The Leadership Group talk goals, culture and leadership

07/06/2022 

Anthony Seaton, Chris Carey, Goy Lok and Tyson Milne discuss their approach to leadership, team culture, and their goals for Sandy in the future.

The Zebras' Leadership Group is currently comprised of Anthony Seaton, Chris Carey, Goy Lok, and Tyson Milne. Milne is a new addition to the Leadership Group as a vice-captain, while Seaton has this year taken over the role of Captain. Lok and Carey also round out the group as vice-captains. But what does being a member of the team’s leadership group really entail?

Carey says that his main responsibilities revolve around setting and maintaining high standards around the Club.

“Just holding the team accountable to a lot of the standards around the Club in terms of training, on-field, doing our off-field weights, arriving on time, doing our wellness, reinforcing all those good behaviours. On-field making sure that we’re training at the right intensity and that our skills are up to standard of VFL level. Off-field the leadership group is aspiring to making sure we’re building connections with everyone within the Club,” he explains.

Seaton says that making new players feel welcome is also a key role of the Leadership Group.

“Looking after the players is important. Some of the younger guys and myself try to look after the first years that have come in this year and make sure they’re understanding their role and feeling comfortable at training. Just making sure it’s somewhere they’ll enjoy being,” he says.

Lok adds that creating a cohesive team culture between the Sandringham and St Kilda players is also integral to the role, saying “Given that it is an aligned club, (making sure) there is a connection between VFL-listed players and AFL-listed players, so leading the way in creating a strong and connected culture within the footy club, so players from both clubs come together for the game. Essentially, taking the lead in creating a positive culture for all that are involved within the footy club."

This sentiment is echoed by Milne who also adds “Trying to keep the mood up, and maintain a cheerful atmosphere, at training, is a focus for me. I’ve always been a pretty loud kind of bloke so keeping the voice up at training and making sure none of the boys are flat, and (also) staying involved during the year.”

Seaton and Carey both say that one of the main differences about being a member of the Leadership Group is having more of a focus on other players rather than themselves.

“I think being in the Leadership Group you have a bit more awareness of everyone else before probably yourself. There’s a little bit more attention that needs to go to those around you rather than your own individual performances each week,” Carey says.

“There’s just more worrying about others, rather than being able to focus on myself all the time. You’ve got to think about other people - which is a nice change as well. I think there’s a lot of things you can get caught up in with that. You’ve just got to take care of yourself every now and then too,” Seaton says.

Lok adds that one of the main differences for him is having the opportunity and experience of leading a team, saying “It’s an opportunity for us to set the standards and know where we want to get to. The difference between being in the Leadership Group and not is more around the experience and then also the capabilities to lead a younger group and lead a club.”

Milne also adds “There is definitely a little bit more responsibility, obviously setting good standards. I try to keep as connected as I can to the other boys too, I try to stay as kind of . . . mellow as I can but I guess just the responsibilities and setting good standards I suppose.”

Seaton, Carey, Lok and Milne feel differently about what their leadership qualities were like prior to joining the Leadership Group, and whether or not they have come to them naturally.

For Carey, he enjoys being a leader and has taken on many leadership roles.

“I’ve always had leadership roles throughout my junior sport, but even in school. There’s something about leadership that I just quite enjoy. Leadership hasn’t been something that I’ve necessarily had to force myself to do, but it’s something that I’ve enjoyed; it’s a challenge and it’s really rewarding at the same time,” says Carey.

Lok and Seaton feel that while they possess some natural leadership qualities, taking on a leadership role has also been something that they have had to work towards.

“It takes some experience obviously, being from a big family and one of the oldest I definitely get some leadership qualities from there. In my role currently working within the game development and community programs at St Kilda Footy Club it’s something I’ve learnt and have added as part of my footballing acts. I’m pretty confident when it comes to directing and guiding people and I’m also pretty straight there. I also love the development of other people so being a leader is sort of natural, however I'm always looking to improve in that area,” says Lok.

