WHEN Tom Hafey played and coached top-level football he was renowned for hammering the importance of the basics.Now, 20 years after he last coached an AFL team, he's still sticking to the basics to motivate audiences around Australia.The 77-year-old was in Camperdown yesterday telling St Patrick's Primary School pupils his favourite three words in life skills - teamwork, teamwork, teamwork."I tell them, do the wrong thing and you let a lot of other people down," he said. "Put yourself out to do the little things. "Love your parents, especially mum. She cooks 1095 meals for you every year, so when she asks you to do a little job, don't argue."Although none of his audience was old enough to remember Hafey's football exploits they were given a demonstration of his exemplary fitness with a few classroom pushups.Hafey drove from his St Kilda home after his daily routine of a seven-kilometre run, 200 push ups, 700 sit-ups and an ocean swim."I'm out of bed at 5.20am on weekday mornings and sleep in only at weekends," he said. "Many people use old age as an excuse for laziness."He attributes his good health to being a non-drinker, non-smoker, self-discipline and at least seven cups of tea day."I haven't had biscuits, lollies or softdrink for 35 years, eat lots of fruit and very little dairy or red meat and no coffee," he said."Every day's a great day, just enjoy it." Hafey will celebrate his 78th birthday next week with a trip to Talangatta.There he will run the local footy team's training session as part of his passion for country footy."Footy clubs are so important to the community."Race, colour, creed, rich or poor - it makes no difference. When you get down to the club everyone is equal."