TIME management, organisational skills and foresight are just as important off the field as they are on it.
Just ask SamPower.
While Power, a first round draft selection in the u-beaut 2001 draft headlined by Messrs Hodge, Ball and Judd, spent eight years playing with Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne, he wasn’t totally consumed by the game.
Football doesn’t last forever, well, at least, for most. There’s life after the game and Power planned for the next chapter well before he played the last of his 123 AFL games.
Consequently, two years after he finished playing in the AFL, he’s now in the last year of a commerce/law degree, which he began part-time eight years ago. He recalled his No 1 focus while he was going through school, was achieving the best possible marks so opportunities could open up. Power noted the number of players that had gone through both the Bulldogs and Kangaroos system within a couple of years and what awaited those whose life revolved around football.
He credits having his older brother, Brisbane premiership player Luke, in the system also helped him embrace the reality check to have other long term interests. “It’s important to have something outside football. Obviously, football was important, but just as important was having a release,” Power said. While his studies are demanding, Power remains involved in football. It is all part of getting the balance right.
“Yeah, it’s a pretty busy life, but because in the VFL you train at night I’ve got time during the day to go to Uni and do the things I need to do,” Power said. “And, while I’m young enough I want to play at the highest level I can.” Apart from playing Coburg Tigers, Power is also the club’s mid field coach and is coming off a season where he won the club’s best and fairest.
Several clubs chased Power when he finished at North Melbourne at the end of the 2009 season, but his connection with then Roos development coach David Newett, who was appointed Coburg Tigers coach, swayed his decision. Power enjoys the coaching part of the game, but is also mindful the tightrope coaches walk and for that reason is unsure if he’ll pursue coaching with any gusto when his playing days are finished.
While he’s the only Coburg Tigers VFL listed player with AFL experience, Power is not weighed down by the expectancy to perform. “I have high expectations in myself, I’m pretty proud of my performance,” Power said. “But, I know that when clubs go out and get players who have had some experience and who they hope can be important players for them, you are expected to perform. “I understand that and it’s never been a worry. It’s why I decided to play VFL.” Coburg Tigers are glad Sam Power made that commitment.
Last Modified on 12/10/2011 07:48