FEATURE: DR MARK JONES their position at the upcoming World Cup in Russia. Working together with the Socceroos and the FFA and the sense of camaraderie within the team is part of what Dr Jones finds rewarding The sense of family that and fulfilling. comes from the combined “The sense of family that comes from the efforts of achieving a goal. combined efforts of achieving a goal. This extends to the medical staff, through to the coaching staff, as well as the players. “I personally enjoy the aspect of the team and staff working to perform at the pinnacle of the sport to achieve success trying their best to get into the stadium. and the reward that accompanies To control the immense crowd, the police these sacrifices.” had 3,000 officers in attendance. The other aspect that Mark describes “Another incredible part of the match was as rewarding is the connection to travel the natural backdrop of the stadium, with which is what started his journey in sports the Himalayas visible in the background medicine. The exposure to various and the exquisite pink and orange colours cultures and the different medical of the sunset ricocheting across the late procedures within these countries has afternoon sky. helped in the acquisition of new skills in sports medicine at an elite level: “For me, this just highlighted the breadth and reach of football as a sport around “By working with technical coaching and the world,” Jones said. medical team staff from around the world, I have gained extra insights and The upcoming World Cup for the knowledge. It has allowed for great Socceroos presents itself as one ripe professional development by working with opportunity and ambition. With and collaborating with other medical a new coach called upon to lead the professionals to solve problems within team on the eve of the World Cup, the sports medicine field.” new challenges have been presented. A highlight in Mark’s career as the Mark is enthusiastic about these Socceroos’ Head Team Doctor was challenges: “I’m looking forward to the a World Cup qualification match group rising to the challenge of World in Kyrgyzstan. Cup play, as well as working with the new coach and his coaching staff with his new The team used techniques such as The game stands out for Mark due to philosophy and style of play.” chartered flights, melatonin, blue lights, the importance it held to Kyrgyzstan. in-flight treatments, and meticulous load Mark explained in detail the experience: management to get the best recovery out of the players. “The stadium was filled to capacity with ABOUT THE AUTHOR 25,000 spectators and many others This played a role in the mental and finding their seats on top of light towers, Jorden Merrilees is the Copy Editor physical aspects of preparation for scoreboards and other pieces of at SMA. He received his degree the game to help ensure the best infrastructure around the ground. in Communications from the performance was produced. These University of North Carolina efforts came to fruition as Australia beat This was coupled with the 5,000 at Chapel Hill Honduras in a two-leg playoff, securing spectators gathered outside the venue VOLUME 36 • JUNE ISSUE 2018 11 sE/kcotsknihTfk