Q. Considering you were only drafted last year, have you surprised yourself playing in all the practice matches?
A. I never expected to be where I am this early. I am a chance for Round 1, which is pretty exciting. I would not have even given myself a chance this time last year.
Q.When you came on during the exhibition match against Sydney earlier in the year, where you thinking - I can't believe I am out here playing?
A. I came on with a couple of minutes to go in the first quarter. I was running around lost - I didn't have a clue. I contested a couple of ruck contests against Barry Hall and Adam Goodes and then the siren went. I came on in the second quarter and I backed into Barry Hall and took a mark. He sort of grabbed me and threw me to the ground so I got 50m. Then I went to kick the ball and a Swans player ran over the mark and I got another 50m and kicked a goal - after that I was fine.
Q. Have you noticed your confidence growing with the practice matches you have played?
A. Definitely. I was so nervous before my first game, but it does get easier with every match.
Q. When you first played did it feel like - I am too young to be playing out here with these players I have been watching play AFL for years?
A. You look at the players on television and you think they are superstar champions and they are heaps better than yourself. Then you get out there and they are not that much different. Obviously they have been playing a lot longer and their skills are a bit better and quicker. Apart from that, there is not that much difference between you and the person standing next to you on the field.
Q. They say it takes ruckman a little longer to physically develop than other players - how have you found your strength develop over the preseason?
A. I played on Chris Grant up in Bendigo and a couple of times if I didn't have a run up he would just pick me up and push me to one side and mark the ball. At boundary throw-ins it isn't too bad because it is how you position your body.
Q. Former club champion Simon Madden is the new ruck coach this season - have you been spending a bit of time with him at training?
A. He has been here for a few weeks and we have had a couple of talks. I am working on my rucking technique with him.
Q. Have the coaches talked to you about your on-field role?
A. They have tried me in a couple of positions. I have played in the ruck, centre half forward, full forward and I played full back in the intra club match last Friday night.
Q. What is your preferred position?A. Probably up forward somewhere - just floating around.
Q. Over the pre-season you have pretty much been focussing on your football full-time, now that the season is about to start and you will have a bit more time to yourself what have you got planned?
A. I am starting a building diploma in a couple of weeks. I have already done two years of a plumbing apprenticeship so I already have a trade background.
