This is quite a good interview and covers a few topics we have covered this off-season.
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/spor...s/news-story/d3ba8af683077ac8d155ebc7d7449f11
Mods I am not sure if Ive broken the rules about posting articles so please check (MODS - sadly yes)
There’s getting away from the AFL bubble for a holiday and then there’s hiking up Machu Picchu, 2500m above sea level in Peru away from mobile phone service and anyone talking footy.
Adelaide coach Don Pyke turned 50 in December and to celebrate, he, his wife and some friends went to New Zealand and then South America to Chile and Peru.
“50 being a reasonable milestone,” Pyke says with a wry smile that was rarely seen last year.
Hence why the trip had a broader meaning for Pyke who’d just finished the third and toughest season of his AFL coaching career.
Crows coach Don Pyke mentally refreshed in December by hiking up Machu Picchu in Peru. Picture Sarah Reed
At the end of it, when the Crows had fallen from grand finalist to 12th in 12 tumultuous months, Pyke told his players it was important they switch off and mentally refresh in their break — and that included him.
“It was just after the trade period and you’re far enough away (in South America) in terms of time zones to be able to switch off,” he said.
“It’s important for everyone in the industry which is pretty full-on to get a full break when you can get away.”
Because when the players returned for duty on November 5 — a month earlier than in 2017 after the grand final — Pyke wanted them ready to go.
But he also acknowledged the mood around the place needed to change after the club from head office down to the last spot in its list had at times taken a beating on and off the field.
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/spor...s/news-story/d3ba8af683077ac8d155ebc7d7449f11
Mods I am not sure if Ive broken the rules about posting articles so please check (MODS - sadly yes)
There’s getting away from the AFL bubble for a holiday and then there’s hiking up Machu Picchu, 2500m above sea level in Peru away from mobile phone service and anyone talking footy.
Adelaide coach Don Pyke turned 50 in December and to celebrate, he, his wife and some friends went to New Zealand and then South America to Chile and Peru.
“50 being a reasonable milestone,” Pyke says with a wry smile that was rarely seen last year.
Hence why the trip had a broader meaning for Pyke who’d just finished the third and toughest season of his AFL coaching career.
Crows coach Don Pyke mentally refreshed in December by hiking up Machu Picchu in Peru. Picture Sarah Reed
At the end of it, when the Crows had fallen from grand finalist to 12th in 12 tumultuous months, Pyke told his players it was important they switch off and mentally refresh in their break — and that included him.
“It was just after the trade period and you’re far enough away (in South America) in terms of time zones to be able to switch off,” he said.
“It’s important for everyone in the industry which is pretty full-on to get a full break when you can get away.”
Because when the players returned for duty on November 5 — a month earlier than in 2017 after the grand final — Pyke wanted them ready to go.
But he also acknowledged the mood around the place needed to change after the club from head office down to the last spot in its list had at times taken a beating on and off the field.
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