TESTIMONIALS
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
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WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING •
Ben Hawthorne
Teacher and AFL Coach - Banksia Beach State School
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Shane worked with our Banksia Bears Girls AFL squad over the course of 6 weeks.
The girls ranged in ages of 10-12 and ability. Some new to the game right through to state level players. Very quickly he developed a great relationship with the girls and created a safe and supportive environment for them to grow as footballers.
The girls had so much fun during every session and felt comfortable to try new things, make mistakes and learn from them. Every session was meticulously planned and Shane was always organised but at the same time very flexible to work in changing conditions. Players under Shane’s guidance were able to work on their individual skills and craft right up to advanced team ball movement drills.
He was able to challenge each student regardless of their ability and always made sure the sessions were tailored appropriately to the girls’ level. Not only did Shane coach skills but he also coached team culture and leadership, always encouraging players to communicate and problem solve during drills and game play.
The girls soaked up his great knowledge of the game and it was very evident to see their improvement after each session. Some of Shane’s catch phrases such as ‘Find the free bear’ and ‘No bear gets left behind’ are still being used by the girls and are now part of our team’s vocabulary.
Shane has also been extremely generous with his time, watching the girls play during their school and club-based games and providing coaches and players with targeted feedback. To cap it all off the girls were invited for a game day experience where they watched the Moreton Bay Lions senior women play.
During this experience the girls were able to watch the team warm up, listen to the pre-game and break time talks as well as sing the song after a great win. The girls came away having learnt so much from this.
We would definitely recommend Shane to any school looking to improve their AFL program and we look forward to working with Shane again shortly!
— Liam & Brooke K.
Parents from the Coolum Beach Breakers
“Initially, we enlisted both boys pre season to increase fitness, get their eye in and refine skills. Within the first session Shane and Ebony had already exceeded our expectations! They identified each players weapon and designed individual programs to challenge the weaknesses in their game.
Going above and beyond, coaching staff have also attended multiple game days and provided constructive feedback to assist the boys.
When asked what the boys enjoy most about the Players Academy, it’s the balance of discipline and fun, creative drills, increased confidence and how both Shane and Ebony celebrate their achievements!
As parents, we consider the Players Academy to be trusted, valued, long-term mentors in the boys footy journey - a relationship built on mutual respect between coach and player. If you’re seeking to hone your craft or supplement team training, look no further than the Players Academy. Highly recommend!”
“Shane is a fantastic communicator and teacher of all facets of the game. his knowledge to pass on to the youth; by building confidence and letting them grow to their full potential in all areas of AFL are outstanding.”
— Rob Purves
(Former) President Noosa AFC- QAFL
— K.JAMES
“Shane coached my son for several AFL seasons and was instrumental in shaping him into the AFL player he is today.”
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“Dawesy took our senior and reserves women’s teams and transformed them into something really special.
In 2021 both teams combined won about 4 games between them and both teams languished on the bottom of the ladder. Under Shanes guidance in 2022, the reserves went through the entire home and away season undefeated and fell just short of making the Grand Final. Under his guidance, the senior women’s team went all the way to the Grand Final losing to Surfers by a mere two points in a colossal game of football.
He did all that in one year – we can’t wait to see what he does with our girls in 2023.
Of all the coaching appointments I have been involved in over the years, appointing Dawesy has been, by far, the best decision we ever made for our women’s teams. The ladies love him, and so do we.
If you are considering being personally trained by Dawesy, or having your children personally trained by him, then I could not recommend him to you highly enough. He is special and one of the very best going around.”
— Barry Allen
Former Chairman, Moreton Bay Lions
“One thing that became apparent quickly in my initial years as President was that players wanted to play under Shane.”
— D. Blackborough
President Coolum Beach Junior Australian Football Club (2018-22).
“My son was in a team coached by Shane that won the grand final and in that same year Shane was deservedly awarded Sunshine Coast Coach of the Year.
I was always confident my son was in the best hands being coached by Shane as his love of the sport- together with his commitment, development and empowerment of players is second to none.”
— Katie
Parent of Coolum Breakers 2019 Premiership Player
“He develops a wonderful rapport with those he works with by building friendships through trust and mutual respect.”
— B. Allen
“Shane first came to Coolum breakers as my coach in under 13's and truly influenced my attitude and ability when playing AFL.
Now 6 years later, and I still think back to all the times I have learnt valuable lessons, not just in footy but in life.
He is a very knowledgeable coach, having coached multiple Brisbane lion's academy women's teams and other noticeable achievements.
All in all, I couldn't be happier with the amount of time and effort he puts into his players and won't be able to thank him enough for his coaching ability over the years.”
— Cian Mallon
(Current) Noosa Tigers QAFL player