After reading through the comments posted by supporters who joined me over summer at Eels training, I’ve had reason to reflect on the noticeable difference in culture which has emerged in recent seasons. Having had the opportunity to witness these changes first hand, I consider it a valuable exercise to share this with fellow Parramatta fans.
This is Our Place
With the provision of a quality, dedicated training facility at Old Saleyards, the Eels finally have a home base. Arthur has been quick to emphasise to the playing group that it is indeed their home and that it needs to be respected as such. Consequently, the players are rostered onto particular duties. Furthermore, the players take pride and ownership of their home. I know of players asking visitors to please pick up dropped rubbish. Any fan who has attended training knows that there is an expectation that we leave our viewing area clean and tidy.
Fans are Important
As visitors to the training facility, fans (including myself) keep to appropriate spectating areas (behind fence lines). However, it has not been uncommon for some players to say hello or have a quick chat after completing their work in a session. Blokes like Mannah, Moss, Wicks, Hasson, Moeroa, Pritchard, Tanginoa and others have chatted to the supporters in attendance. Remembering that these aren’t open training sessions, such engagement and respect for fans speaks volumes for their attitude.
This acknowledgement of the fans has not been limited to players. The staff have also been welcoming. Watching the team prepare over summer has not been a lonely process at all. Increasingly, I was joined by fans who ventured down to training to watch the team go through their paces and you may have noticed my referencing of them in most posts. This group were regularly greeted by staff. This was often in the form of a quick hello from BA or the staff as they moved near our group, or sometimes a quick chat with blokes like Jason, Joey, Craig, Paul or Nathan at the conclusion of their field work.
Importantly, this respect was gained by the conduct of the fans in attendance. The squad went through their paces and the supporters did not impose on their work. Their workplace was respected, so the fans received acknowledgement in return.
Pride in Their Work
A brilliantly healthy competition exists at training. Every player is trying to train harder than the bloke next to them, yet at the same time you will hear encouragement and catch cries when the physical conditioning pushes them to their limits. When a player excels in a drill or a match simulation you will hear the “woohoos” echo around the facility. I’ll share a great example of this team pride and ethos. When a surprise training session was called, players checked with each other to ensure that everyone knew of the change. The players looked out for each other (and couldn’t some other clubs do with this in recent times). That really demonstrated incredible team spirit! The players understand the importance of performing as an individual AND achieving as a team! Everyone has an important role.
Players celebrate the achievements of team mates at training.
Moving Forward, What Do I Need To See?
As a fan site, TCT has been noted for its positivity. Why wouldn’t we be optimistic? Great recruitment, squad, facilities, coaching and an encouraging pre-season. Nonetheless, we have certain non-negotiable expectations, just like our fellow supporters.
I believe that such expectations can be summed up by the key words contained in the title of this post – PRIDE and RESPECT. I’m seeing it in spades in the preparation, I’ve detailed examples in this text, so to what am I now referring?
Simple – match day implementation.
It has taken two full seasons for the squad to get to this point. Cultural change was not an overnight fix and each season under Arthur has seen development in the attitudes that he seeks from his team. I’m looking for this to now manifest in personal pride in match day performance, not just in the individual but also in the team result. I’m looking for the players to exhibit pride in pulling on the blue and gold jersey and to understand and respect that their attitude, effort and achievement has a profound impact on the supporters sitting in the stands wearing the same colours that they sport on the field. As fans, we rejoice with the team when they succeed and share the same pain of the losses.
This pain has lasted for many years, yet here we again, ready to cheer the Eels on for another season. This time I reckon that the foundation stones of pride and respect might just build a team strong enough to carry the fans deep into September.
Sixties
All photos courtesy of the Parramatta Eels
Sixties – what time are the training sessions on, I’d like to swing by one day?
I am interested in TCT’s genuinely impartial view of this year v the last couple. Every year we hear that every club is fitter than ever, has a great culture and 20 of “da boys” go for coffee after training. If you TCT goes back over your notes and blogs from last year, is there really a difference? Or were we saying the same stuff last year?
I’d also love to know what Jenkings things is the difference in training at eels v Roosters – could you ask him?
