Three key Manly players had the chance to learn from some of the finest AFL athletes this week when the Sea Eagles visited the Carlton AFL Club.
An initiative of Sea Eagles Coach Anthony Seibold, half-back and captain Daly Cherry-Evans, five-eighth Josh Schuster, and hooker Lachlan Croker were joined by Sea Eagles Assistant Coach Shane Flanagan and NRL Skill Development Coach Steven Hales for the unique opportunity over two days at Carlton’s home ground, IKON Park.
In between still doing their own pre-season training sessions, the Sea Eagles players and coaches had the chance to observe Carlton training and learn about the routines and experiences of the Blues players.
“We were really grateful for the opportunity ‘Seibs’ and the Carlton club gave us. We all took something out of it which is only going to make us better players,’’ Cherry-Evans said.
“Josh spent plenty of time with their kicking coach. Watching him from day one to day two, and seeing him join in their drills, it was awesome to see him take a big step in his confidence and his ability to back himself.
“It is things like that which will help us as a side this year with our rugby league skills. It was great to go down and learn a few new things.
“We really cherished the time they gave us down there. From the staff to playing group, they were so accommodating for us to be in their training facility.
“We are really thankful for the way Carlton treated us. They were so professional."
Key Defender Jacob Weitering, who has been in Carlton's leadership group since 2020, said he enjoyed the opportunity with the Sea Eagles.
“It was really good. Any time you can mix and match with different codes, leaders and champion players of a different code, it’s really exciting,’’ Weitering said.
“They got to witness training, a few different meetings and the way we go about things — vice versa, we get to ask them questions about their operations and how they’re going.
“It’s invaluable: sometimes, you’re so locked in with your inner sanctum and four walls and that’s all you’re worried about.
“When you get someone giving you advice that’s not going to be playing against you in the middle of the season, it’s always handy.
“It was a good little experience, for sure.”
To mark their time at IKON Park, each Manly representative received a personalised gift, handed to them by Carlton’s Indigenous Player Development Manager, Dean Duncan.
In Cherry-Evans’ case, his gift incorporated wavy lines to mark the coastal areas where he grew up and finds himself now, a symbol representing his family unit and a further symbol representing his club and his central status as captain.
