Following the last round of Capital games on the weekend first team coach, David Bounds, announced that he would be stepping down next season. This follows reserve team coach, Adam Meadows’ announcement that he would be stepping down a couple of weeks ago.
David, firstly on behalf of BLFC thank you for coaching over the last two seasons. What has been the highlight?
Thank you for having me. I wouldn’t have wanted to coach anywhere else in Brisbane than for a club which made me feel so welcome when I arrived as a player 3 years ago.
One of my biggest highlights would have to be the Capital 4 Grand Final when both our Reserve team and Firsts completed the double.
But if I really looked back at it I would say that the biggest highlight for me would be how as a club we have been able to create a culture which has helped to bring past players, supporters and youngsters down to Bowman Park to watch football.
As a coach you did the double in Capital Four and managed to ensure survival in Capital Three, why leave now?
It wasn’t an easy decision. But I feel as though I have left with the club in a better position than when I arrived.
I have been very lucky enough to play or coach football since I was 4. After years and years of sacrifices I owe it to Prue (my partner) to allocate the time enjoy some the moments in life which we have put on hold due to past and current football and work commitments.
Have there been particular players that have stood out for you?
I had the pleasure to coach many a great character in my few years at BLFC.
The few players which have really stood out to me which I know will take this club further in the future would be players with the professionalism like Jason Walker or the talent and work-rate of players like Hugo Cretois, Sean Jones and Flynn Maloney.
I was lucky enough to not only coach a group of players but coach a group of lads which I would class as friends in the outside world. I hope that I leave this role as not only influencing them as a footballer but helped each player to be a better person on and off the park.
What next for you?
I have the desire to coach again one day but for the next couple of years it my main aim is for new experiences, life adventures with my partner.
But also get back into playing the sport I love and have a kick in the City League with players that I have missed playing with since taking up this role such as Andy McCabe, Sam Irvine-Casey and the others.
What next for Bardon?
I’m so proud of what we have become as a club and the things we have put in place as a group.
I personally am excited for the next stage in BLFC’s history and I feel as though this last two years has helped to give the upcoming coming players in the BLFC junior ranks and pathway to playing football in the late teens and adulthood.
I feel as though if we can continue to keep developing players like Mitchell Smart and Austyn Boardman that we will be in a good position to take the next step to Captial Two football by the end of the 2018 season.
And can I just add my thanks again for allowing me to coach BLFC in its 100th year. I would like to personally thank Rob Wheeler and the Committee for its faith and support.
I would like to also thank the coaching group such as Adam Meadows, Scott Sandilands, Aaron Peterson, Bruce Powell and Dave Gillman who made my job so much easier.
But I would especially like to thank the BLOBS and playing group of BLFC as they have definitely made this past two years an enjoyable and memorable experience for me and has provided me with memories that I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Hi Adam, firstly on behalf of BLFC thank you for coaching over the last two seasons. What has been the highlight?
There are too many to pick from but the obvious one would be the double grand final last year, particularly given where we came from the year before. The whole day was amazing and I remember being surprisingly relaxed which is unusual for me. To back it up this year with 1 point away from finals in a higher division was beyond my expectations.
On a personal level, a major highlight has been working closely with Boundsy, and the player leadership group over the past two years. I have formed strong friendships and will take a lot away from those experiences.
As a reserves coach you’ve been able to win the grand final in Capital Four and finish a more than respectable fifth place, why leave now?
It wasn’t an easy decision but for me the timing is right for a couple of reasons. First, I am really proud of what we have achieved, but I am also a big supporter of renewal. Do I think I could still add value? I would hope so, but I believe some new coaching blood will be good if we are going to get back to where this great club once was. I just hope I have made the job at least a little bit easy for the incoming coach. Second, I have a very patient and loving family who have supported me with the commitment necessary to coach at this level while balancing work and now it’s time for them.
Have there been particular players that have stood out for you?
The squads from last year and this year have been great and I have learnt a lot from them. All have shown some qualities and leadership at various times. There are the obvious stand outs in terms of talent and experience but if I had to pick a couple who have had an impact on me personally it would be Brent Bischof and James Davie. Brent has matured into a great leader and mentor and I think will be awesome with what ever he does in life. He puts his heart and soul into everything. Jame Davie is a new player and to me has had an obvious positive influence on the squad. He’s just an all-round top bloke and I hope he hangs around because he will be integral to the future of the club. East’s loss is definitely our gain.
What next for you?
I am going to enjoy being around the club next year standing on the “Ned Sparksman Hill” with the BLOBs supporting the next generation of players come through. I will also probably play in the City again. I got the taste of it again playing City 7’s this year and I am not ready to play over-35’s. I am also really looking forward to supporting my 11 year old daughter Ella with her soccer and other sporting interests. Hopefully a future Matilda from Bardon.
What next for Bardon?
Many more championships I hope. I would really like to see some of our juniors stay with the club and play seniors. But I know that will be determined by the success and positive culture of the seniors. Success attracts success. But in my view we really need to get focused on ensuring we have the infrastructure needed to attract top quality players and coaches to the club.