News

Bombers Grampians camp a success

Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Essendon defender Michael Hibberd says the club’s recent team building camp at the Grampians has laid strong foundations in uniting the club’s newest players.

All first and second year players attended the camp during which they took part in a number of activities aimed at strengthening the bond between the group including bike riding, kayaking and rock climbing.

“Camps such as these allow the players to mix with guys that we may not have had an opportunity to spend much time with so the camp provided a really good chance to bond from that sense,” Hibberd said.

“The mix in the groups was great as you got to speak to them and needed to communicate quite a bit which was a good way to get to know one another.”

Hibberd said the 18 kilometre bike ride on the first day was a challenge that forced the group to immediately learn to work together.

“It was pretty tough as a few of the bikes were a bit dodgy some of them had chains falling off while others had handle bars that were loose so they would spin every time you tried to turn,” he said.

“The ride was pretty hard and we had to work together to split up the good bikes and the bad bikes so that we could give everyone a go on each.

“We had to work as a group the whole time with one of the bikes having to cart some fishing gear to the lake where we finished and went yabbying on the kayaks.”

General Manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said the relationship building that occurred on the camp plays a significant role in the development of the new players at the club.

“We all know that if you have strong relationships off the field you can progress a lot further with player development and having good, open and honest discussions around the club,” Hamilton said.

“Four of the five staff members that went on the camp were in their first year with the club, all the first year players are brand new and we had a number of the second year players as well.

“I think the leadership opportunities, the relationship building and the chance to get away from the football club for a couple of days all made it a worthwhile exercise.”

Stand as One - One Team. One Dream. Click here or call 1300 GO BOMBERS to become a member and be part of the Bombers team today.

PLAYER PROFILE: Michael Hibberd

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So were the yabbies as 'TOEY' as us supporters? Keep working hard and the rewards will come. Cya at the footy! ;-)

- Keith Parkinson (posted 1/02/2012 11:46:30 AM)

glad the nab games dont start till 19th of feb, cause i had my first bike ride down rosebud last week and not moving real good....

- Charlie Monforte (posted 1/02/2012 12:27:14 PM)

Sounds like a well worthwhile trip. I hope you enjoyed yourself fellas.

- Adrian Reynolds (posted 1/02/2012 12:46:26 PM)

well done fans 37 members all read all most @40

- MARK JONES (posted 1/02/2012 1:32:12 PM)

really sensible initiative from the club, wonderful experience for those new to the club to build relationships.This type of experience encourages closeness & understanding. Paul well done. Hope each & every one got some benefit from this. Good luck for the season to you all

- Gail Taylor (posted 1/02/2012 2:30:46 PM)

I'm impressed with the many ways our club is striving to improve. There's a quiet revolution occurring behind the scenes at the EFC which ought to inspire every true fan of the red & black!

- Dennis Green (posted 2/02/2012 8:37:47 AM)