Macquarie University Australian Football Club have announced the signing of former Sydney Swans forward Michael O’Loughlin to their 2011 playing roster in a major coup for the club.
In 2011, O’Loughlin aims to play as many games as possible for the Warriors with work and family commitments permitting and senior coach, Lindsay Bassani, says that just having him out on the track will be a huge bonus to the club. "To have Mickey O on board is very exciting; his insight to elite level football will prove invaluable to the development of all of our players - from the seniors right down to the under 18s." Supporting his head coach’s sentiment Gemmill added, "Michael is more than a Swans great, he’s an inspirational leader and a person invested in the development of our youth".
But first things first for O’Loughlin, he’s currently gearing up to lead the AFL’s Indigenous All Stars team for their biennial clash in Darwin against this year’s opponent, Richmond.
It will be a busy year for the former Swans champion following his recent appointment as the head coach of the AFL’s elite AIS program, mentoring and developing the game's top emerging talent.
O’Loughlin retired from football in 2009, after a stellar career spanning fifteen seasons in the AFL. However the Swans games record holder has remained relatively fit and has often been seen on the training track with local football clubs in Sydney. "Even after retiring I’ve always tried to stay fit and healthy and provide a good example for my kids but there’s also been that itch there and I’m excited about getting out there again and having a kick plus to give something back to local footy in Sydney is exciting stuff"..
Also excited is club President Luke Gemmill, who says the signing is "a strong indication that the club’s heading in the right direction". Macquarie University backed up a triumphant 2009 Premiership with a semi final appearance in 2010, and after a successful off-season recruitment drive, Gemmill added that "our future has never looked brighter".
O’Loughlin first came in contact with the Warriors through the club’s support of the GO Foundation, the charity he started with good friend and former team mate, Adam Goodes. It’s this partnership that saw Macquarie University beat a long list of clubs vying for O’Loughlin’s signature.
This article can also bee seen at www.sydneyafl.com.au
Last Modified on 14/03/2011 12:22