The Illawarra’s only gridiron club are charging forward

Words Emma Smith Images In Motion Sports Photography @inmotionsportsphotography

Though gridiron may be considered a predominantly American sport, buzz is building in Australia as more athletes sign up in the hope of scoring a touchdown! Right here in the Illawarra, the Wollongong Mustangs – the only gridiron club on the south coast – kicked off their 2020 season in October to a promising start. First established in 1991, the club now has a senior team boasting 50 players and a junior team, the Colts, made up of around 25. Heading up the coaching staff is former NFL player, Jordan Stalker from Bulli, who after making the switch from rugby league to gridiron in his late teens went on to captain the Australian gridiron team, travel to Texas for an International Federation of American Football World Training Camp, and earn a scholarship to Gardner-Webb University in America to play for the Runnin’ Bulldogs.

After a few successful years in the US, Jordan is back home and taking his role as head coach of the Mustangs in his stride – we caught up with the 27-year-old talent to talk pre-game superstitions and the growing interest in the American-born sport…

How was the club first established in Wollongong?
In July 1991, an exhibition game of American College Football between Arizona and Idaho was played at Brandon Park Wollongong, and drew a crowd of 8000 people. Seizing upon the interest generated by that game and the popularity of sport on TV, several Illawarra-based players who had been playing with the Sutherland Seahawks decided to start a gridiron club in Wollongong. Recruiting began in September that year, and about 80 players attended an information meeting. Over the coming weeks this was soon whittled down to around 30. Those initially impressed by the uniform and the glamour of the game were soon awakened by the costs, commitment and energy needed to play gridiron. Those veterans from the Seahawks – Hugh V'Cortez, John Boss, Zoran Janevski and Ben and Paul Curcio – became the clubs first coaching staff. Sponsorship was secured by the local McDonald's franchise and the North Wollongong Hotel, and with the US dollar in our favour, the team purchased equipment. The players were then given a vote on the team name and the Mustangs were born.

How did you first get involved in the club?
I was added to a Facebook group in 2011 by a friend from school. I didn’t actually know that we played gridiron here in Australia. After being added to the group I went along to a session and loved it, so just kept going.

You’ve had an impressive career, captaining the Australian team, playing for the Runnin’ Bulldogs in the US, and now head coach of the Wollongong Mustangs. Has there been an ultimate highlight?
There are lots! But I think one that really stands out was having my parents there for homecoming when I was playing in America. Homecoming is basically the biggest game of the season. In 2014, we played against UFC Charlotte and my parents flew over to watch that game. We knocked them off – we were the big underdogs. Being part of that and having my parents there, and turning 21 the following weekend, would definitely be the highlight.

Did you ever have a special routine or superstition you had to do before playing a big game?
Oh, there are so many! I’m weird like that. I’ll always put my right sock on, left sock on, right boot, left boot. Stuff like that. I don’t think it brings me any extra luck or anything but, it’s a bit of an OCD thing. I am really particular. If I find something that works, I'll stick with it.

What has it been like transitioning from being a player to a coach?
I was given opportunities to do a bit of both in Europe last year. And off the back off that I had the opportunity to coach the Wollongong junior team, the Colts. Then this year, working with the seniors has been a little different to coaching juniors. You’ve got guys who have families to worry about, outside of sport. So, it’s been different in terms of where their heads are at and what their priorities are in life. My philosophy is to be the coach I wish I had growing up. Ultimately, coaching is about finding the balance between having fun – because you should enjoy playing sport; it shouldn’t feel like a chore – and also getting the team to improve with each session. So as long as I can do that as a coach, I’m happy.

When scouting players, what are some of the key things you look out for?
I’ve talked to coaches overseas about this and basically you can’t teach aggression. People either have it or they don’t. Same with size. But what you really look for is people who put in aggression. They don’t always have to be the most skilful. Good coaches can coach good skill into guys, but having that natural inner tiger is what stands out the most.

Is there a lot of local interest in the sport?
It’s definitely picking up. In terms of participation this year, even with COVID and all the restrictions, we’ve doubled our seniors’ team. We’ve gone from mid-20s to about 50 players this year. And the Colts (junior age group) are similar with around 25-30 players.

For a primarily American sport, do you think interest is growing here in Australia?
I feel like the sport is picking up interest in Australia. With social media constantly growing, people are gaining more access to American sports, which definitely helps with exposure. In general, too, Australians just love sport. It’s celebrated a bit differently here. It’s more theatrical in the States as the gridiron players are considered celebrities. Whereas in Australia we bring them back down to earth.

What age groups can get involved with the Wollongong Mustangs?
Our juniors are turning or have already turned 16-19 in 2020, and we are always looking for players there. And our seniors age group is 18-plus. We combine practise with seniors and juniors so it’s really good to get amongst it. It’s a really supportive environment and our goal this year is to build that connection with seniors and juniors and really drive that club culture.

How do you expect the team will go in the 2020 competition?
I’m feeling good. My measure of success is not necessarily wins or losses. It’s more about meeting the expectations we put on ourselves at training and on game days, in terms of holding ourselves accountable to high standards as a club. It’s looking really promising across both teams. The preparation has been good. It’s just about whether it shows up on game day. Regardless, we are taking big steps forward in a good direction.

How would you describe the club’s overall morale?
Really positive! I've told the guys at each session to keep playing like we’re the underdogs and good things will happen!

Find the Wollongong Mustangs on Facebook and Instagram for more.