By Peter Johnson

The crew of Nuship Ballarat receive the gospel according to Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse. The AFL legend, and former Ballarat resident, didn’t hesitate when asked to give the new crew a few tips on team-building and motivation. Ballarat is due for commission on June 26.

Photo: SGT Dave Grant

There’s no doubt that Collingwood football players admire their coach Mick Malthouse, and Mick Malthouse admires the Royal Australian Navy.

The Australian Rules great shared his philosophy on life and leadership with the ship’s company of Nuship Ballarat last week at the Tenix Defence Dockyard, Williamstown.

Ballarat’s people received a unique Malthouse view on developing a ship and its crew when the coach, armed with a white board and marker and 30 years in football, visited the ship.

He interspersed his personal experiences with views such as:

“Leadership is one thing, good leadership is different.”

Malthouse and Ballarat have something in common. He spent his childhood in Wendouree West, a suburb of the Victorian rural city of Ballarat, the namesake of Australia’s newest frigate.

He expressed great pride in talking to Ballarat’s ship’s company.

“The Collingwood players look up to you guys,” he said.

“Ballarat brings a lump to the throat, being originally from the city, and you are representing Australia at a greater level than I do.”

Ballarat’s Commanding Officer, CMDR David Hunter, said it didn’t matter what sport you followed, there was no denying Mick Malthouse was a unique addition to Victorian and Australian culture.

Ballarat will commission at Victoria Harbour, Melbourne, on the evening of June 26, followed by a ship’s open day on June 27.

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