06 March 2026
During Week 4, our Year 6 students had the privilege of welcoming two special visitors from the Adelaide Crows, ruckman Reilly O’Brien and General Manager of Player Development and Leadership Dan Jackson. Their visit provided a valuable opportunity for students to hear about leadership, team culture and the importance of positive masculinity both on and off the field.
Throughout the session, Reilly and Dan shared stories from their football journeys and spoke openly about the qualities that help teams thrive. They emphasised that leadership is about everyday actions such as showing respect, including others, taking responsibility and supporting teammates when things are challenging. A key focus of their message was the idea of masculinity.
The students explored how strength is not simply physical ability, but also the courage to be kind, show empathy, stand up for others and ask for help when needed. Reilly and Dan explained that the best teams are built on trust, accountability and care for one another, values that are just as important in a school community as they are in elite sport.
They shared with the boys about how the players and staff at the Adelaide Crows look to ‘fill each other’s buckets’ each day. Students were highly engaged throughout the session, asking thoughtful questions about leadership, resilience and how professional athletes deal with pressure and setbacks.
The conversation helped students reflect on their own role in shaping the culture of their class and the wider Junior School community. As our Year 6 students continue to grow as leaders within the Junior School, the messages shared by Reilly and Dan reinforced the importance of modelling our school values of Truth, Respect and Service in everyday interactions.
We are grateful to them for taking the time to speak with our students and for providing such a meaningful and inspiring experience. Moments like these remind our students that leadership begins with small choices, choosing to encourage others, choosing to act with integrity and choosing to contribute positively to the community around them.
Ben Storer
Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing and Administration
