Coach In Focus ~ Leon Guthrie
Meet Year 4 Coach Leon Gurthie
1.How long have you been coaching footy for at AMPJFC and other clubs?
This is my second year at AMPJFC, last year was the first with the Year 3’s
I previously had coached Auskick at Redcliffe JFC for two years and I also coached at Carlisle Amateur Football Club as the Reserves coach for 3 years
2. Did you play footy yourself as a youngster? If so tell us about your football career.
I have played a lot of Football in my career. I started out at Maddington Football club in the Under 8’s, we then moved to East Victoria Park when I was in Year 7, back then it was East Victoria Park which was then amalgamated with another club to become Victoria Park.
When I was 17 I played 10 games of colts for East Perth. I then went on to play colts and seniors at Canning Football club in the old Sunday League, playing approx. 100 games. I then played approx. 130 games at Collegians Football club in the A, B grade amateurs and then approx. 150 games at Carlisle Football club. I sometimes still have a kick with the Booragoon Veterans
3. Who was your best coach when you played? Why?
My beast coach was Gavin Keuresh or ‘Frosty’ at Collegians Football Club. He was the best for me because he knew my strengths and weaknesses and simplified the way I approached my football, this gave me a new view on the game and how it should be played
4. What children and teams do you have at AMPJFC?
My son Nate plays in the Year 4’s
4. What age groups have you coached?
I have coached Auskick, Year 3’s, Year 4’s and Men at Amateur level
5. What got you into coaching?
I was still playing at the time and was approached by the League Coach to take on the role, I had been the club captain previously and they were looking for someone that had a rapport with the younger colts and existing players at the club, I also thought I had quite a bit of experience that could possibly help.
6. What do you enjoy about coaching?
I really enjoy seeing each player develop and especially love seeing it when they understand a concept we are trying to teach, like a lightbulb moment goes off and they grow in confidence from it.
7. What are some stand out moments as a coach?
My definite stand out moments are just seeing each player grow and think that I may have had a small part in them getting better as a player…..Also winning in Round 3 against Booragoon this year!
8. What is your focus for the team this year?
Our main focus this year is to keep developing skills and working on ball movement with decision making a key component
9. What is your catch phrase that you always say to your players eg words of wisdom, inspirational message etc
I don’t have any special words of wisdom or phrases, but I do say a lot ‘Get the Ball!!!’
10. What AFL Team do you barrack for?
I’m a West Coast supporter and hoping for another prosperous season
What Ryan says: “Leon is a calm hand who rewards effort regardless of their skill level that keeps the kids engaged and most importantly enjoying their footy together.“
What Chris says: “Leon has a great football pedigree as a player and coach and we are lucky to have him at our club. He has done a brilliant job of bringing our year 4 group together as we moved from 2 teams that were short of numbers last year, to one cohesive team this year that is playing a very good style of football.”
What Daryl says: “Leon has coached the majority of these boys since the start of last season and the development the boys have shown is a real credit to his dedication and commitment to the team. The boys love training and playing together which shines through in their comradery and continued improvement. Keep up the great work coach.”