Lifetime achievment award at the Coaches association award night
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The indisputable passion to follow players’ AFL development is something ‘JB' finds most rewarding. “You certainly get enjoyment out of young players making the grade and seeing those fellas grow into elite athletes, such as Nick Riewoldt or Justin Koschitzke. More importantly though, a lot of these lads have become outstanding people. And I think that’s been the strength of the group that’s got us into a couple of grand finals recently; just the mental strength” he said.
Those whom have had significant influence on Beveridge’s career include Allan Jeans, Ian Drake, Ian Stewart, Stuart Trott and Gary Colling. “I don’t want to single out individuals but Allan Jeans had quite an influence on me, as he has on most people. In respect to the coaches particularly, it would be wrong to single them out because they have all had an influence in their own ways. I respect and totally appreciate what they’ve done and the advice they’ve given me over time.”
Having previously been involved in the Saints’ development squad in the early 1980s, Beveridge supported Wayne Hughes from 1989 to 1994, when he transferred to Fremantle Football Club as their Melbourne Manager.
When the opportunity arose to venture into recruiting, Beveridge grabbed it with both hands. “Ian Stewart and Ian Drake offered it to me and I said to my wife, “Look, it will be full time footy and I’d like to give it a crack. It might only last three or four years” Beveridge said.
30 years later, Beveridge is now still heavily involved in recruiting, although on a part time basis, after deciding in 2006 to scale back his role. “John Peake became Recruiting Manager in 2007 and Tony Elshaug took over from him in 2011 when John went back to Geelong.”
Working closely with current recruiters Tony Elshaug, Ameet Bains (List Manager), Chris Liberatore and Paul Collins, Beveridge shares a high respect for the current recruiting team, including excellent part-time staff Australia wide. “The staff in Football departments has dramatically increased over time and our present team of Tony Elshaug, Ameet Bains, Chris Liberatore and Paul Collins work very well as a team. I’d like to thank them for their continued support. It’s great that we’re all able to bounce things off each other.”