RAD blog

The RAD Athlete Journey Series: Hugh Bond 

From the RAD Shed to the Adelaide Crows!

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Get ready to be inspired by the story of Hugh Bond, a young athlete who went from the RAD shed to the Adelaide Crows in just five years!

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As a 14-year-old suffering from shin splints, Bondy entered the RADcentre with hopes of finding a solution to his woes. Juggling multiple sports, including football, basketball, and rowing, he was experiencing an intense training load year-round, a challenge many young athletes face.

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Upon stepping foot in the RADcentre in 2017, Bondy had never been to a gym before, but he immediately noticed a difference. After successfully rehabbing his shin splints, Bondy began the Junior Long Term Athlete Development Program. This individualized plan focussed on first nailing key movement proficiencies, while steadily improving his strength, power, and speed in a safe and controlled manner. Over the next two years, Bondy balanced his sporting commitments, laying the foundation for a massive few years ahead.

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In 2021, all of Bondy's hard work paid off as his crew from Ballarat Grammar won the prestigious Ballarat Head of the Lake competition. But after competing at Nationals, Bondy suffered a stress fracture that heavily impacted his football season. Nonetheless, he persevered and continued training at RAD, rehabbing his back and using the opportunity to develop other areas of his athletic abilities.

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In 2022, Bondy was back in the boat for Grammar and won the Ballarat Head of the Lake for the second time. But that wasn't all. He also juggled this massive commitment with training for the GWV Rebels, making the 2022 squad and being named in the leadership group. During the NAB League season, Bondy averaged an impressive 20 disposals and 9 tackles per game, resulting in him being drafted to the Adelaide Football Club at pick 50.

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Before anyone knew it, Bondy was training with the Adelaide team in the pre-season and even returned to RAD during the Christmas break. One of the most impressive feats was when Bondy entered the gym in Adelaide, starting on the rookie Strength and Conditioning Program, only to have the coaches quickly realize that he had a great training background of over five years. This recognition led to him lifting with the senior boys instead of the young rookies.

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Over five years, Bondy balanced his sporting commitments while working with RAD coaches to communicate any niggles, injuries, and areas for improvement. His focus and consistency were a credit to him, and it was a privilege for RAD to play a role in his journey as both an athlete and a person. If there's anything to take away from Bondy's story, it's that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

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