RPRTP Redtails trip to Mildura 13.04.2023
Redtails team trip to Mildura to verse Sunraysia– 13.04.2023 to 16.04.2023
Damien Hall had a few years in Alice Springs working for Clontarf and was involved in the local football league from where he met Rob Clarke and built a strong friendship and got involved in the RPRTP.
When he returned to Mildura in 2022 with his family he was keen to try and get some recognition and support for the RPRTP in that region, thus the idea of a Sunraysia rep side to play the RPRPT Redtails was born.
Of course nothing just happens, it took Hally and his team many months to get approval for this game to go ahead from the local league firstly, then it was a massive undertaking to then find sponsors and volunteers to bring it all together. The momentum kept growing, creating a lot of interest and enthusiasm from the local businesses and people to the point where it became bigger than Ben Hur as they say.
Rob and his team spread the word around the Centralians resulting in a lot of very keen players coming along to all the RPRTP sessions expressing great interest in such and event.
Logistically there was a few travel plans to sort out as flights in big aircraft companies don’t generally fly from Alice Springs to Mildura. Hally did as much organising as her could from his end with accommodation, meals, bus hire etc. The media outlets got wind of the event and were keen to inform the public in many formats and the social media arena.
A massive Thank you to Damien Hall, Michael Robertson, all the people working with them, the Sunraysia League & the Mildura Community in general for all your hard work, dedication, vision & support.
RPRTP – Patrick Ryder
7.02.2023 - Breaking news.
On the day Paddy Ryder is made a life member of the AFL, this fantastic man has reached out to us at the RPRTP to help support what we have been achieving and trying to achieve for young remote people in our region over the past eleven years.
Paddy will also be coming to Alice to train with the Redtails in the lead up to the much-anticipated match against the Sunraysia League in Mildura Mid-April, where Paddy will be pulling on a Redtails Guernsey and playing alongside the Centralian’s who have worked to be a part of this historical match.
Paddy has requested to also engage with community while he is in the heart of Australia through the RPRTP. Paddy will stay engaged after the match as an ambassador to the Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Program into the foreseeable future.
Thank you, Paddy Ryder. What an absolute champion.
Paddy has had a very successful career playing for three AFL clubs spanning many years. Amazingly all three clubs have had links with our program.
The Redtails played against Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval in 2016 and have built a strong relationship across multiple years. Fred Campbell is one of our champion coaches, who fully committed to our program across the last 18 months and has brought a bucket load of support and knowledge. Fred like Patty played for the Saint Kilda Football Club and Nigel Lockyer Jnr spent 7 weeks at the Essendon Football Club in 2020 as a SSP and got very close to being drafted.
What a perfect fit. We are all very thankful that Paddy has chosen to support & engage with our programs and love his sense of community. Boom
RPRTP – Patrick Ryder training with the RPRTP - 29.03.2023
RPRTP post 28.03.2023
Paddy Ryder is visiting Central Australia tomorrow, Wednesday the 29th March 2023.
Paddy will be training at Albrecht Oval from 5:30pm tomorrow with the Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Program, as the men lead up to the Sunraysia League showdown in Mildura April 15.
Paddy will also engage with our 17s and under Redtails squad who are travelling to Sydney Thursday, to take on Newington College this Friday night.
Thursday morning Paddy will visit Yipirinya School and then see the 17s Redtails lads off from Traeger park later that morning.
What an awesome opportunity we have to engage with one of the games great ruckmen and have him onboard with our programs.
Let’s welcome Paddy with our true Centralian Spirit.
Thank you, Paddy Ryder.
RPRTP.
"Dreamtime at the P" will see Alice Springs footballers face Sunraysia's best
Jackson Clark - March 30, 2023
The Central Australia Redtails are set to face a representative team from the Sunraysia Football League on April 15.
The match dubbed ‘Dreamtime at the P’ will take place at the new Mildura Sporting Precinct and is set to generate plenty of interest. The Sunraysia league is a strong competition featuring nine clubs based in north-west Victoria and south-west New South Wales.
The Sunraysia team could potentially field a number of ex-AFL players, including Cory Gregson, Sam Kerridge, Dallas Willsmore, Jarrod Brander and Matt Dea.
Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Program Founder and President Rob Clarke believes that selection in the Redtails team gives talented young footballers in the Central Australian region something to aim towards.
“It’s another opportunity for these young people to aspire to try and make this side and experience something different,” Clarke told SEN Top End.
“Most have never been to Mildura or around that region so it adds value to what we are trying to achieve.”
AFL great Kevin Sheedy is expected to be an ambassador for the game while Carlton champion Anthony Koutoufides will be participating in a sportsman’s night.
