Redan footy trainer rewarded

LONG-time junior trainer Daryl Mewett has been recognised with a Toyota AFL National Volunteer Award for his service to Redan Football Netball Club.

For decades, Mr Mewett has attended training sessions and game days, helping the Lions prepare for time on the field, strapping up players’ ankles, knees, and shoulders, and keeping an eye on injuries.

“If they’re injured, you treat them, or if you can’t, you refer them to somebody that can,” he said.

Mr Mewett first got involved with the club when his eldest son began playing footy there in the early-80s.

“They had no trainers to look after the juniors, so I put my hand up, I did some courses with Sports Medicine Australia, and was qualified as a football trainer,” he said.

As his son grew, Mr Mewett moved up to train Redan’s seniors as well, and was mentored by Bert Cluff.

“He taught me so much about training and injuries, which I was very grateful for,” he said.

Years later, when his grandson was old enough to play footy, he joined Redan FNC too, and Mr Mewett returned to the club as a junior trainer.

“I love the whole lot of it, particularly working with the juniors. It keeps me young.

“There are parents now at Redan who are I looked after when they were playing junior football, and now I’m looking after their kids. I get a kick out of that,” he said.

“It’s an honour that they trust me enough to be able to look after their sons and daughters. It’s the best recommendation I could get.”

As a Toyota AFL National Volunteer Award recipient, Mr Mewett was rewarded with a stay at the Pullman on the Park in East Melbourne, tickets to a Richmond-Brisbane clash at the MCG, and met AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan and player-turned-commentator Brian Taylor.

Mr Mewett plans to retire from his footy volunteering at the end of this year.