Emerging St Kilda small forward Darren Minchington credits his breakthrough season to not only some luck with his body after several injury-plagued years, but also his involvement in the Out Of Your Mind program.
After managing 10 appearances across his first four seasons at the club - and never more than five - the 23-year-old produced his best season yet in 2016, playing 13 games including eight of the final 11.
Having finally put his injury troubles behind him last year, Minchington also benefited from his exposure to Out Of Your Mind, which St Kilda introduced after Senior Coach Alan Richardson learned of the impact it had on rugby league club, South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The Saints have used the program throughout the last 18 months to help reduce the threats that impede performance – fatigue, fear, lack of awareness or focus – and also help to enhance the qualities of a high-performance mind, build mind health and resilience.
“It was a couple of things, obviously my body and doing all the work to get that right,” Minchington told saints.com.au on Tuesday afternoon.
“But also mentally I worked on that side of the game to get my confidence up, which really worked and is something I’m still working on now.
Minchington eyeing another climb
“Out Of Your Mind really helped me. I spent a fair bit of time working with them and talking about different things on and off the field.
“We did a lot of visualisation which involved visualising the good games, what I do well and when I perform well. It really had an impact on me.”
Competition for spots is fierce at every football right now, but especially at the Saints where every spot in St Kilda’s best 22 is being fervently pursued, particularly as a small forward where Minchington, Jack Lonie, Nathan Wright, Jack Sinclair and Jade Gresham are all seeking a berth in Richardson’s side.
Having enjoyed an extended taste of AFL football last year, Minchington is desperate for more in 2017 and sees the fight for spots as highly beneficial for both individuals and the collective.
“There’s a lot of competition for spots, obviously all the small forwards are up and running, which is really healthy,” Minchington said.
“My goal is to get in there early, cement my spot, play a full year of footy and earn the trust and respect of my teammates and build again.
“It’s a positive because it makes you work harder and it makes you work hard on your craft to stay in front of them and train harder and get fitter.”
