Collingwood defender Harry O'Brien has recently launched his website, Harry's World. Throughout the 2010 season, Collingwoodfc.com.au will be publishing various pieces with the consent on O'Brien.
I really do feel the need to express my gratitude for being blessed with 2010 Collingwood Hall of Fame inductee James Clement (Click here to view Collingwood's Hall of Fame).
Click here to view the 2010 Collingwood Hall of Fame inductees.
Jimmy was my biggest mentor in my first three years. From day one he showed genuine interest in my progress and I am eternally grateful to him for that. Something that broke the ice for us was that we both grew up in Perth. I remember how difficult it was for me in my first few months to relocate so far away from my family. Jimmy could relate and took an empathetic approach which I found extremely comforting.
I can clearly remember how homesick I was when I was the only player on the Collingwood list to be playing for the Williamstown reserves. I spent my first five weeks playing there; something I believed at the time was unfair. I thought I was ready to be playing for the 1st Williamstown team, but the coaches thought otherwise. In hindsight this was a crucial part of my development as it gave me an extreme huger and determination to be the best I could and progress.
As I mentioned I found those weeks in the Williamstown reserves the hardest. It was cold, wet and windy down at Willamstown and no one watched the Williamstown reserves. All the games were recorded and I remember after my first few games Jimmy came to me one day during the week and asked to watch my tape with me. I was delighted in his interest in me and we sat down to watch the tape together.
I remember his exact words just like it was yesterday. He said, “Harry watching your tape I will say with in all honesty I believe you will play a lot of games for the Collingwood Football Club. There are areas you need to touch up, but I believe that you can get there. Let me help you.”
Click here to read the entire article on Harry's World.
