Hello readers! OK, I’ve decided to have a complete change of topic this week. I’ve just re-read my last few posts and apart from proving to everyone that ‘wife knows best’ there have been a few pretty down and depressing posts so I think it’s time to brighten things up a little. And what better way to brighten the day by telling you about my exciting weekend last weekend. And as you read this you may understand why I didn’t blog last week – it took me awhile to stop blushing! On Sunday I finally got to meet the Greater Western Sydney  GIANTS player who Monarch Advisory Group sponsors – Dylan Shiel (Excuse the photo quality, Husband was equally starstruck!)

It’s interesting because a few weeks ago I missed a call from Dylan whilst I was on the radio. I tried to call him back the following week and didn’t hear back from him. Initially I was a little put out thinking, seriously? You can’t return a call? What do you do all day? Surely you can take one phone call from your one and only sponsor?!

It wasn’t until I met him that I found out how much they have on their plates. For starters, the team had a bye last weekend, but from Sunday – Tuesday the players were required to do a whole lot of club appearances. Monday and Tuesday Dylan had exams as he is studying Commerce/Marketing. During their standard weeks, they also take time out to work with under privileged communities and sick children. On Thursdays they are given 4 hours free time, which means this is 4 hrs to study. Somewhere in between they have to train and actually play a game! What this showed me was the dedication the players have to both their game, the community and their future. I think I mentioned this in a blog to you previously, but the majority of the players are also studying. Realistically they have 1/2 – 1 day a week to do this in between all their other commitments. I know when I was studying (and even now when I take up a course) – much of the time is spent procrastinating! These boys don’t have that luxury, and then they have to mentally be game fit by the weekend. Gee, I wonder why I wasn’t on his list of priorities!

Anyway, needless to say I finally got the opportunity to meet Dylan. Apart from blushing from the kiss on the cheek I got as I met him, we have a coffee date lined up because I will be hosting a ladies cocktail night in July (invites will be on the way soon!) and Dylan will be the guest of honour.. I just need to find an angle as to why this gorgeous young man is at my function!

I have been very lucky being part of the GWS Captain’s Club as most games I get to meet some of the players who are injured. I can honestly say that each and every one of them has been just delightful. They are all very well spoken and polite. They take the time to have a conversation and a laugh. Credit goes to AFL and GWS, as well as their families, for their upbringing.

From a sponsors perspective, this is very important because technically Dylan is representing my business. You don’t want him in the press for poor behavior. Something I have really valued with my experience with GWS, is that they really value their sponsors and supporters. What other club out there would arrange for players to come on ‘my’ radio segment? The CEO and player welfare manager both go out of their way to ensure their sponsors are happy (I have their direct mobile numbers, and vice versa…) with the level of contact we get with the players. The players are so humble and happy to interact with their financial supporters and fans.

Overall it’s been a great experience and a relationship I look forward to continuing in the future. It’s funny because on the radio the other week I interviewed John Scott (The PR agent who launched AussieBums, and looks after Brynne Edelsten). When he first started his business he was overwhelmed by the support he received, and I feel the same way with how much support I have been shown since starting my business. It’s pretty exciting to be able to support a new club in AFL. Their membership base is around 15,000 and they average about 7000 people to each game at SKODA Stadium. It is very early days yet, and GWS has received some appalling press (thank you, Jeff Kennett), but I’m really pleased to be part of something that will get bigger and better in years to come. Bring in a 2017 Grand Final I say! And in the meantime, I will enjoy my kissess on the cheek by gorgeous young players!