eremy Hastings is the founder of two technology companies in the property industry, Hutly and Bondable. He lives in Brisbane.I grew up in the rugby union heartland so I was fairly prejudiced against AFL. It was my brother-in-law Matthew Spargo, a diehard Demons supporter, who warmed me up to the game, and then about four years ago my good mate Cameron Carr convinced me to go to training.
It was a great feeling … until I played my first game. I was terrible. I panicked when I had the ball and kicked like a donkey. Embarrassing stuff, but any new skill takes time, and the players were super patient with me.I am a member of the Morningside Supercats, an over-35s Masters team. We play fortnightly so our bodies can recover and we can maintain family balance, which is fantastic. Currently, I’m injured with patella tendonitis but I’ll be back mid-season.
“I had basic kicking skills from playing five-eighth in rugby union, but there are distinct differences between AFL and rugby,” says Hastings.Absolutely not. I had basic kicking skills from playing five-eighth in rugby union, but there are distinct differences between AFL and rugby. Re-learning skills requires patience. There are times when I am a muppet on the field. Every game is a humbling experience.There was one game last year when I received one point for Most Valuable Player.
Give AFL a go later in life. We hold back from trying new things as we get older, and I think that contributes to ageing.The inclusivity. Everyone is welcome at the club. It helps that AFL has invested so heavily in the grassroots and making the professional game accessible to all.Being tackled or bumped when I am not expecting it. In rugby union, you can see the field and the players, whereas in AFL you can be hit from anywhere. So if you get the ball, run to space and be patient.