Sheedy and Tyson tour South Coast

By Alison Zell

The GIANTS visited local schools and clubs during the tour to meet their some of their regional fans and help to build enthusiasm around the upcoming AFL season.

“To have Kevin Sheedy and Dom Tyson in the region gave us some real excitement to not only promote playing AFL, but also to grow support for the GIANTS,” Steve Mahar, AFL NSW/ACT Manager – ACT/South Coast said.

“There was a real hype around Kevin being in the region and we are very fortunate to have such a personality of the game help us grow AFL on the South Coast.”

Sheedy and Tyson flew from Sydney to the South Coast in a Navy Bell 429 helicopter, arriving at HMAS Albatross, Nowra’s Naval Air Station, on Monday afternoon.

Sheedy delivered the keynote address for the 816 Squadron Training Day, talking to the assembled personnel about performance under pressure, maintaining peak performance and leadership skills.

“Kevin spoke to the Navy officers about leadership and emphasised thinking outside the square to achieve a goal,” Mahar said.

“Dom spoke about his experiences as a young player, having to step up in a new club and the excitement around being a part of such a talented young group.

“It was very clear why the GIANTS see Dom as such a talent on and off the field, as he handled himself very professionally.”

On Tuesday the pair visited school assembly at Nowra Christian School before meeting students at Vincentia Public School.

The trip was rounded out with a skills session with local kids at Nowra Showgrounds before Sheedy and Tyson jumped back in their helicopter to western Sydney.

“The helicopter provided a lot of excitement for Kevin and Dom, but also for the school children of the region who were able to see it up close with the assistance of the Navy,” Mahar said.

“Over 300 kids were able to meet the pair on this two-day exercise which is great exposure for AFL and the GIANTS in the region.”

Click here for photos of the pair’s tour of HMAS Albatross