By Kate Mitchell 28 AUG 2013
Bobbie Lee Blay was one of those kids that grew up around football clubs, learning the ropes as a trainer while her Dad was coaching. Footy was a family way of life.
Helping others has always been Bobbie Lee’s nature. Most people would shirk when confronted with a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula (that’s where the broken bones actually protrude through the skin). But for Bobbie Lee, it was that very moment when confronted with a seriously injured player that she realised this was her calling.
When someone suggested that she take on the football trainer role at the new club in the region, it was no surprise that after her first session with Gippsland Power, Bobbie Lee was hooked.
18 years and a club life membership honour later, Bobbie Lee has made the tough call to leave the club that she has grown with and take a different direction with her life.
Reflecting on the early Gippsland Power days Bobbie Lee acknowledges that she was a pioneer being one of the very first females working within the TAC Cup competition. She has seen the level of the professionalism in the league develop to what it is today, the best junior competition in Australia that emulates AFL standards.
During her time with Gippsland Power Bobbie Lee has also seen some fairly handy players come through the club. Since its incarnation Gippsland Power has had over 80 players drafted into the AFL, Bobbie Lee has played a part in the on and off field development of these players from boys into young men.
Sydney premiership player Luke Ablett encapsulated that when he told Bobbie Lee that she was a percentage of who he was today. That kind of compliment comes often from players and parents, but it still blows her away to hear it.
Working in the TAC Cup for so long Bobbie Lee has developed a keen eye for talent. While all players come into the Gippsland program with big dreams, she can recognise the similar traits in the players that have made it into the AFL.
“They have goals and determination and they just leave no stone unturned. They are always listening to whatever you have to offer and taking it on board.” The work ethic of these players really stands out to Bobbie Lee. “They are the ones that are always turning up earlier than the others and are just so willing to do everything possible to get drafted. “
The pre-game routine for a trainer is a flurry of activity with different players requiring all kinds of taping and preparation. Former player and now assistant coach Jack Weston used to time Bobbie Lee without her knowing when he was getting his ankles taped. From start to finish 28 seconds was all it took. Bobbie laughs as she says “I reckon I would have a mansion if I got a dollar for every ankle I have ever taped.”
Bobbie Lee’s trainer’s massages have also become legendary. In 2012 the club celebrated 20 years and named an All-Star team of the best 22 players to don the Power jumper during that time. There was a common theme in the speeches of the selected 22, many of them AFL premiership players. They all personally thanked Bobbie Lee for everything that she had done for them, especially “all the massages”. It led to the MC for the night, former Hawthorn player and now broadcaster Daniel Harford to ask on stage “who is this Bobbie?” and “can I get a massage?”
When asked how she felt that night Bobbie Lee replied “I was chuffed! I was proud, proud of them and proud that I was a part of who they became as AFL footballers.”
But only a small percentage of players are fortunate to make it to the big league. Bobbie Lee points out that she is just as proud of those that have gone on to play at VFL level or gone back to their local clubs and made a significant contribution to their local community. “It’s really pleasing to see the boys having a big impact in local footy and going on to be great senior players and coaches.”
There have been plenty of highs and lows over the years for Bobbie Lee including a premiership and some heartbreaking grand final losses. “You feel like you have ridden the rollercoaster with the players by the end of the season, you are just as exhausted as they are.”
Finding the motivation to get through the long seasons and all of the training sessions week in week out on those cold wintery nights has always been easy for her. “You weren’t there for you; you were always there for the boys and you hoped that by being there you were making a difference and helping them.”
It hasn’t been all one way though, Bobbie Lee pointed out that she has learned a lot from the players over the years. “They taught me so many things, understanding, tolerance, I think l learned how to become a better parent myself from the time I spent with the boys.”
Bobbie Lee has always enjoyed working with all of the players parents just as much as she has the players. “The parents have always given me respect for what I do. I think if they know that their sons are being well looked after you will always have a good relationship with them. I cherish the fact that I am still friends with so many of them to this day.”
Look after the players she has, going above and beyond to ensure injured players received the best possible treatment and had every chance to make it back out onto the field.
While her heart aches to say goodbye to something that has meant so much to her for so long, Bobbie Lee is also excited about the next chapter of her life and what the future holds. “It’s my turn now to give my family a bit more, but to also see what else is out there for me.”
No one can begrudge someone that has given so much to others taking some time to focus on their own aspirations. “The friendships that I have developed and the special memories that I have I will always hold dear to my heart.”
It will be an emotional day when Bobbie Lee works her final game as Gippsland Power head trainer. “One of the boys said to me the other day, Bob, you can always still come to the games and watch us you know!” Don’t be surprised if that familiar smiling face pops up in the crowd at Gippy games in the future.
Last Modified on 18/03/2015 10:58