Recognising the hard work of the Heartland Crew

It's not only the player's the Phoenix recognise for their milestones, but also the hardworking Heartland Crew members. This season Brodie Duncan and Fu Chang were presented their 50 game jersey at the final home game for the regular season in NBL26.

Both members of the Heartland Crew started their journey at the Phoenix in the NBL 22/23 season. Both volunteers come from different walks of life, with Fu an international student while Brodie works in fast food and an event group.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TO BE PART OF HEARTLAND CREW IN NBL27

We spoke to the two volunteers on their journey and advice for anyone thinking of joining the Heartland Crew in NBL27.

Q: What got you to volunteer with the Phoenix?

F: I always wanted to experience working in sports, especially in Australia, and Phoenix was the first to offer me this opportunity back in 2022. I first heard of this opportunity from a friend at university, and I went along with him to the induction night and immediately was motivated to join the team. Additionally, I wanted experience on my resume, so this was the perfect stepping stone into the sports industry, and I'm very grateful to Phoenix for offering me my first-ever work during a regular season.

B: That the Phoenix were the new team in the NBL, only being in the NBL for two seasons, and I felt like putting my foot in door in the sports industry and seeing what it is like putting game days together.

Q: What did it mean to you to receive, and also achieve 50 games volunteering at the Phoenix?

F: Really special because after the end of the 2^nd season with Phoenix, I was thinking of moving on, but I persevered and continued with Phoenix. When I got my 50 games jersey, it reminded me that if you stay committed and loyal, you will be rewarded for your contribution to the club, and holding that jersey made me realise that this club means a lot to me, as they show appreciation for my hard work, and I was not unnoticed by the team.

B: It actually meant so much to me because of the time and how much effort I put in on NBL games and then to achieve 50 games, this made it worth it.

Q: How has volunteering at the Phoenix open the doors to other volunteering or jobs in sport?

F: It has made me more confident in approaching other jobs around Melbourne and asking them for an opportunity, and able to back it up with my time at Phoenix, with some of the experiences that can benefit them. But most importantly showed that I am committed to working in the sports industry and allows other jobs to see that determination.

B: It has open so many doors. I got to volunteer at the NBA/NBL events and I got to volunteer at the Ultra Music Fest this year. I got to experience so many other events and hopefully in the future I get a job in the sports industry.

Q: What are some of your jobs you do on game day?

F: In my first three seasons, I did everything from venue set-up and pack down, membership desk assistance, hospitality support, customer engagement on the concourse and floor wiping during the game. In my fourth season, I was mainly on the floor, providing leadership to new team members and guiding them on the ethics of floor wiping during the game. But I am keen to get more experience in other areas if available.

B: I do pre-game set up inside the arena/court. Greet fans and members when they come through the doors and then do floor wiping. Each game day is different.

Q: What has been a highlight of your time volunteering at the Phoenix?

F: The people that I’ve met along the way, helping, guiding, and supporting me. The key to a great experience volunteering at the club is not the work you do, but the people who are willing to listen to you, give you opportunities, and support you. I believe this is what has kept me with this club from the start until now, and I am forever grateful to them for allowing me to grow in it. But if I have to pick one fun highlight I enjoy, it was leading the floor-wiping team.

B: It would be seeing the team grow and seeing the Heartland Crew grow bigger each season. But last season playing in the NBL finals and seeing the crowd go crazy was a highlight and then for me to get my 50 volunteer game jersey that has to top it off.

Q: What do you love about the Phoenix?

F: The family feel I get coming into game day every time, you get to talk and know nearly everyone, and most importantly, our supervisors (MJ and Shorty) are willing to be there for you and support you whenever you have questions or feel stuck. Most importantly you get rewarded for your time dedicating at this club and that what separates volunteering in this club from the rest of the clubs around Australia.

B: Th team culture is really good. You get to meet so many different people from the ownership group to staff to players, but the Heartland Crew are the best in the league. To SEM Phoenix, thank you for recognising me, this wouldn't be possible without the people in the Heartland Crew and the Phoenix organisation.

Q: What are some advice you would give someone who is volunteering?

F: Be yourself, work hard and do not slack off just because you are doing a boring job. Try your best to present yourself positively in all areas of work you are put in, and you will succeed, as your effort will be noticed if you are consistent.

B: I would say go for it as it opens many doors to different thing and experiences.

Q: What is your message to someone who wants to join the Phoenix's Heartland Crew?

F: It’s the perfect place to allow you to understand the sports industry, especially in game day settings. There are 10+ regular home games, so there will be opportunities for you to try something new or better yourself in areas you think you will enjoy. It’s a great place to work with great people who support your professional growth.

B: The Heartland Crew will support you and make sure you have fun. The Heartland Crew is the reason why the game days come to life and you meet so many amazing people. The team culture is the best and there so many perks to volunteering with the Phoenix from social events, awards and so much more.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TO BE PART OF HEARTLAND CREW IN NBL27

If you see Fu or Brodie or any of our amazing Heartland Crew at game days in NBL27, make sure to say hello and give your thanks for all the hard works they do!

Early registration is now open to join the Heartland Crew for NBL27. To register your interest CLICK HERE or to find out more on Heartland Crew CLICK HERE.