Sport
26 March, 2024
Kicking goals at heart of job
A DISTINGUISHED physical education teacher with over 15 years of experience has been appointed as AFL Cairns’ new football operations manager aiming to build a stronger connection to the teams and the region to become footy’s key regional competition.
Officially starting in his role yesterday, Brad Channon wants to bring his teaching experience, passion for football, involvement in over 200 games as a player and coaching experience in country SA, and leadership skills to drive AFL Cairns to a successful 2024 footy season.
“There’s a few nerves and I’m still wrapping my head around the role, going from teaching kids which was very full on, to footy which will also be very busy but in different ways,” Mr Channon said.
“The biggest thing for me is going to be developing those relationships with the seven clubs and fostering those positive relationships to build on what has been done in the past.
“In footy ops I’ll be overseeing the game dates, the governance and what goes behind the scenes from salary, player points to contracts and working closely with coordinators and education guys formulating the direction for footy up here in Cairns.
“There are a lot of avenues in this job and that’s exciting because no two days will look the same. There’s also a lot of learning to do but I’ll enjoy it.”
Mr Channon said that he hoped to bring growth to AFL Cairns and stronger relationships with the players and the community.
“Initially I want to establish some really good relationships with the clubs, working closely with them and working on what’s already been done, that is, to become the number one regional footy comp in Australia,” he said.
“I hope my experience in the community back in South Australia will really help push our way further and really foster that successful environment.
“I’ve always prided myself in my ability to build relationships and I believe that’ll be pivotal to the role and through my teaching experience provide support to the team.”
As he settles into the role, Mr Channon said he was extremely excited for this season of footy.
“I’m very excited, I’ve made my passion my job, it can’t get better than that,” he said.
“What I’m most excited about is seeing the talent, the quality of the competition and get to be immersed in footy as my job.
“Hopefully we can continue to grow, there are so many possibilities to push forward and continue on that evolution to become the number one comp.”
