Talented On and Off the Fields - Flinders University Welcomes Panthers Stars

South Adelaide Football Club player Tom Fields not only sees the Flinders University logo each time he dons his guernsey and training gear but is experiencing it after enrolling in a Flinders Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Activity degree earlier this year.

"'Studying at Flinders is one of the best decisions I've made, it's a great place to study," said Fields.

"I'm enjoying the topics and have found the lecturers to be really helpful. It's almost like a bit of a home away from home as I run into fellow Panther teammates such as Nick Liddle and Troy Blackwell, who are also both studying at Flinders."

Tom is one of 13 senior Panthers that are currently studying at Flinders University, with a further six teammates having already graduated and over 20 staff, past and present players either currently studying, recently graduated or previous enrolled.

Amongst the studious South stars are Commerce, Education, Engineering, Health Science, Law and Psychology students.

Flinders recently caught up with the talented half- back to find out a bit more about how he is balancing work, football and Uni studies and if he has any pre-game rituals.

"I really enjoy living in Adelaide, and I feel like I have a pretty good handle on work life balance, with training three nights a week, playing games on weekends, working 15-20 hours a week and attending university lectures.

"Once a month I also coordinate an after school football camp with fellow teammate Emmanuel Irra," said Tom.  

Tom's balanced approach to work, study and his footy also extends to his game day approach.

"While I don't think I'm superstitious, I do tend to have some rituals that I go through before a game," says Tom.

"The evening before a game I'll eat pasta or spaghetti bolognaise. Game day morning, I eat three Weetbix, muesli and fruit, and being a beach person I'll then go down to Brighton beach for a walk, and grab a coffee before getting ready for the game."

Sounds like a great approach to work life balance Tom, keep up the great work - Flinders University