As a player, Brett Kirk did it all, playing 241 games for 84 goals.An All Australian player in 2004, who tasted AFL Premiership success with the Sydney Swans in 2005.
But it was perhaps his off field deeds for which Captain Kirk is most remembered.
Brett constantly challenged himself and his team mates on and off the field and was a key force in developing a strong culture at the Swans which would allow the Sydneysiders to create a period of sustained success.
A little further North and Kirk is now assisting the Gold Coast SUNS as they attempt to establish themselves as a premiership force on Queensland’s tourist strip.
I am trying to help build the capacity of the playing group to assist them take control of their own culture, to give them empowerment along with the coaches, to give them ownership and to give them responsibility.
While the coaching staff work on core skills and deliver fitness programs designed to achieve elite performances, Kirk is working to establish foundations which will see all members of the organisation held accountable for their on and off field performances by each other.
It’s an ethical framework he feels is crucial for the GC SUNS as they mould a young list and build towards a period of pro-longed premiership success.
Once players decide that they want to be a part of it and really buy into it, it can move really quickly and there is a huge weight of numbers, especially at a club with a lot of younger players, if those players start jumping on board, things can happen pretty dramatically on field.
Kirk’s work isn’t restricted to the club's football department and he is spending equal amounts of time working with the club's administration.
“It's basically saying are you doing and being everything that you say you do and be, that's from your website to the way you operate day to day, the way decisions are made to the way you lead.”
“I have been involved with the executive staff at a higher level to build an ethical framework and we are know working with smaller work groups and going through the process and I guess giving the organisation an integrity check to find out how it's tracking.”
On field this weekend, the GC SUNS host Kirk’s old side yet despite their relative positions on the ladder, Kirk gives the home side every chance of achieving a maiden Metricon Stadium win on Saturday night.
“They come up against ladder leaders, the Swans, my old team this weekend and the Swans are playing some great football, they have got their hard competitive contested brand going, but they have also added some speed and class.”
I think the GC SUNS are a big chance, the Swans have come off a couple of really solid games, one over in Perth and a really strong contested game against St Kilda on the weekend that really pushed them and I think if our pressure is on and the boys really push the Swans anything’s possible.
Career Highlights
- Sydney Best and Fairest 2005, 2007
- All-Australian 2004
- International Rules Series (Australia) 2003, 2004
- Premiership Player 2005
- Grand Finalist 2006
- Sydney Captain 2006 – 2010
- AFLPA Robert Rose Award (League's Most Courageous Player) 2006
- Paul Kelly Players’ Player Award 2008
- Hall of Fame Tribute Match, Dream Team 2008
- AFLPA Madden Medal, Community Spirit Award 2010
- AFLPA Best Captain Award 2010
- AFL Ambassador Youth Mentor 2011
- AFL International Cup Ambassador 2011
- AFL Premiership Cup Ambassador 2011
