“It's when you first come across a kid, who might not bat or bowl or do some things as good as others, but by the end of the year, you see them improve,” Brodie said.
“And everyone notices as well, the kids get better and start making some runs and taking some wickets.”
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As part of local club Benalla Bushrangers, the A-grade cricket player has been involved with the junior program for the last three years.
Brodie, 22, said he first got involved with the juniors by coaching kids on their bowling technique, before taking on the under-16 coaching role last season.
“No-one was sticking their hand up for it, so I thought I’d give it a go,” he said.
“I try find ways to have fun with the kids. It's not all about winning games.”
But it seemed the fun paid off big time, with Brodie's time with the team culminating with an under-16 premiership in April of last year.
Brodie, who was born and raised in Benalla, came up through the ranks of Bushies cricket after its merge with Joeys, while also playing some representative cricket.
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It's these experiences Brodie hopes to pass on to the junior talent at the club.
“I just try and help where I can,” he said.
“I’ve been through some coaching seminars and been around higher-level coaches and Vic players.
“I pass on what I’ve learnt from them.”
With such a major focus on juniors at the club, Brodie said there was plenty to get excited about with the current group coming up.
“There is heaps of kids and talent pushing for an A-grade spot,” he said.
“They're playing good cricket.
“The club really focuses on our young players, and we really try keep them going through the ranks as far as they can go.”
This season, Brodie has focused more of his energy on his own position in the A-grade side, and in recent weeks, he's been in ripping touch.
After picking up five wickets in the Bushies' final T20 game earlier this month, Brodie also reeled in three wickets on the weekend against City Colts.
With the back half of the season now in full swing, Brodie's eye is on some more wins, as well as a finals appearance for the Bushies.
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“This year we were a bit unlucky in some games, which hurt us, but we're starting to get some wins,” he said.
“We'll make a bit of a push in the back end of the season and try and squeeze into finals.”
● Conor Brodie is nominated for the GMCU Community Award (sports volunteer).
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