SOPAC Swim Club

I don’t mind being called Brownie, although happy with Matt or Matthew too (my mum likes to call me Matthew!!). I’m really not fussed.

I felt that after 17.5 years at Trinity, I had achieved everything I could. I felt that it was time for me to take on a new challenge, although there weren’t many clubs I’d be prepared to move to. I was really excited to see the SOPAC job advertised, and felt immediately that this was a great opportunity.

Initially the location and the facilities. Then the opportunity to work in partnership with Swimming NSW and Adam Kable, who I have a good relationship with and a lot of respect for. I feel that SOPAC has enormous potential to achieve good things, as a club, and for individual athletes.

The first 30 days really is about getting to know people and build some relationships. I’ve already noticed the wonderful sense of community amongst the team, and I’m hoping to build on that. In the first 30 days I’ll be going to open water nationals and I’ll be getting to know the team of coaches.

In the first 60 days, we will be preparing athletes for school carnivals, NSW Open. We will be looking to do some solid training in the lead up to nationals.

In the first 90 days we will be doing all we can to get positive results at the Australian Age Championships and the Australian Swimming Championships. The most important thing is that we recognise that the first 90 days is a starting point. We will do the best we can, while looking towards the long term goals.

As a coach I recognise the need to take a holistic view of my athletes. Very few athletes will make a full time career out of swimming so it is important that all athletes have a balanced life. I’m supportive of their education goals, and other activities outside of the pool. And while I don’t compromise on my expectations, I think that if the communication between coach and athlete is open, this can coexist.

My expectation is to communicate directly with the athletes. I want them to feel like they can ask questions and raise issues. I also acknowledge the support parents provide, particularly at a junior level, and so may need to take on some communication. I’d encouraged swimmers and parents who need to communicate with any of the coaches to do this during business hours (or reasonable hours). The nature of split shifts often means that sleep can be disturbed if coaches don’t set some boundaries regarding email communication, particularly at night.

I am committed to the athletes. I help them set goals and believe in themselves, and this has allowed my swimmers to achieve excellent results over many years. I also think that I am an honest person, and I can communicate technical or musculoskeletal problems or weaknesses well. I like to set longer term goals with my athletes to overcome these deficiencies and not lose sight of the big picture.

I think there were 4 key reasons for my selection as Head Coach:

1. I have experience in learn to swim – and transitioning through levels.
2. I have a track record of success at National Age Championships.
3. I have been on Australian Open Teams as a Coach.
4. I was able to communicate how much I wanted the job during the interview.

I believe that I have the swimmers best interest at heart. If they give me their best effort I will be their biggest supporter.

I have two daughters; Scarlett (13) and Claudia (11) and my wife Lisa (interesting fact, we first met in the stands at SOPAC in January 2000, and we have been married for nearly 19 Years).

I have a Labradoodle called Charlie. (Charlie Brown) He is my mate, and as the only two blokes in the house we stick together.

I like to cycle. For the past 3 years I have done a charity ride through Cambodia to raise money for the Hope Foundation. I also love watching cycling, and I am a fan of the sport. July is a tough month for me, because the Tour de France is on and so there are often late nights watching mountain top finishes.

I’m a bit hopeless with music. I’d rather listen to a podcast. I think the last album I bought was INXS Kick!

My normal go to is steak and salad but I also love a Massaman curry. I like a variety, but I don’t really have a sweet tooth.

If you only work hard on the days you feel good, you won’t get much done.