
At the club, people always ask me, 'Come on, who do you hate down there, which boys are total wankas?'
My answer is simple but surprising to most, every last bloke on the list has been great towards me and I get on well with all 47 other boys on the list. Of course, there are guys you are closer to and I get on very well with veterans and energizer bunnies Brent Stanton and Ricky Dyson, fashion icon and surfer Andrew Welsh as well as younger players like Jake Melksham, Michael Hurley and Tayte Pears.
Obviously, myself and Heath Hocking have a great relationship and he has taught me plenty about learning to become an AFL player; just don't eat his jelly...
Now, with all that said, I am not on here to talk about myself and tell everyone how well I am going blah blah blah, I want to do things that people would not usually be able to read in newspapers or on the news. I always wanted an insight into footy clubs when I was young and hopefully some kids are still the same, not just sitting on Facebook 24/7 a la Kyle Reimers.
So, anything you would like to see on the blog, sign-up and follow me and post a comment and I will see what I can come up with. I am thinking an interview or two might be on the cards so to any boys reading this, give me something interesting or you will be on the scrap heap.
Welsh, Winderlich, Dyson, Stanton, Monfries, Hurley and recruiter Adrian Dodoro... I am looking at you blokes.
Until later in the upcoming week, stay safe over Easter, enjoy your 5-day weekend and I hope to see an Essendon dominant crowd at the big ANZAC Day game on Monday.
Happy Easter to all,
Josh
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Copping a hiding re the new Blog
Well, I have had the blog little more than 48 hours and don't you worry the boys are ALL over me lead by Greek hoop star David Zaharakis, Frankston mayor Michael Hibberd, crow eater Luke Davis, fashion icon Andrew Welsh and Adidas' number one man Jake Melksham.
I was a little apprehensive about starting the blog in regards to whether anyone would read the thing or whether I would have anything worth writing. With what I'm hoping is tongue-in-cheek critisicm I have copped from the boys I am now certain I will stick with the blogging and even try to do an interview or two with the boys who initially ridiculed me publicly on Twitter. #cruelteammatesexceptmaybeWelsh
I will post something of more substance on my day OFF which is Friday. Until then, take it easy!
Josh
I was a little apprehensive about starting the blog in regards to whether anyone would read the thing or whether I would have anything worth writing. With what I'm hoping is tongue-in-cheek critisicm I have copped from the boys I am now certain I will stick with the blogging and even try to do an interview or two with the boys who initially ridiculed me publicly on Twitter. #cruelteammatesexceptmaybeWelsh
I will post something of more substance on my day OFF which is Friday. Until then, take it easy!
Josh
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
My First Blog
Welcome to anyone silly enough to read my blogging,
I have always enjoyed reading peoples blogs and thought why not see whether anyone in the big, wide world would be interested in reading what I have to say...
I have enjoyed reading the websites and blogs of athletes such as Kevin Garnett, Scott Pendlebury, Andrew Bogut, Chad Reed, Kelly Slater and Valentino Rossi just to name a few.
Obviously, most of my posts will be based around sport, specifically NBA basketball and of course, the AFL, of which I am a 1st year member of the Essendon Footy Club.
Feel free to comment on anything I have to say, post an opinion or request something to be written. I am open to this new concept and just look forward to typing down whatever comes to mind.
Thanks guys, look forward to learning along the way and copping grief from the boys at the club,
Josh
http://www.essendonfc.com.au/
Twitter: @JoshJenkins24
I have always enjoyed reading peoples blogs and thought why not see whether anyone in the big, wide world would be interested in reading what I have to say...
I have enjoyed reading the websites and blogs of athletes such as Kevin Garnett, Scott Pendlebury, Andrew Bogut, Chad Reed, Kelly Slater and Valentino Rossi just to name a few.
Obviously, most of my posts will be based around sport, specifically NBA basketball and of course, the AFL, of which I am a 1st year member of the Essendon Footy Club.
Feel free to comment on anything I have to say, post an opinion or request something to be written. I am open to this new concept and just look forward to typing down whatever comes to mind.
Thanks guys, look forward to learning along the way and copping grief from the boys at the club,
Josh
http://www.essendonfc.com.au/
Twitter: @JoshJenkins24
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)