There will be junior boys’ and girls’ games as well as a representative team from the Millewa Football League taking on the Mallee Tigers as the main curtain raiser match.
In a big boost for the Centralians, former AFL ruckman Paddy Ryder will make an appearance.
Ryder played 281 AFL games across Essendon, Port Adelaide and St Kilda, and was selected in the 2017 All-Australian team.
He also requested to engage with the Central Australian community through his participation in the Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Program.
The 34-year-old is currently in Alice Springs where he spent time with the 17s and under Redtails squad who are currently in Sydney and will take on Newington College tomorrow night.
On Thursday morning, Ryder visited Yipirinya School and is expected to visit other local schools in Alice Springs while training with the Redtails team.
“Getting Ryder on board is fantastic, he is in Alice Springs to train with the lads, so it’s pretty exciting," Clarke said.
“He is a perfect fit – we are all very thankful that Paddy has chosen to support & engage with our programs and love his sense of community.”
The Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Program uses sport to engage young people and empower them to become leaders in their community.
The program promotes putting education, wellbeing, family and community first and takes leadership and role modelling to young people on the field.
Ryder will stay engaged after the match as an ambassador to the Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Program into the foreseeable future.
RPRTP post -Redtails trip to Mildura to verse Sunraysia – 13.04.2023
It’s been a massive build up over the last 8 months, where the journey started for the preparation for 17s and under lads v Newington College, SANFL/SANFLW trials & the senior Redtails v Sunraysia match in Mildura Vic.
To see the improvement not only in so many Centralian’s both Redtails & Pinktails is the most rewarding experience of this whole process.
People gaining new employment opportunities, focusing on healthier habits in regards to drinking and food. Helping and supporting others up rather than knocking them down to name a few.
The Redtails senior squad have conquered the first leg of the journey to Mildura this morning landing in Adelaide around 11:30am then travelling to Mildura on a 4 hour plus bus trip. WAIT WE HAVE JUST BROKEN DOWN. The squad is now waiting at a service station North of Adelaide for a replacement bus. The challenge begins.
Will try keep everyone up to date as much as possible
Saturday’s game live stream link below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF_l2ddGaJk
Fred Campbell will lead the Redtails:
Fred Campbell has been selected as Head Coach for the Redtails senior side against a strong Sunraysia side in Mildura tomorrow evening, assisted by Darren Talbot, Ian McAdam and Rob Clarke.
Fred has been excellent at trainings with all our participants through his encouragement, advice and general all-round support to everyone involved.
Fred’s experience at the highest level is one thing but much more importantly is his ability to understand his environment and engage at anyone’s level. It is awesome to watch him grow into an important component of the holistic approach that we all strive to achieve in this RPRTP space.
There is no doubt our lads are up against it in tomorrow’s game, as the Sunraysia side boosts 5 ex AFL players and a squad filled with high level strong country footballers.
The challenge could seem to be an impossible one but that hasn’t squashed any enthusiasm from Fred or the whole squad. The result while not being unimportant isn’t what motivates this group and or program or the coaches, what does is the ability to help improve and drive positive change throughout our participants, which in turns then infiltrates through our community and region in general.
#embracethepassiondeveloptolead
14 April 2023:
Early morning walk on a foggy cool Friday morning in Mildura and bump into this bloke who had just finished a 3.4km run.
This bloke has simply turned his life around and lead from the front since reengaging in our program. Bradley has been one of the many committed participants through 2022/23 RPRTP series.
Leading by example works as someone does something positive others follow hence the 20 plus Centralian’s that turn up to CONDITIONING sessions on any given Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday mornings.
Bradley has not only committed to training with his Redtails & Pinktails brothers & sisters but also works at Congress in a youth service role. Bradley through his efforts has earned a spot on the South Adelaide Football Club SANFL squad as an Central Australian based player. The encouragement and support Bradley is displaying to his peers is nothing short of commendable. Keep at it Bradley James Turnerand all the best for tomorrow’s game.
Mildura Welcome: - the welcome from the Mildura community has been absolutely unbelievable.
Our lads can’t believe how people in the street have been pulling them up to say hello and chat to them.
The facility is unbelievable, the oval is incredible and there have been a few famous people getting about as well. Boom
15 April 2023: Help.
Captain Macca at the helm, the lads are on a river cruise this morning learning about the region, the river and the weather.
The weather has turned a bit ordinary with rain all morning, hoping it clears up for tonight’s match.
