Simon Black
Football Director and Ambassador
Simon Black has done almost everything there is to do in the AFL. Brownlow & Norm smith medals, three premierships, countless All-Australian selections and Best and Fairest awards as well as playing over 300 AFL games. Simon Black is an icon of the game and one the very best to ever pull on an AFL jumper.
There is no better person to help you take your game to the next level.
Nathan Clarke
Brisbane Football Director
Nathan Clarke joined the Lions in one of the most successful dynasties the AFL has ever seen. Clarke has an incredible football mind and this was on show as he coached the Brisbane Lions reserves side to the premiership in the NEAFL.
His teaching background makes him the ideal Mentor and Skills Coach for the Brisbane Academy.
Clinton Young
Melbourne Mentor and Skills Coach
After the disappointment of missing out on the national draft Clinton Young forged a very successful AFL career. Clinton’s penetrating left foot made it easy for him to clear defensive 50 or send the ball deep in to attack as well as being known to kick goals from inside the centre square. He played a starring role in the Hawks 2008 premiership and knows exactly what it takes to get to the elite level.
Clinton is the Melbourne Academy’s Mentor and Skills Coach.
Gary O'Donnell
Perth Mentor and Skills Coach
Gary O’Donnell is a former Essendon champion, having played 243 games with the club at the elite level. At his peak, O’Donnell was regarded as one of the most consistent players in the competition testament to him representing the Big V in the State of Origin 9 times. Underlining this consistency is his record in the club best-and-fairest: O’Donnell finished in the top three six years in a row, winning it in 1993, a premiership year for the Bombers. O’Donnell was always regarded as one of the most astute thinkers in the game and his reputation was further enhanced when, after retirement he took up an assistant coaching role with the Brisbane Lions, playing a key role in the Lions’ rise up the ladder, culminating in three premierships from 2001 to 2003.
O’Donnell is the Perth Academy’s Elite Coach.
