COMMUNITY FOOTY'S BACK: how camaraderie and team building helps Melbourne High School's Old Boys Football Club in their fight for finals in a post-pandemic environment
Melbourne High School (28 May 2022). Melbourne High School Old Boys Football Club (MHSOBFC) players, known as the Unicorns, huddle together in their round eight match.
Like most community football clubs, MHSOBFC has been unable to compete in a full season since 2019 due to COVID. In 2022, the club has seamlessly returned to a regular football schedule and now aims to place greater focus on player welfare by hosting team dinners and mental health programs.
Football operations manager Lachlan McKinnon assists MHSOBFC with rebuilding the club to ensure that players' lives are improved after the time spent apart, and teams remain in finals contention.
Player Tom Golz is among the tight-knit senior team participating in club events and fighting for a finals position this season.
(17 May 2022). Football operations manager Lachlan McKinnon debriefs with MHSOBFC psychologist and Tackle Your Feelings (TYF) coordinator, Bree van Ryswyk following the May mental health panel.
TYF is a free football mental health initiative supporting MHSOBFC in ensuring that players' mental health is prioritised after the loneliness experienced throughout COVID-19.
According to Ten to Men’s mental health of Australian males 2020 report, men experiencing loneliness are at higher risk of developing depression, anxiety and suicidality.
“We partnered with TYF in 2021 to create an environment where people can have open conversations about issues affecting them in life,” Mr McKinnon said.
“We want to use these panels and workshops to help educate and empower our leaders, including players, coaches, committee members to be a source of support for anyone needing assistance.”
Melbourne High School (17 May 2022). Senior player Tom Golz engages in conversation with a mental health activist following the club’s TYF mental health panel.
The Ten to Men report found that mental ill-health is high among Australian men, with up to 25 per cent experiencing a diagnosed mental health disorder in their lifetime.
“Our environment is one where we tell each other things without any judgement, which helps us bond,” Mr Golz said.
“I am so happy the club is doing this because it normalises mental health and usually in male-dominated environments, that feels frowned upon.”
(26 May 2022). Players gather for selection night. MHSOBFC coaches announce Saturday’s senior and reserves teams each Thursday after training over team dinner.
Weekly selection nights allow players to celebrate their achievements and hard work with their teammates.
Mr Golz said selection night fosters a great team culture as dinners are voluntarily contributed by players weekly, and it is an opportunity for new bonds to be created among players.
“It shows that we’re very much a community club. I’ve built a big friendship group from the Unicorns and if it weren’t for nights like this, I don’t know if I’d see many of them,” he said.
(28 May 2022). Debutant Joseph Pious takes a contested mark in the first quarter. Playing a utility position, he delivers a standout opening and closing quarter.
Spectators are in full support of Mr Pious as they celebrate his many efforts around the ball. Mr Golz said the club's players and staff voted him as the best clubman in 2021, positioning him as a potential permanent addition to the senior team.
“Clubs around us can’t put sides out after COVID and have to forfeit, so we’re in a good place because we have four fully teams filled with loyal... players, and debutants entering our sides,” Mr Golz said.
(28 May 2022). Family and friends support the senior team from the upstairs pavilion.
Community football has been missing crowds for the last two seasons. COVID-19 caused the cancellation of the 2020 season and led to spectator limits throughout the 2021 season that was ultimately cut short.
During 2021, the Victorian Government mandated maintaining a social distance of 1.5-metres, mask wearing and caps on patrons attending matches.
“It’s great to welcome back fans in an unrestricted capacity because it completely amplifies the atmosphere of the game,” Mr McKinnon said.
“Having such a wide variety of spectators shows the impact local sport has on galvanising communities, establishing strong networks and creating lasting memories, which is a huge focus for us at the Unicorns.”
(28 May 2022). Tall forward Larry Hanly jumps in a ruck contest against his opposition. Round eight is his strongest showing as he records three goals and three best on ground votes.
Mr Hanley began his journey as a footballer at MHSOBFC in the interrupted 2021 season. Sport Australia’s AusPlay and Community Perceptions Monitor survey found that by March 2021, 16 per cent of Australian adults started playing in a new organised sport for the first time since COVID-19 to build fitness and socialise.
“The way new players are able to gel, especially through the stop-start nature of 2021 is a testament to our community,” Mr Golz said.
(28 May 2022). Midfielder Jamie Radcliffe-Smith lays a tackle on his opposition.
MHSOBFC has become a destination for players looking for a welcoming and successful club to participate in. Mr Radcliffe-Smith joined the MHSOBFC five years ago to become involved in a more competitive club with a strong team spirit and camaraderie.
MHSOBFC aims to increase registrations this year to encourage more involvement in community sport following the halt of the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Mr McKinnon said the club usually averages 150 registered players across their four teams but have experienced growth in 2022 with 180 players registered.
(28 May 2022). Senior coach Bernard Pretty coaches from the sidelines. Mr Pretty was appointed as the MHSOBFC senior coach in 2020 following his success as a premiership coach for the reserves team.
2022 marks his first full season as senior coach. His previous two seasons were interrupted by COVID-19 and the birth of his second child. The senior coach currently holds a 17-3 win-loss record.
Mr Golz said the coach's presence at training and club events has been significant in building trust and personal relationships, which has helped the team cultivate a greater sense of mateship and community.
(28 May 2022). Senior coach Bernard Pretty speaks to the MHSOBFC senior team players following their round eight loss.
MHSOBFC are defeated by Brunswick Football Club 14.15 (99) to 6.6 (42). The 57-point loss is the team’s second loss this season, placing them third on the ladder.
Mr Golz said he is still hopeful of his team's final prospects because of the hard work they put in physically and mentally as a united team.
"Going back to the game and people we've known and loved for years brings a lot of joy. Even in low moments like today, we still know we can capitalise on work we've done on our mental health and teamwork over the pandemic and this year to get the results we want," he said.
