Carine Senior High School

Mr Paul Ganderton B.Sc. B.Ed. (Hons) - Principal

CARINE SENIOR
HIGH SCHOOL
Everingham St,
CARINE 6020,
Western Australia
Phone.. +61 8 9243 9100
Fax.... +61 8 9448 5421

Tony Godden - Class of 1989

Subiaco Player Tony Godden

Chats with Reporters Scott McPhee and Brad McCallum

It was a bright, sunny morning when Scott McPhee and Brad McCallum were kicking the football around in the park next door. They were waiting for a very important person to arrive at their front door for an interview. That important person was none other than Tony Godden, a player for the Fremantle Dockers. Tony went to Carine for his entire high school career and thoroughly enjoyed his experiences. Then Tony arrived in his car. We introduced ourselves and went inside for the interview.

In which years were you a student at Carine?I was a student at Carine during the whole of my high school education. I started in Year 8, 1984, and graduated in 1989.

What subjects did you like and dislike the most?I enjoyed Phys Ed, Human Biology, Accounting, and Maths. My worst subject was English, probably because I wasn't too crash hot at it.

tonygodden2_482

What memories do you have of Carine?
Probably just all my friends. You meet many good friends during your high school time, and I've got the friends who I keep in touch with. Yes, I remember a lot of good times.

Were present footballers Guy McKenna and Mitchell White at Carine Senior High School whilst you were there?
Yes, Mitchell came to Carine the year I left. Guy, who is a couple of years older than me, was there in my early years.

During your teenage years, what was your attitude towards school and football?
I suppose I probably didn't work as hard as I should have at my school work, but I still worked pretty hard at my footy and, most importantly, enjoyed it. I enjoyed a lot of other things as well, and perhaps sometimes my education was pushed to the side a little.

What steps have you taken in your football career?
I started my football career at Carine Junior Football Club where I played from when I was nine until I was sixteen 1980 -1987). I then played for the Subiaco Colts for two seasons. After being selected to play Teal Cup, I played league football for Subiaco. In 1992 I was drafted to the Eagles before being re-drafted in 1995 to the Dockers, where I have spent the rest of my career.

Which people have influenced your career most?
My biggest influence would have to be my parents, because of the support and encouragement they give me. I also think that I have learnt a lot from my various coaches particularly Mick Malthouse and Gerrard Neesham.

What would you consider to be your most important values?
Definitely, my most important value in life would be my family and friends. Football is also pretty important to me, but I think that your family and friends are always first.

What injuries have you sustained during your career?
The worst injury I have had would have been a shoulder reconstruction which I had about two years ago. I have also torn my hamstring muscle on a couple of occasions, and had an unsuccessful groin operation.

Do you have any advice to young Carine students wanting to become a footballer?
Yes. Enjoy yourself, work hard at your skills, play hard, and try to improve your game to the best of your abilitv.

How do you prepare yourself for a match and do you have any prematch superstitions?
I usually stick to a routine during the week of a match. I assess my opposition opponent's game and also where I'm playing. I think it is also important to live a healthy lifestyle and maintain a good diet. My major superstition would be to always eat at my parents house the night before the match.

What is your philosophy of life?

It would have to be - enjoy yourself, and if you work hard and believe in yourself you will get better results in all aspects of life.