Coolbinia boys selected in 2020 State U16’s

In exciting news for our Coolbinia Bombers community we are proud to announce that Adam De Masi and Jedd Busslinger have been selected in the 2020 Western Australian State U16’s squad.  The State 16’s is the start of the elite pathway program and Coolbinia last had a representative in this squad back in 2010. Whilst this year the team will not be travelling due to COVID restrictions the boys will certainly be in a wonderful position to learn and develop their craft under some of the best coaches in the country. As a club and community we wish them all the very best and are extremely proud of their achievements. We hope you enjoy a little background and insight into both of the boys journey through the club.

PLAYER BACKGROUND:
Adam currently plays in our Year 9 Red team, having joined Coolbinia through Auskick in 2011. Adam’s selection in the U16’s is even more significant as he has been selected as an “Under age” player and will still be eligible for selection again in 2021.

Jedd is a name many of us know as he held the role of Club Captain in 2018 and again in 2019. Jedd joined Coolbinia Auskick all the way back in 2009. For season 2020 Jedd was no longer playing at Coolbinia, but remains a part of the East Perth Futures program as he continues his football career. We know Jedd will always retain his strong link to the Bombers and look forward to following his football journey.

To get to know a bit more about both boys we have asked them to share some of their memories and thoughts with us below.


Q&A with ADAM DE MASI

Adam You recently were advised of selection in the State U16’s squad for 2020. – Who was with you when you found out? – How did you feel?
It was a Saturday night and I was watching the footy with mum when the email came through. I didn’t believe her at first, I thought she was joking until I actually read it for myself. I was really shocked but also so happy at the same time. I rang my dad who was on a fishing trip in Coral Bay straight away.

Whilst there won’t be a travelling team this year due to COVID-19 what are you most looking forward to?
I’m really looking forward to meeting the other players and to training hard with new coaches. I’m also looking forward challenging myself against older players.

This is a photo of you and your Coolbinia team mates in your very first year of Auskick. – What are your memories of starting Auskick and the players who were with you ?

I loved the Sunday mornings at Auskick, the atmosphere was great and we had a good group of kids and coaches, many of whom are still together in Year 9.

 

What has been the most memorable or enjoyable experience whilst playing at Coolbinia (Does not have to be a football moment)
Our Melbourne trip in 2017 was a highlight when we played a much stronger team, The Camberwell Sharks. We went to the MCG and watched some footy with all our families. The year 7 Grand Final in 2018 was also a highlight as is our annual Lads’ N Dads’ trip at the end of each season.

What do you like most about playing footy?
I like the challenge of footy, the physicality of the game and the camaraderie of the team. I really enjoy training, but nothing beats the atmosphere and adrenaline of game day with the supporters on the sidelines.

Favourite position?
Inside midfield.

Favourite AFL player (past or present) and what do you admire most about them?
Patrick Cripps. I admire his hunger for the ball and his hardness around the contest, never giving up a possession. I also love his passion for the game.

Football is said to teach us many life lessons and skills, what is one thing you have learnt through playing football?
The harder you work and prepare, the better your success and enjoyment will be.

Finally to get to where you are is always a team effort and especially from your family. Anything you’d like to add as a note for your parents?
Thanks to my parents for all your support, for driving me everywhere, watching each game, feeding me well to give me the best preparation and supporting me with advice and life lessons whilst playing football. I hope I make you proud. Thanks also to my coaches and team mates who have taught me so much over the years.


Q&A with JEDD BUSSLINGER

You recently were advised of selection in the State U16’s squad for 2020. – Who was with you when you found out? – How did you feel?
I was with my Mum and Dad at home watching Friday night footy when mum checked her emails. When I first found out I was extremely happy and excited, I also felt nervous but I am very keen to get stuck into training and playing a couple of games.

Whilst there won’t be a travelling team this year due to COVID-19 what are you most looking forward to?
This year in the program I’m looking forward to stepping up my own individual game and finding new ways to improve and do things differently.

 

This is a photo of you and your old Coolbinia team mates in your very first year of Auskick. What are your memories of starting Auskick and the players who were with you ?

I remember playing Auskick at Coolbinia very well. My first years at Auskick I remember making lots of new friendships which have lasted. I still played football with a few of the same boys in my last game at Coolbinia (Smiley, Darcy, Lucas, Rory and Milo) . I still see some of the boys playing against them in PSA footy and some I still train with at East Perth.

What has been the most memorable or enjoyable experience whilst you were playing at Coolbinia (Does not have to be a football moment)
The most memorable moment for myself was in my last ever game for the club where we won the grand final. The season had been very challenging and it was great to see the boys and coaches hard work had all paid off.

What do you like most about playing footy?
The thing that I most like about footy is the continuous challenges that you face both as an individual player and as a team. Its feels great when we play as a team stick to the plan and get to achieve a goal.

Favourite position?  Centre Half Forward

Favourite AFL player (past or present) and what do you admire most about them?
My favourite player in the AFL is Joel Selwood. Joel is my favourite player as he is courageous, puts his body on the line for his team mates and is a great leader.

Football is said to teach us many life lessons and skills, what is one thing you have learnt through playing football?
A key thing that I have learnt through football is about resilience and bouncing back. After a hard day of football and games that didn’t go to plan I have learnt that it’s about going back to training and putting in more effort to get a desired result. This can apply to life in many situations and through football I’ve learnt to just keep trying and putting maximum effort in.

Finally to get to where you are is always a team effort and especially from your family. Anything you’d like to add as a note for your parents?
I am extremely grateful to my parents for the extra work they do for me both in football and outside. My parents and sister have dropped me at a countless number of training sessions and games over my 12 years of football. They have continued to pay for me to be coached, play games and travel so that I can succeed and make sacrifices so that I can do what I love.

 

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