A very interesting article in the Age today by Emma Quayle, of who I'm an unabashed fan.  It basically details the development that goes into young players entering the AFL system.  It's fascinating on many levels, but mainly it shows the detail and attention that goes into these kids / young men and how the club basically takes hold and control of every element of their life.  Player development has, up until recently, been a a central criticism of the MFC and it's interesting to read the programs that Collingwood have in place to support / indoctrinate / control / develop their talent.

In some respects it also highlights why so many players have so much trouble adjusting to an independent life away from the football club when their careers come to an end. 

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/how-to-build-an-afl-footballer-20160229-gn66qg.html

 

Mental toughness.

Use the power of suggestive thought to convince every player they were born in Melbourne. 

It was certainly an interesting article.

I heard a former senior coach claim that playing in an AFL team was like being in the army.

A sort of "when I say jump, you jump" mentality. And just as soldiers often find life difficult after leaving the comradeship and discipline of the military, so former players often find it difficult to adjust to civilian life.

 

Far too Collingwood for my liking.