Hall vividly remembers his Wizard Cup match last season against the Bulldogs when Brad Johnson kicked five goals on him. ""I was given a bath last year in the Wizard Cup. I haven't forgotten that match and I am determined to do much better this preseason. My focus at the moment is to play in the first Wizard Cup match. I want to get a bit of confidence under my belt in those matches,"" Hall said.
This is the second year on the Bombers' rookie list for Hall and he is well aware that it is make or break for him this season. Hall didn't nominate for the 2002 national draft, opting to stay at Essendon for another year as a rookie and make a final attempt of breaking into the senior line-up. ""I know this year is now or never. I have to put my hand up and grab the opportunities. This is my last year on the rookie list at Essendon. I am trying to refine all areas of my game and build on my strengths so I have every opportunity of making it. I don't want to look back with any regrets,"" Hall said.
Hall predominantly played across half-back last season and sporatically moved into the mid-field. He has been focussing on improving his endurance during the preseason because at times last year he struggled to run out an entire game in the centre. ""I improved in the beep test and also in the 3.2km time trial at Princes Park. Training has been intense but I have been enjoying it. It is good to see the results of the hard work. Harvs (Mark Harvey) and Shawry (Robert Shaw) have spoken about areas I need to keep working on and getting me to look at similar types of players to me and model what they do on the field. Harvs said Stuart Dew from Port Adelaide has a similar kicking style to me and is a similar kind of player, so it is worth focussing on the way he plays,"" Hall said.
Hall is eyeing off a half-back position and said he is ready to put his hand up and grab the opportunity of being the rookie elevated to the senior list before the start of the season. ""I tried to edge Mark Johnson out of the back pocket last year but he was too good. He has his sights set on a mid-field role, so hopefully I can slot in down back. Mark has a fantastic work ethic on the track and also on-field. I admire that he has come from the rookie list, onto the senior list and then won last year's best and fairest. It is encouraging to see what other rookies have done at Essendon. I don't feel direct competition with the other five rookies for that senior spot - I am pushing myself and setting my own goals and hopefully I will be good enough,"" Hall said.
