Sam Kerridge, Richard Tambling, Tim McIntyre and retired great Graham Johncock were members of the Crows travelling party that headed to the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands last month.

Here’s a diary of their journey …

APY Lands Diary, September, 2013

The end of September was nearing and that meant it was time for another Adelaide Football Club trip to the APY Lands. The travelling party increased in numbers after a successful trip the previous year, with some fresh faces in young gun Sam Kerridge and rookie Tim McIntyre making the journey.

Richard Tambling and recent retiree Graham Johncock were on board again, along with the AFC Community Development staff, SANFL staff and SA Health representatives. We were all excited to capture the amazing moments and scenery, and experience what the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands had in store for us this year.

Unlike previous years, the travelling party was split in two and travelled separately to cover the eastern and western regions of the lands. Richard Tambling and Tim McIntyre took care of the eastern side and visited Indulkana, Mimili, Fregon, Ernabella and Kenmore Park schools. Their key messages to the children were about the importance of healthy eating and looking after their bodies. After a quick chat, the players joined the kids outside for a kick and catch.

Graham Johncock and Sam Kerridge were lucky enough to cover the much larger western side of the APY Lands, which stretches right across to the West Australian border. The players had the pleasure of seeing the kids at the schools in Pipalyatjara, Murputja and Amata. At each of the schools, the boys spoke to the children about the importance of staying in school. They detailed how that had helped them to get to where they are today and also how it will help them after football.

The children were also told about the importance of exercise and maintaining a healthy diet. The children at each of the schools had been very busy and were more than happy to show off some of their school work. Short movies seemed to be the flavour of the week and we got to kick the feet up for a bit and watch the kids in action. The boys were even taught some local Pitjantjatjara by some of the students. To finish of each visit, the kids got to go and have a kick of the footies with Graham and Sam.

Although a bit shorter than previous years, the trip to the APY Lands was successful and enjoyed by everyone involved. The students especially enjoyed the visits and got a massive kick out of seeing their heroes in the flesh. A number of schools did not waste any time in expressing their gratitude towards the football club and the players and could not stress the importance of programs like these to keep the kids on track and keep them motivated.

“Out here, in the middle of nowhere, we get incredibly busy with visiting agencies and groups and although I had put this visit on the calendar, I just completely forgot about it. The guys were really understanding and took that in their stride.

“I asked Graham and Sam to talk with our Secondary Fellas because it is difficult keeping them engaged at school, and our Primary class. They talked about how important coming to school had been to them achieving their goals and when this message comes from ‘heroes’ (especially indigenous ones) it really has impact.

“Then we went to the basketball court outside the school and they kicked footies with all the kids. The community came from everywhere to join in with their children.

“Finally, please let Graham and Sam know that the footy they signed was presented at an assembly to an eight year old lad who won every race at a local sports day. His father was so proud, it would make you mist up!”

Ngaire Benfell
Principal
Pipalyatjara Anangu School