Ex AFL player Brent Frewen recommends playing for Eagles
The Burnaby Eagles ‘Wingman’ caught up last week with star player Brent Frewen.
Thanks mate for joining me here in North Van, overlooking Vancouver and its beautiful harbour on a sensational spring day:
No worries mate
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Melbourne before moving to Mildura when I was 10. Spent a year in Bendigo before moving back to Melbourne when I was 18.
Tell us briefly about your journey from junior footy to the AFL and then the SANFL:
Growing up in Mildura I played junior football for South Mildura before being selected to play for the Bendigo Pioneers in the State U’18 competition. From there I was asked to train with Fitzroy for the preseason of the 1996 season and subsequently drafted in the February (preseason) draft as it was then. Fitzroy folded at the completion of the season and I was then drafted to Richmond where I spent one year before being delisted. I was then asked to play with Woodville West Torrens Football Club in the SANFL.
What great memories do you have from playing with Fitzroy, Richmond & WWT?
Fitzroy was obviously a turbulent time with the unknown up until the merger went through approximately half way through the season. Then it was all about speculation of who were the 8 players going to be selected as part of the merger agreement.
At Richmond I went through a similar scenario, Robert Walls was coach and then 4 or 5 games from the end of the season was sacked. The team didn’t have a very successful year but it was great to train and learn from players like Matthew Knights, Wayne Campbell and Matthew Richardson.
I was fortunate enough to spend 9 years at The Eagles (WWTFC) where I made life long friends. The team played in 5 grand finals in that time with one premiership. Unfortunately the numbers weren’t the other way round. I also had the fortune of working as the Marketing Manager for the Club, which created even stronger ties. I will always cherish my time at the Club and look back with many found memories. I still follow their progress with great interest.
Who was the greatest influence on your career?
That’s a tough one, my father, Denis O’Brien (a junior coach) and Gordon Casey (another junior coach). They shaped my early learning and created opportunities for me to play football at a young age.
Who was your toughest opponent and or the best player you played against?
Although I only spent two years in the AFL system, Matthew Allen from Carlton and I had some great battles. Another one, I didn’t line up directly against him, but I played against was Gary Ablett Snr in his very last game (in the reserves v Richmond). I remember one moment in the game that will stick with me forever: The ball was loose heading towards the boundary line, I could see Ablett coming out of the corner of my eye, (I was a lean young man) hoping the ball would go out of bounds….thankfully it did because I’m sure I would have come off worse for wear if there was a collision.
In the SANFL I had many great battles against a guy by the name of Stephen White who played for Sturt.
Who was your favourite coach and why?
A toss up between Jeff Gieschen (Richmond) and Mark Mickan (WWTFC). Jeff was a very honest and forthright character who displayed confidence in you and had an abundance of passion. Mark was a very well rounded individual who had a very intelligent football brain. He brought a level of professionalism to the club when he began as coach putting the club on the path to a very successful era.
Who was the best player you played with?
I have been fortunate enough to play with many great players some that haven’t been mentioned previously include: Matthew Primus, Chris Johnson, Brad Boyd and Jarrod Molloy all at Fitzroy. Although they were obviously great players in the AFL, the SANFL has and had some highly talented players never to get drafted. One of those being Gavin Colville who captained the club for many years and was an inspirational leader. I have the utmost respect for him both on and off the field.
Do you have any regrets about footy and what were they?
No! Of course I would have loved to have played more than 2 AFL matches but I gave it all I had at the time and that’s the way the dice rolled. I would also of loved to have played more than the 100 odd SANFL games that I played. In 9 years that’s not such a great ratio, but unfortunately I battled many injuries throughout my career. I loved every minute of my footballing days and still love to get out on the field now.
Do you have any advice to young footballers?
If you have the desire to play at a higher level, whether that be the AFL or your local senior side, work hard at your game, continually challenge yourself to improve any weaknesses you have and develop your strengths to an even greater level.
Who makes you laugh at the Burnaby Eagles and why?
Tills makes me laugh, ’coz he sells legal drugs for a living (isn’t that an oxy-moron)!!
What are your thoughts about the Burnaby Eagles & would you recommend new comers to Vancouver or to Aussie football to join the club?
The Burnaby Eagles have a tremendous bunch of guys both Australians and particularly the international guys who are new to the game. Matthew Bell (coach) has brought a great deal of knowledge, enthusiasm and professionalism to the team this season. The club has many passionate football lovers who work hard behind the scenes to make sure we as footballers can get out on the field and pull on the boots. I would recommend the Club for any new comers looking for mateship and a fun game to play.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m a whitewater raft guide here in BC but I also still have a strong passion and desire to continue to travel. I also recently started a business that I’m building to secure my future.
Well thanks mate for your time and good luck in whatever direction life decides to take you. The Burnaby Eagles have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and passion you have brought with you and we look forward to continue seeing you with that Eagles Guernsey on:
Been a pleasure.
If you think you might like to give Australian Rules Football a go or you are just travelling through and want to have a kick please contact coach Matt Bell on 778-230-4312 or at mattbell22@hotmail.com.
The Burnaby Eagles is a club for everyone. Families, kids, girlfriends, wives or even for those who just want to watch some footy and/or have a few beverages with some great people!
Please note: If you would like Brent to guide you through some rapids you contact Reo Rafting here: http://www.reorafting.com/
