Dylan Smith on PIVOT

In football, a switch or a pivot is a powerful move. It’s when the predictable movement of play is suddenly interrupted. Often by an act of daring or brilliance by one player. 

A sudden change of direction literary opens up time and space for that player and their team. Which creates opportunities. 

It’s the best players, the most exciting and celebrated that can create these chances, sometimes, seemingly out of nothing. As if by instinct. They spin, weave or trick the other players. They move in a way that is unexpected. Often breathtaking. 

As a player, it takes courage to take a chance like this. There is a high degree of risk. The outcomes are unknown. You can be made to look silly. To be embarrassed. To have the crowd and the opposition ridicule you. 

But when you take a risk, when you pivot, you have the chance to create something special. 

Dyan Smith is the Executive Officer and Founder of the Fremantle Foundation, a philanthropic organisation that focuses on the potential of local giving. Dylan played AFL football for five years with the North Melbourne Kangaroos and Fremantle Dockers.