Sunraysia Daily Newspaper articles – Saturday 15th April 2023
Pre game photos with AFL Legends - Kevin Sheedy, Anthony Koutoufides and Patrick Ryder
Redtails team trip to Mildura to verse Sunraysia– Player profile by Stan Coombe
Coach – Fred Campbell: Played 12 AFL games (Sydney 5, St Kilda 7). Drafted by the Swans after a stellar U18 season that included Harrison Medal (National U18 Div 2 B&F) and Everingham Medal (BOG in CAFL Grand Final). Coach of Rovers 2012 CAFL Premiership.
No. 1 Kurt Abbott: Regarded as an all-time great of the Ti Tree Roosters in bush footy. Also starred for Rovers in CAFL, playing in all of their five straight flags form 2017 – 21. Can play at either end and through the middle. Played with South Adelaide Reserves last year through Redtails Right Tracks program.
No. 2 Tyson Woods: Speedster from Yuendumu that has graduated from NT U18 representation into a potential match -winner on his day in senior footy, mainly as a goal kicking small forward with an occasional run on the ball. Played early senior CAFL footy for South, then switched to Rovers, and played Reserves for North Adelaide last year via Right Tracks program.
No. 3 Bradley Turner – Co-Captain: One of the veterans of CAFL football, now captain at South where he has played the second half of his senior career, after playing for Federal with distinction over a long period. Still has pace, and has always been a skilled user of the ball. Fitter than ever and starred in recent trial with South Adelaide Reserves.
No. 4 Keithan Martin: Ti Tree Roosters youngster starting to make in impression in senior footy, not only with his eye-catching pace and skills, but also through his fitness levels and commitment to the Redtails training program under mentorship of Kurt Abbott
No. 5 Shaydan Close: Hasn’t played senior CAFL footy. Played juniors in Alice before family moved interstate. Has returned to Alice this year as a strongly built midfielder/forward and will trial with North Adelaide Reserves this season.
No. 6 Denzel Anderson: Has put together a couple of excellent seasons in the CAFL for West. Will add outside pace to the side as a wingman or rebounding running defender.
No. 7 Dwayne Powell: Plays for Pioneer in the CAFL, but coming back from long term injury that cost him a chance to play in last year’s premiership team. Good kicking skills a feature of his game and can play as a forward or defender.
No. 9 Jamal Lynch: Plays for Ltyentye Apurte in bush footy and has also been a star player in the CAFL for both Pioneer and South. Lightning quick and has used that asset to enhance his reputation as a quality wingman, or rebounding running defender.
No. 10 Jeremiah Scrutton: Much travelled young talent, originally from Ti Tree. Did schooling and played junior footy in SA on the way to representing the NT U18’s, juggling basketball talent id program commitments along the way. His height is an asset in ruck and key position roles.
No. 11 Michaelis McMasters: A welcome return to CAFL footy a couple of seasons back, after establishing his senior career in the NTFL. As an U18 he had already represented the NT and was a key running midfield player in South’s 2014 premiership side.
No. 12 Kane Sevallos-Seden: Based in Tennant Creek for past four seasons and a key midfielder in four straight flags with Spitfires. Has combined AFL Barkly footy with CAFL footy through those years, and added a premiership with Pioneer last year to his impressive resume.
No. 14 Dustin Oliver: Just a few years into his senior career, played with Ltyentye Apurte in bush footy and South in the CAFL. Pace to burn and that is usually put to use as a wingman or as a rebounding running defender.
No. 15 Thomas Swan: Only 19-y-o but already an accomplished senior CAFL footballer and an important part of the 2022 Pioneer premiership side. Speedy wingman that loves a contest. On the way to becoming a Redtails lock-in, having played against Big Rivers (Katherine) FL two years ago.
No. 16 Kynan Kenny: A key player in the dominant South U18 teams that have claimed two flags from last three grand final appearances. Handled the step up to senior football last season, displaying the poise and maturity of a seasoned campaigner.
No. 17 Deacon Braun: Straight from U18 footy into a leadership role in the senior side for South for this strongly built product of one of the club’s most famous and revered families. His style of footy reflects that of his family predecessors: a physically tough, highly skilled and team focused approach. Will trial with North Adelaide Reserves this year.
No. 18 Dylan Barry – Co-Captain : Strongly built midfielder/forward that has produced an outstandingly successful decade of footy that has included five CAFL premierships with Rovers, winning the 2018 Everingham Grand Final BOG Medal. A star also in the NTFL for Southern Districts, NT Thunder and as a mainstay of the Redtails line-up.
No.19 Tyrell Woodbury: Exciting to watch, tall but slightly built young defender that stepped into senior football last year in fine fashion. His game in the grand final was outstanding and a major factor in Pioneer’s narrow victory.
No. 20 Shaun Byrne: South youngster that had an immediate impact when stepping into senior football. One of his team’s best in a narrow grand final loss last year, with a dashing display in a small defender’s role. Will trial with South Adelaide Reserves this season.