“(It’s come) semi-naturally for me. I was in the leadership group last year, but one of the lower members (laughs). So then when Coffs left at the end of last year I definitely had more of an emphasis on it over the preseason, trying to step up, being hopeful and setting good examples for other people,” says Seaton.

Milne also feels that he possessed natural leadership qualities, although adding that it wasn’t something he had really considered beforehand, saying “It never really crossed my mind until midway through preseason this year, ‘cause I’ve always been a pretty loud kind of guy. It was a little bit of a surprise, but I guess it’s kind of come naturally.”

The leadership group plays a vital role in creating and maintaining the culture in the playing group, and the group say that the culture they are trying to build is a positive and fun culture but also successful one.

Carey adds that there is currently a learning culture at the Zebras, “The culture at the moment is, they’re quite young, quite inexperienced, but with that young and inexperience there’s a lot of excitement about getting an opportunity and about playing and just being involved in a pretty high professional club with the AFL players. So, the culture is good, it’s a learning one; we make mistakes and we learn from them which is a positive.”

Seaton and Milne are both happy with the direction the team’s culture has been heading in. Milne says “I think from my first year to now it’s a drastic change. The culture at Sandy is real good at the moment. It can always get better, but from when I started to now it’s very good. All we can do is just keep building on that and hope for the best really,” he says.

Seaton adds that “It’s good at the moment. It’s one of the best groups we’ve had in a little while. I think the culture we’re all trying to make down here is just one where people enjoy coming down and spending a few hours a week down at the Club. So just making it somewhere where everyone enjoys being and when people get the call up everyone’s ready to go,” he explains.

Lok feels that the team wants to strive for the ultimate goal of a premiership, stating “We want to create a culture where it’s a professional environment, where players are there to get the best out of themselves and others, and also work towards a common goal - to put themselves as well as the Club in the best position to get the job done week in week out. I think that’s the environment we’re looking at creating, and also create a winning culture.”

Sandringham currently sit at 3^rd on the ladder after 10 rounds, having won 6 games, drawn 1 and lost 2, and for these Zebras, finals is definitely on the cards as a goal for this season.

“(The) short-term (goal) is definitely to play finals, but also just to build a good culture that holds high expectations and really encourages people to get the best out of themselves,” says Carey.

“Definitely finals, we’re in a pretty good spot as of late,” says Milne.

“Touch wood, the way we’re going at the moment we’d love to make finals and make a pretty deep run into them so in the short run that would be a goal for this year,” says Seaton.

“It’s to put ourselves in the best position possible to win games. Obviously, we haven’t done such a bad job at it so far so it's a good position that we find ourselves in. If we continue to bank in great performances and play well week in week out, I think the end result will plan itself out,” says Lok.

We certainly hope so. The Zebras are doing well at the moment as we near the middle of the 2022 season and will take on the second-placed Southport Sharks in Southport this weekend.

Quick-fire questions

Anthony Seaton

What do you enjoy most about being part of Sandringham Footy Club?

“The Club itself, because we’ve got really good people. We’ve got good players and Batch really knows his stuff. He’s a fun guy to hang around and so are Joshy and Marcus. Everyone’s just really nice, it’s a good group of people."

Personal highlight at Sandy?

“Probably our trip to Aspley last year. That’s the first time I’ve gone interstate for footy and got the win as well so that was nice to get on the plane happily. Everyone got back on the plane after the GWS game a bit flat and disappointed."

Hobbies outside of footy?

“Between footy, uni and work I don’t have a lot of time for hobbies but I like to get away camping - I probably haven’t been for two years though. If I could go to Wilson’s Prom sometime in the next year that’d be a win.”

AFL team?

“North Melbourne. I’m having a great time”

Favourite movie?

“I love The Gentlemen actually.”

Favourite band/artist?

