The Dolphins’ young talent recently completed a three-day Professional Readiness Program at Gallipoli Army Barracks, designed to challenge player mentally and physically and as a collective.
Led by former elite Australian Army Sniper Mr Greg Robertson, alongside current serving Sniper and course instructor SGT Paul Hayes, the program combined classroom learning with practical field-based activities.
Across the first two days, players focused on team dynamics, leadership, values, purpose and performance under pressure, before applying those lessons during hands-on activities and sniper drills in the field in day three.
Hayes who works with the Soldier Recovery Centre supporting injured Soldiers through structured recovery programs, guided players through scenarios centred in self-awareness collaboration, decision-making and resilience.
The experience offered the young Dolphins players valuable insights that extend beyond football, reinforcing discipline, accountability and the importance of strong team culture.
Wellbeing and Education Manager Luke Williamson said the experience was invaluable for the club’s emerging talent.
“The three days gave our young Dolphins players the opportunity to further extend their skill set, strengthen their teamwork abilities and operate within an elite team environment,” Williamson said.
“Programs like this challenge the group to understand their role within the team, appreciate the contribution of their teammates and recognise what it takes to work together in unison.
“The field-based drills then allowed them to put those lessons into practice, applying communication, accountability and trust in real-time scenarios.
“We’re incredibly grateful for our relationship with Greg and Paul, and the perspective they bring to developing our players both on and off the field.”
