Alexandra Under 18s show what’s possible with passion, perseverance and community

JUST a few short months ago, the idea of fielding an under 18s team at Alexandra Football Netball Club felt like a distant dream. After several years without the numbers to make it happen, it would have been easy to let it go. But for one person, that wasn’t an option.

Sam Kidd, now coach of the under 18s, brought more than just a clipboard and whistle, he brought a vision.

Late last year, Sam made it his mission to bring this age group back to life. With the full support of Club President Kylie Cairns and Football Director Steven Hedger, he rallied the club, reached out to families, and started planting the seeds for something special.

In early 2025, the club hosted a meeting for interested players and parents, joined by Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly. Craig made a promise that night: if Alexandra could form a team and stick together, he’d personally welcome them to Collingwood for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience.

At the time, they had just 12 players, barely enough to dream, let alone field a team. But Sam showed up. Week after week. He coached, encouraged, and never gave up.

And the players came, one by one, mate by mate until 24 young men proudly pulled on the red, black and white.

They’ve since learned what it truly means to be a team. To win hard and to lose harder.

To dig deep and back each other in. They’ve become part of something bigger than themselves and that’s the real win.

True to his word, Craig Kelly delivered. Twenty players and five adult volunteers from Alexandra travelled to the Holden Centre for a…