James Podsiadly opens new purpose-built AFL training facility next to the Adelaide Airport
Ever wondered what it would be like to play in an AFL grand final? Wanted to hit a tackle bag at full force or sit on someone’s shoulders and take a hanger? A new 5000 sqm venue at the airport is now giving footy fans that chance.
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A multimillion-dollar purpose-built training facility for kids dreaming of playing AFL footy and adults who never lost the dream will open next to the Adelaide Airport this month.
The brainchild of Geelong premiership player and former Crows player and assistant coach James Podsiadly, AFL Max is the first of its kind in Australia and describes itself as an ‘immersive skills and entertainment centre’.
It was enough to lure Podsiadly out of the Adelaide coaches’ box following the 2017 grand final and into the project full-time, and two years later the centre will open on June 29.
The 5000 sqm facility includes seven different areas including a synthetic training pitch, interactive screens, tackle and bump bags, climbing walls, trampolines and virtual reality where footy fans can put themselves into an AFL grand final.
It’s also hoped the centre will become a tourist attraction for international visitors wanting to lean more about the game.
Crows co-captain Rory Sloane is an investor in the centre and was involved in its design and activities.
“The light bulb moment was when I was coaching at the Crows I used to see kids, coaches and players come into the footy club and try to jump on the speccy bag, kick the ball at targets and have a whole heap of fun,” Podsiadly said.
“And I thought wouldn’t it be great to create an elite facility for people to have fun and develop their skills.
“The venue is for everyone — boys and girls, men and women — and our core market is kids but at the same time we’ve had adults and corporate groups who are inquiring about the facility and senior football clubs who can use it for training.”
Podsiadly says from his research, he believes the training centre is the first of its kind in the world.
“If you’re building your decision making drills in virtual reality, you can put yourself in a stoppage on the ground, win the ball and make a decision going forward,” he said.
“But it’s also about whether our venue can bring others into the game as well. They don’t have to kick a footy here, we’re using it as a vehicle to get kids and people active.”
Podsiadly said he was happy with coaching but the idea of AFL Max took off and required his full attention.
“It was a tough decision to make because I really enjoyed coaching, and finishing with a bitter pill to swallow by losing the grand final, but I wanted to explore this and give it my very best and learn more about the industry,” he said.
“I worked with Steve Hocking at the AFL and learnt a lot about the game and the broader impact it has in people’s lives.
“This game has so many fans across the country it’s been a great experience.”
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