Great Danes play by Rules

Andrew Mathieson
GEELONG College’s latest football coach stands out from his diminutive year-seven players.
Aside from his imposing physique, Nicolai Secher is something of a novelty around the schoolyard.
In a school with a historic football tradition, the Danish 20-year-old is learning the game more so than the students.
The assistant coach gives their skills a hand but it’s with the foot that Nicolai learns the most.
“I am just helping the coach pretty much, doing some kicking with the kids,” he admits.
“I learn a lot off the kicking, actually. I hope I can take it back home to our juniors.”
Nicolai’s lack of familiarity with Aussie Rules might have prompted a few giggles at first but he has proven to play what he preaches with the real big boys.
Lining up for Geelong and District Football League club Thomson, Nicolai made his senior debut a fortnight ago after months battling in the reserves and several seasons learning the game in Denmark.
The athletic defender represented Denmark last year in an international cup in Geelong then, with Danish teammate Christopher Campion, whose Australian father played for the Tigers, stayed in the city. Both now play for Thomson
Thomson president Craig Jacka said some at the club had their doubts about the Danish recruits.
“The blokes had a curiosity factor about how they would go,” he said.
“But they’ve proved they can play all right.
“Nicolai’s skills were probably a little bit down with his kicking but he’s worked hard and they’ve improved out of sight.”
However, the expiry date on his visa will forced Nicolai to return home at the end of the month.
He hoped to return to Geelong to play in another AFL International Cup scheduled for 2011.
“I love it here,” he said.
“I just wish I could stay for the whole season.”