Jim, the field training tends to vary in times. I would either get a tip about times or swing by. But even some plans could be changed up at the last minute. A consistent time that I found was early Tuesday (8:30) and later on Thursdays (midday). However, as they are not open sessions they aren’t planned around fans and aren’t promoted.
On your other point, I can see where you are coming from. Let me explain it like this:
* Every year under BA has been a step up on the previous. He is a better coach this year than last year. He expects similar from the players – to improve every year.
* Having the dedicated facility is a quantum leap. In the previous years watching them at Richie Benaud, there were limitations as to what the players could do on that site and would go to anything up to 5 locations in a day to train.
* The players talk up their camaraderie every year, but those of us who’ve watched training also see it in action.
* I have not spoken to Jennings but have spoken to others. The feedback that I’ve heard personally and through others is that the coaching of the individual and the physical preparation is unlike the previous experiences of the players. Jennings looks to have settled in well and the rumours about his brother’s interest in the club are now surfacing
* it is fact that players and player managers are contacting the club, not the other way around, and it’s not in pursuit of cash.
* player managers are also trying to place their younger clients in the Eels development systems
* I talked up the team last year but I see a quantum leap in the physical demands of training this year and the difference it has made to the players’ physiques ( see Chris’ preview)
* there are changes to the coaching and support staff so the training is different
Sounds promising & thanks for response … Bring on round 1!
You’re welcome Jim.
You are such a pleasure to read, keep keeping us updated, I don’t stop mate. Thanks again
Cheers Joe, look forward to catching up after a match mate.
Sixties thanks buddy for all your posts and those of the others guys. I have read every one of them and always look forward to the next post. I have been an Eels supporter for over 40 years and yes the last 5 or so years have been very bad, however i have not been so excited about an upcoming season for a loong time and reading your posts leave me in even more excitement. I have been down to training a number of times last year and went down on Friday for the 1st time this year and low on behold the players were given a day off. I look forward to meeting up with you down there in the future.Keep the great posts coming.
Cheers Sam. It’s been back to work for me this week. Tom was able to get to training for TCT this week and post a report. As a teacher, my next opportunity will come up in the April holidays, so you might catch me then. As for this year, the anticipation is high. Hanging out for it to begin.
Nothing wrong with some positivity, I’m enjoying the information and tone of the Parra machine and TCT
Cheers Matt. We’re looking forward to our content when the season begins.
We are very lucky as Parra fans to have a site like this that gives us detailed updates everyday its amazing. I bet other fan bases would so jealous, you literally takes us to every training session with such depth in every article well done! If this is how good it is in the off season how good will it be come March!
jpav
We are chomping at the bit for the new season mate. Can’t wait!
So good to be able to come on this site and read the training reports without all the comments about unicorns etc , All you have to is read it or dont read it ,thats it!!!
Cheers mate. I reckon we fill the role of providing info for fans, but from the perspective of a fellow supporter. Glad you enjoy it.
Great work sixties, as usual you cast a broad net, bringing the development of our club as a whole into a perspective which is being enjoyed by all. Your associates contributions collectively has created quite a unique fan site that is all about football.
Do you teach philosophy at school or is it just a hobby mate?
Love’ya work big fella.
Cheers mate. You should know more than most Rowdy that being a lifetime Parra fan gears you up for a unique perspective on life. You can’t teach that, you’ve gotta live it (as so many blue and gold faithful can testify)
Sixties – great read.
Something you commented on made me reflect upon the “culture” at another football club.
If Brad is bringing, has brought, to the club an attitude / culture that can rival the Crusaders we are really on our WAY!
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby/revealed-richie-mccaw-and-dan-carter-clean-dressing-rooms-after-all-blacks-and-crusaders-games/news-story/99a9933632e6171d3fa868d3813220c8
Have a gr8 day ….
Steven
Someone that I rate told me about the similarities. Well spotted!
Great read Sixties….
Nothing but smiles on my face reading these articles you have posted.. I love my Eels and to hear what has been happening over the preseason has me super pumped. To all that have contributed and supported The Cumberland Throw, thank you…
The season is around the corner… lets take it to the October long weekend
Rock on to all Eels fans, as one can take it to a new level, just as the players and coaches have…
Cheers
Dannyboy – you might even be more pumped for the season ahead than me! Good times ahead I reckon. Cheers mate.