Leongatha is just a few stops down the South Gippsland Highway from the City of Casey, where the Club has made a massive impact in recent seasons.
In the heart of South Gippsland, Leongatha is a small, but very busy town known as the ‘Gateway to Prom Country’, and while the population has been generally tallied at around 7500, new estates on the edges provide clear evidence that this is on the up, not in decline.
Despite the recent building activity, residents are still never far from local wildlife, with kangaroos, echidnas and koalas sharing space in relative harmony, while those members of the population who are not up early to do the milking, are typically waking up to the lowing of cattle.
Leongatha is not only a regional centre - it is also a link to other prominent destinations, form coastal Inverloch to industrial Wonthaggi. Other little links along the way each have specialties, from talented artists and hidden restaurants, to - of course - dedicated local football clubs.
From the Meeniyan-Dumbalk Demons to the Mirboo North Tigers and Stony Creek Lions - based out near the racetrack where the Stony Ponies feature - and back to the Leongatha Parrots, no matter which league they fall, football is one of the mainstays and major pursuits of this community.
Agriculture plays a major role in the area’s well-being, with potatoes and snow peas leading the way, following on from the asparagus of Koo Wee Rup.
Wineries also grace the fertile soils and temperate climate throughout the region. Naturally, farmers’ markets are also highlights, particularly out at Koonwarra, where local produce and ‘slow food’ are features.
On arrival in Leongatha, the Club - players, coaches and assorted staff - was greeted by a reception in Leongatha’s Memorial Hall.
Dean Bailey and Brad Green responded to Mayor Warren Raabe, Bailey expressing the sentiment of all that ‘we don’t get the chance often enough to do this sort of thing.’
With a perfect day to accompany the Melbourne arrival, and a stroll around town for curious players and staff, Leongatha was highlighted by the red and blue presence.
The team soon made its way to more familiar territory, heading to the home of the Leongatha Parrots, on the ovals just beyond the centre of town.
A super clinic dominated the afternoon, with local primary school students and an all abilities group enjoying the chance to chat and learn some playing skills from the Melbourne players, before receiving giveaways and enjoying the chance to grab some autographs as a souvenir of the session.
An appearance by ‘Checker’, the team mascot, was also most welcome.
While most of the group then made its way to the team accommodation at Inverloch, there was still plenty of activity to continue in Leongatha.
Ricky Petterd, Michael Newton, Jared Rivers and Lynden Dunn conducted training sessions for both the senior and junior Leongatha teams, while ‘Coach the Coach’ and ‘Train the Trainer’ sessions were conducted in the clubrooms by Melbourne staff.
A welcome contributor was former Parrots coach Brian Royal, who took the side to a premiership in 1995, while a signed guernsey was presented to Parrots stalwart and one-time captain, Paul LePage. A keen Melbourne supporter, LePage is due to play his 200th game for the Parrots in Round One this year.
The next day’s activities were based in Inverloch, with excited primary school students lining the ground as the players undertook training on the oval beyond.
Some youngsters mimicked the exercise drills being undertaken by the players nearby, while ‘Checker’ was again eagerly greeted, and giveaways from the Club’s Community Department were an instant success.
Melbourne past player - and another successful Parrots coach - Neville Stone joined the spectators and was later welcomed with a presentation by the team, while Gippsland Power players Jack Blair, Sam Docherty, Ben Fitzpatrick, Chad Maci, Jordan Staley and Matthew Willcocks joined in the on-field action.
Taking part in training, they were unanimous that ‘we’ve learned a lot from them’, while they in turn imparted stories of taking part in the TAC Cup Grand Final at Etihad Stadium, of travelling ‘a couple of hours’ for training, and playing ‘in mud up to our knees’ at assorted local grounds. It was a reminder of the way in which many AFL players start out.
With Melbourne legend Garry Lyon on the sidelines, the story was complete. It was the perfect close to a full couple of days, and as the bus collected the group to head back to AAMI Park, Community Camp 2011 was over.
