From playing to coaching, Alana Thomas knows what it takes to be on the big stage; relishing her recent opportunity to assist with the Wallaroos coaching team has only grown her hunger for more.
Last year, Thomas was crowned the Geoff Shaw Community Coach of the Year after leading the Melbourne Unicorns to a Premiership and the Lindroth Cup. The accolade is a well-deserved reward for her hard work and determination but she insists is just the beginning
After her four-year career with the Australian Wallaroos came to a close in 2010, Thomas felt she wasn’t finished giving back to the sport that gives her so much joy.
“I wanted to keep involved in the sport but also give back, because playing and getting to that top level was such an amazing feeling that I want to give girls the opportunity to share.” Thomas said.
Thomas admits that a “void” would’ve existed if she never decided to give back to Rugby in some shape or way.
“I really like being back in this environment but as a coach now, so I’ve pushed myself in doing more and continually decide to take opportunities as they come.” She said.
So, when Wallaroos Head Coach Dwayne Nestor approached Thomas to assist with the Backs in the lead up to their clash against New Zealand on the weekend, Thomas took it with open arms.
“I was invited up there [Sydney] for a personal development opportunity.” She said.
The chance to be a part of the “high performance program” has given Thomas a new drive to dream about one day being an official coach within that Wallaroos environment.
“I would love to even one day be the head coach, but I also know right now where I’m at in my coaching life which is very much in its infancy so being an assistant coach is where I want to get too in the next few seasons.”
Thomas says that so much has changed since her playing days, but the key thing that stands out to her is the new ability to communicate via technology. Whilst this has really advanced the game, it’s also changed coaching. It’s not just turning up on a training night, it’s all about the preparation and planning.
“When I was playing it was harder to communicate what was going on in my head.”
“But now we’re able to follow up with players after training, review, redo and rejig plans in order to get what you need out of it.”
The development of Women’s sport has come so far and Alana Thomas will continue to be a key influencer in its progression.
She will watch on with eager eyes as the Wallaroos get set to take on New Zealand in the second match of the test series on the 25th August at 3:00PM at Eden Park, Auckland.
