In 2007, Brett and Alica Mayo moved from their home town of Kalgoorlie to Perth with three young boys in tow. A celebrated local player and coach, Brett, had been offered a coaching role with the Subiaco Football Club. It wasn’t long before oldest son Jack started his Auskick playing days, followed by Nicholas, and then Sam, and the Carine Junior Football Club became the beneficiary of Brett’s coaching talents.
Jack played all his junior football with the Carine Junior Football Club, picking up several awards along the way, including the Year 9 Fairest and Best in 2014, the President’s Award in 2015, and runner-up Fairest and Best for the Northern Conference the very same year. His Year 11 and 12 playing days were limited due to a serious knee injury with plenty of time at the physio and in rehab. Having been part of the Subiaco development program, Jack joined the Subi Colts in 2018, the key focal point of an improved Subiaco attack, taking out the WAFL Colts Leading Goal Kicker Award after a consistent season and 50 goals for the Lions. Mayo spent much of the preseason of 2019 working as a key defender, part of his own development to grow and add versatility to his game, improving his chances of promotion to the League. After being named as an emergency two weeks in a row, rather than be disappointed on just missing out on a League debut, Mayo went back to Reserves footy and produced two of his best games with the club. He made his League debut for Subiaco in May 2019, Round 5.
The 2019 mid season rookie draft saw Saints select 19 year old Jack Mayo with pick number 8. He had impressed St Kilda over the previous 18 months, playing good senior football with Subiaco. At the time Jack was described as a mobile, hard-running forward with clean hands, a long left foot kick and the ability to play at both ends. Jack spoke to SAINTS.com.au on his first day with St Kilda and featured in the local media too. Re-signed for 2020, the rookie-listed Saint adjusted to the rigours of VFL football, and was considered ‘one to watch’ for the season ahead.
2020 was a challenging year for everyone, including Jack. After a delayed start to the season, he ruptured his left ACL in a scratch match against Carlton in July. He returned to his family in Perth, underwent surgery and was advised in October that he would not be offered a contract for 2021. In November, the Subiaco Football Club announced Jack’s return to the Club to complete his rehabilitation, hopefully making a return to play later in the year.
Carine Junior Football Club President Brad Hearn, is pleased to announce Jack as the Head Coach for the 18s for season 2021. “After playing his junior football at Carine, Jack has forged a playing career through the ranks at Subiaco before being drafted to St Kilda in 2019. Unfortunately, a knee reconstruction has seen Jack back at Subi for rehab this year.”
“The time away has allowed Jack to explore his interest in coaching and the Club is excited to have someone of Jack’s calibre prepared to give back to community football.”
Jack addressed the 18s at training yesterday afternoon and spoke to us about his appointment. “Recovering from ACL surgery last August was disappointing at the time, however it has brought a few silver linings, one of which involves spending some extended time on the sidelines, bringing about the opportunity to coach the 18s team. Growing up as a Carine junior, I was always very passionate about the Club, and now it’s very exciting to be returning as a coach, especially on the back of the Club’s 40th year.”
“I am fortunate enough to have had some diverse experience in my career thus far, at a semi-professional and professional level, and I hope to bring some of those footballing ideas to the 18s. Currently, I am back at Subiaco having spent 18 months at St Kilda, and I am also undertaking a double degree in Maths and Writing at Curtin University.”
“Michael Farmer did a fantastic job structuring the 18s over the past couple of seasons in terms of football education, standards and culture. I hope to continue this onwards for 2021 while also bringing a couple of new ideas to the table. Overall, the 18s group looks to be a strong one, and provided we put in the work, I am very optimistic as to what season 2021 has in store.”
Welcome back Jack, it’s great to have you home.