“I love Rüfüs (Du Sol). I got to see them at BTV (Beyond the Valley) on New Years, they were awesome.

Chris Carey

What do enjoy most about being part of Sandringham Footy Club?

“The people and the connection you get to make. With the crossover between Sandringham and St Kilda, there might be a lot of people involved and people you might not see but there’s a lot of good people involved in the football club that help get the Sandy and St Kilda people right for game day and working together off field to make sure on field is as smooth as possible. So, it’s the environment of people coming together from all different backgrounds, they get to do what they love and that’s being in and around football.”

Personal highlight at Sandy?

“My personal highlight would just be playing games with a whole range of different guys. Not every game is a guarantee when you’re in an affiliated club and every game you’re playing with different people. So, the highlight for me has just been the ability for players playing their very first VFL game, or AFL players coming back, to really buy into the Club and make an effort to get to know people. In the past couple of seasons, it probably didn’t have that level of connection and this year it’s been fantastic so it’s’ been a highlight for my year so far.”

Hobbies outside of footy?

“Not sure if they’re hobbies but I enjoy walking the dog, doing a bit of travelling; I just like keeping myself busy. Being a teacher by trade I like to do a bit of coaching outside of school and outside of footy and help with development of young kids and their football. I guess it’s probably also just having a bit of downtime with family and friends, a bit of camping and exploring, all that sort of stuff.”

AFL team?

"I’m an Essendon supporter . . . unfortunately."

Favourite movie?

“Favourite movie is The Shawshank Redemption.”

Favourite band/artist?

“I do like The Living End.”

Goy Lok

What do you enjoy most about being part of Sandringham Footy Club?

“I love being part of the Club, and just the teammates that I’ve got, and the direction we’re heading in - there’s some real belief that there’s an opportunity to do something great as a group. Also the level that the St Kilda Footy Club embrace our VFL list is something that is pretty special. I think obviously over the last 2-3 years it’s pretty evident that there’s a want and a love of the Club from all. I’ve been lucky enough to be part of that for the last 2 years. So definitely love where the Club’s heading and hopefully we can create something pretty special with this group that we’ve got.”

Personal highlight at Sandy?

“I think it’s the level that I’ve been able to consistently play good football. My teammates around me embrace my ability and also challenge me to become the best player I can and best person I can. I thoroughly enjoy my time at the Club and continuously want to get better, I think that’s one thing that I enjoy the most. Also, just the level of everyone’s aspirations to become really great and also achieve great things as a club as a whole is pretty evident and that’s exciting for me as well.”

Hobbies outside of footy?

“I love watching the basketball. I don’t mind playing a bit of golf as well. I'm not the best golfer but I give it a go. Also socialising with mates and being with family.”

AFL team?

“Growing up I used to follow Richmond as a kid. However, I’ve sort of lost my supporting pact now, more so around just enjoying the game and watching some good football. Originally a Richmond supporter . . . obviously working for the Saints and playing at Sandy I tend to watch the Saints a fair bit.”

Favourite movie?

“Pulp Fiction”

Favourite band/artist?

“I don’t mind a bit of Drake, so Drake would be up there.”

Tyson Milne

What do you enjoy most about being a part of Sandringham Footy Club?

“I just love being around the boys each week. I could sleep there if they let me. But yeah, love Sandy, love it down there, and it’s close to home which helps too. All the boys get on real well, so love Sandy Footy Club and not going anywhere anytime soon.”

Personal highlight at Sandy?

“Maybe my first win. My first win probably. I remember being in the middle after the game hardly singing the song and getting splashed with Gatorade. Didn’t know the words . . . so it was pretty special.”

Hobbies outside of footy?

“Love golf, love playing golf. Love all my sports but basically, I’d say golf."

AFL team?

“Sainters, St Kilda.”

Favourite movie?

“Remember the Titans”.

Favourite band/artist?

“Spacey Jane or Drake”.

Written by Jye Pierce - Sandringham Football Club Media