By Maryanne Whitfield

 
My husband has always enjoyed telling me that I don't understand the camaraderie of a football team.  This is true.

But I do understand the camaraderie of a community that supports a boy from Auskick to the AFL draft.

I have felt the friendship and loyalty of the committees, coaches, players and families at the Mount Martha Junior Football Club.  I have listened happily to Lachie's past coaches who joke that they have been his greatest football influence and I have appreciated the keen interest and good wishes of the locals that I meet during the course of my days.

I have felt gratitude to the athletics coach, who recognized Lachie's sporting ability at an early age and recommended him to the outstanding Peninsula School in Mount Eliza.  This has been an environment which has encouraged confidence and humility at the same time.  I have been overwhelmed by the constant support from the sports master, the principal, staff and friends.

Those friends are true mates.  Mates who are proud and who understand that there is very little opportunity for partying.

I have also seen the professionalism of the Dandenong Stingrays, Vic Country, the AIS/AFL Academy and the recruiters from AFL clubs.  I have watched as they educate the boys in more than the skills of the game - respect and responsibility to all, road safety, working with the media and the dangers of drugs, alcohol and gambling.  I have felt blessed that Lachie has been monitored and mentored by the very best coaches, administration staff, physiotherapists, trainers and nutritionists.

Close to home, I have felt love and admiration for my daughter, who has had to make sacrifices of her own to meet Lachie's football commitments.  Over the years she has been dragged all over the place for football, cricket or running. Luckily, she has a strong passion for the game - especially for her beloved Hawks!

Lachie has had great support from his dedicated father, lovely girlfriend, his grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles.  His Pa especially spends his twilight years devoted to the sporting activities of his grandchildren.

Lachie has been very fortunate to be born with sporting ability.  He has been even more fortunate to meet such quality people along the way.

This is the camaraderie of football.