No. 22 Isiah Forbes: Like younger brother Dominic, started at Federal and now playing for South, where father Chris Forbes is senior coach. While much shorter than his older brother, he is very quick, skillful and versatile. Can play as a small forward or defender, or on the wing.
No. 25 Luke Adams: A veteran of CAFL footy with outstanding service to both Pioneer and Rovers in his 15-year senior career. Has also been a mainstay of the Redtails teams for a decade, since playing in their inaugural match in 2012.
No. 26 Daniel Stafford Jnr: Tall forward from Mt Allan and led them to bush footy Div 2 flag in 2021 and Div 1 flag in 2022, winning grand final BOG medal both times, kicking nine goals in ’21 decider and five in ’22. Plays for South in CAFL and Minahan Medal (CAFL B&F) winner in 2018.
No. 31 Sabian Liddle: An athletic and versatile player starting to fulfill his potential now that he has a couple of seasons of senior footy under his belt. A third-generation player at Pioneer. His grandfather Michael D Liddle won two CAFL League B&F Medals in the 1960’s.
No. 32 Patrick Ryder: A star in the AFL over 281 games, providing distinguished service to three clubs: Essendon (170), Port Power (73), St Kilda (38). One of the very best ruckmen in the game over the last decade and a half, earning All-Australian selection in 2017. An absolute thrill for every other player on the ground to be either a team mate or opponent, such is the universal respect for his contributions on and off the field.
No. 41: Jamie Hampton: Currently playing in SA with Gepps Cross. Younger brother of former GWS and Crows player Curtly Hampton. An outstanding junior career representing NT at U16 & U18 level and made senior CAFL debut as a 16-y-o. Pacey and skillful midfielder, capable of going forward or back if required.
No. 42 Thomas Gorey: One of the all-time great CAFL goalkickers, having won that award seven times, as well as being a three-time leading goalkicker in the bush footy competition. More of an all-rounder than traditional full forward. Give him an inch and he’ll take a goal.
No. 46 Tyler Hayes: From Santa Teresa but only played locally for Ltyentye Apurte limited times due to his schooling in Darwin. Made senior NTFL for Wanderers as a 17-y-o earlier this year. Solidly built key defender.
Redtails team photo with ex AFL Players - Patrick Ryder and Anthony Koutoufides
Post game 15.04.2023:
What an absolute incredible experience, we most definitely got a lesson in wet weather conditions.
The weather was terrible but NO EXCUSES, out lads went down by 61 points 90 to 29.
The Redtails never gave up in a brutal physical game of wet weather footy, with cold wet & rainy conditions through the whole four quarters. It was actually freezing.
Dylan Barry was named best on ground by the Sunraysia coaches for the Redtails and Jarrod Brander named best on ground for Sunraysia by the Redtails coaches.
Thank you to everyone involved & being a part of the journey, including Central Australia, the Sunraysia community and all the families and friends.
Post game reflection by Rob Clarke 19.04.2023:
The power of a positive environment is definitely underrated, as the normality of a negative one is far too common and squashes the positive before it can flourish. This is due to multiple reasons, jealousy, egos and deceptive behaviours to name a few. We all can at times be guilty of negative behaviour but if we all support and ENCOURAGE each other to try the opposite and really try hard to be consistent with this approach, we will all be responsible for a better place, home and region.
A good example of this, is the Redtails lads being beaten on the scoreboard last Saturday night, there is no doubt our lads would have felt disappointed and frustrated, yet there was an incredible feeling in the change rooms after the match. It didn’t feel like we had lost, not that everyone was bouncing with joy but more that they were proud of not giving up at any stage. They were also thankful for the opportunity, the recognition and reception from a community and people they didn’t know, that they had played alongside a legend of the AFL and they had experienced something overwhelmingly special.
Then this happened, one of the lads put his hand up to the whole group to explain that he got himself into trouble a few months back and wanted to THANK one of the other lads, really thank him for engaging and encouraging him to join the Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Program. He then went on to say that he was proud that he committed to it so strongly over the past three months and that his whole life had turned around because of the positive powerful influences it has had on him and encouragement to better himself on many fronts.
This is what winning really looks like.
It’s hard to explain just how impressionable that moment was but when every Redtails player walked up to acknowledge him individually nothing else needed to be said.
#embracethepassiondeveloptolead
A massive Thank you to Paddy Ryder for being involved with our RPRTP group all weekend and prior, it was very humbling to see you just mingle with us all in your quiet unassuming way.
You are a champion human being and we have been so grateful to share our Sunraysia team trip with you. We look forward to keeping in touch.
