Q. How did your season compare to past performances?
A. In terms of possessions this year, I had the same as what I have had in the previous two years, but I didn’t have the influence in games that I would have liked. With teams dragging me back and playing in the backline, by possessions weren’t damaging touches.
Q. In the second half of the season, you seemed to be playing deep in defence?
I wasn’t playing down in defence by choice! My opponent was trying to drag me back and try and stop me from going forward. I found it a bit tough a lot of the time playing in the back half, rather than playing from centre forward. I found that a little bit difficult and I suppose it is something I have to get used to.
Q.The team gained momentum as the season progressed and played some pretty good football in the second half of the season?
A.We didn’t know where we were at in the first half of the year and probably at the half-way mark, I thought we might not make the finals with the way we were traveling. Then towards the end of the year, I think we were in the top three sides, but unfortunately Port Adelaide ended our finals campaign. At the end of the day you need to finish in the top four and if you don’t do that it is pretty hard to make the Grand Final. Our last game was a very disappointing result, considering we played so well against Fremantle.”
Q. What was the highlight of the season for you?
A. The wins against West Coast, Brisbane and Collingwood on Anzac Day. The win against Fremantle in the first week of the finals was also a big highlight of the season. To be apart of the first winning away final for Essendon was pretty good.
Q. With the players that have left the club and retired over the past few seasons, you have become one of the older players at the club. Have you taken on more responsibility now?
A. Over the last couple of years, you have a look around and I am in that middle tier of players. You have the leaders - James Hird, Joe Misiti and Sean Wellman - and then there is Mark Johnson, Rama and those sort of guys and you find yourself taking on a leadership role.
Q. Do you have an active role in helping develop the younger players at the club?
A. I remembered how hard it was when I first came to the club, so I try and go out of my way to make friends and help the young players fit in. I try and go out of my way to make the young guys feel welcome and try and take a few of them under my wing. They are pretty good as well – they are always asking questions and want to make it.
