Sydney Swans fans have chanted it habitually over the years – now it’s Australia’s turn.
“Nick Davis, come to savis!” just may be the catchcry of this year’s Sydney Sevens with the development coach crossing codes in support of the ‘Thunderbolts’.
Davis has been applying his talents to help the national team master the art of restarts.
Recognising the skill as an area in need of improvement, the team’s head of conditioning approached his Swans equivalent in Rob Spurrs who then recommended the 2005 premiership forward as a possible asset.
Davis’ role has been based around polishing players’ techniques and installing them with confidence to “attack the high ball”.
“It’s something that doesn’t come as naturally to them compared to Australian Rules footballers,” Davis said.
“My job is to help them feel confident leaving the ground and collecting the ball at the highest point possible, all while absorbing contact. It’s all about improving their special awareness and body awareness in the air.
“Being seven aside and seven-minute halves, the game opens up a lot so there can be pretty high scoring games. Restarts are crucial, whether your receiving or trying to reclaim the ball.
“Scoring two consecutive tries can be difficult to peg back and could mean the difference between winning and losing.”
Davis ensures his part-time role isn’t getting in the way of his role as development coach at the Sydney Swans.
Rather the opposite given senior coach John Longmire is a big believer in ‘cross-code unity’.
Longmire attended a leadership conference in Europe attended by some of the biggest names in sport, including former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, while the 2012 premiership coach has invited Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson along to training to pick his brain.
“Both Horse (Longmire) and Tom (Harley) realise the benefits of gaining experience in coaching other codes so they’re very supportive,” Davis added.
“Coaching different athletes, it’s a challenge I really enjoy and it will do wonders for my personal development.
“It helps that I grew up in Sydney and I know most of the terminology and the ins, out of the game. The players can sense that and they listen.
"It's an honour to be a part of a national team."
The Thunderbolts aren’t the only rugby team to have sought Davis’ expertise. The 36-year-old, who played 168 games and kicked 235 goals during 10-year AFL career, has worked closely with the Cronulla Sharks and, most recently, the NSW Waratahs.
