Clontarf Academy graduate and Fremantle defender Michael Johnson was proud to pass on his experience to Clontarf students when they visited the club’s Cockburn headquarters for a training session on Friday afternoon.
The students will play a curtain raiser for the Woodside Cup ahead of Sunday’s clash with Essendon at Domain Stadium, and were treated to a talk from Johnson and Jon Griffin before training.
“Being an ex-student from Clontarf, I was able to speak about my experiences at school and the goals I set to make it at AFL level,” Johnson said.
“Jon and I were lucky enough to play AFL but we also spoke about the other avenues, so it was all about completing school, doing your studies and seeking advice from your teachers.”
“Being a young indigenous kid growing up I really looked up to the Aboriginal boys playing AFL, so it’s good to give something back to these guys and I hope they took something out of it.”
Shane Kiely, Clontarf’s general manager of partnerships and communications, said it was an invaluable experience for the students.
“I think this our seventh year to come down for the Woodside Cup and train at the oval and hear from the players,” Kiely said.
“It’s a great opportunity and they get to play at Domain Stadium, so we really appreciate it.
“Michael was one of our first graduates from the program and one of our first AFL draftees. I think we’ve had about 40 odd over the last 18 years so I think that’s a pretty good strike rate.
“There’s some handy footballers here, so I’m sure many will shine on the big stage on Sunday.”
One of those is Jerome Davies, a member of the Northam-Clontarf Academy, who is hopeful of overcoming an ankle injury to play on Sunday.
“It feels good knowing that we’re some of the first people in WA to see this new facility. It’s inspiring,” Davies said.
“I don’t know if I’ll be playing because of my ankle and my physio wants me to give it one more week, but I reckon I’m good!”
