Zephi - Learning to feel at home away from home

[The Coon Dog]

Emma Quayle - The Age - 9 March



ZEPHI Skinner went home for Christmas, and almost didn't come back. It takes more than 11 hours for the 22-year-old to travel from the Whitten Oval to his home, Noonkanbah, a journey that requires a plane trip to Perth, another to Broome, a bus ride past Fitzroy Crossing, then a 90-minute car trip down a dusty road past ''the turn-off. And it's longer if there's cattle all over the road,'' he says, shaking his head and smiling.

Skinner went home a few times last year, during a first season that presented him with a little bit of everything. First of all, the move - even though he had gotten himself ready for it, moving to Claremont in Perth, then Darwin, to convince recruiters that he was ready. Then, his first pre-season training program at the Western Bulldogs, which was far more detailed than anything he had ever done. ''All this running, boxing, riding bikes. At first you don't see how it's about footy,'' he said.''

Skinner spent his one game mostly on the bench, becoming more and more nervous before being subbed on for the final quarter. ''I could hardly even hear my teammates' voices. It was over so quick. I think I only touched the ball two times.'' Still, he smiles when he talks about it; two touches are better than none.

Article in full...

[Mantis]

Another excellent read by a consistently good journo.

The last sentence is a classic... Let's hope we see a few over the coming years.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

You have to admire Zephi for what he has taken on in such a different culture to his own. My grandmothers didn't teach me to hunt for bush turkey. I wish they had. He seems like a lover of life, hopefully it stays that way. If he makes it at AFL level he will became a legend of the club and his people and God I hope he does.

[bornadog]

Its so difficult for indigenous players coming from remote areas of Australia to a city with 4 million people. I think many of us do not understand what they have to go through. Its hard enough for a kid in a country town, but to come to Melbourne from a place that takes 11 hours to get to and a totally different culture makes it 10 times harder.

I hope Skinner sticks to it as he is an exciting prospect.

[DragzLS1]

top guy and starting to look like a very exciting footballer for us love his determination

[Throughandthrough]

I was up that way for work last year.


Here's a couple of snaps. Amazing part of the world.


The road between Broome and Derby WA by FlashGordon Photography, on Flickr


Stray cattle on the road between Broome and Derby by FlashGordon Photography, on Flickr


Broome Derby road by FlashGordon Photography, on Flickr


Broome Derby road Fitzroy River crossing by FlashGordon Photography, on Flickr


Broome Derby road Fitzroy River crossing by FlashGordon Photography, on Flickr


Prison Boab Tree Derby WA by FlashGordon Photography, on Flickr


Gibb River Road by FlashGordon Photography, on Flickr


Cable Beach Sunset Broome WA by FlashGordon Photography, on Flickr


Camels on Cable Beach Sunset Broome WA by FlashGordon Photography, on Flickr

[Murphy'sLore]

Wow, beautiful photos t&t. It's another world isn't it.

[Mofra]

Amazing pics

[Throughandthrough]

just a bit different from Footscray

[bornadog]

just a bit different from Footscray

What a great part of Australia. What sort of work do you do?

[Throughandthrough]

Work for one of the big AUstralian Companies (not mining) and travel a lot in SA and WA talking to the staff about things

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Great photos.

Zeph's got a really good character, so it's be great to see him make the grade. I've been to a few training sessions, and he definitely has been working harder. The coaches and players were always extremely supportive of him too, always helping him out. It was good to see.

He already looks a much better player than last season. He was impressive in the first NAB Cup outing, so here's hoping he can really takes strides forward. He has talent, for sure.

[Dancin' Douggy]

I was pretty impressed with Zeph's body language at the intra club.
Seemed confident and relaxed. A big step from the year before.
On field he was determined to be involved in the game and not hover on the fringes.
He probably flew for a few too many marks. But each time he flew, he WAS the one who got his hands on the ball. He did pull down a big hanger as well.
I think he's an amazing talent. So what's the best case scenario for Zeph?
Could he play 200 games for us?
Could he play 100?
Can he be an Adam Goodes, Nicky Winmar or Andrew McLeod type?
I'd take a Daryl White type!
All power to him, very excited about what he can offer.

[Throughandthrough]

A relevant article from 12 months ago

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/af...-1226295084517

[azabob]

A relevant article from 12 months ago

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/af...-1226295084517

Good article, certainly is eye opening.

Hopefully we manage to hold onto Brett Goodes for a while yet...