But now it’s 2005, and with a new season approaching it may be a different story for Nash. He has worked hard on his fitness over the summer and his results on field will tell the story.
He has improved his skinfolds by 15%, has run a personal best by 15 seconds for the 3.2km time trial, and also in the 5m, 10m and 20m sprints, all three times the best of anyone at the club. And if that wasn’t enough he also did a PB in the beep test.
No one could doubt that he is in great shape.
""It’s the best shape he’s been in and he has made massive improvements over the pre-season. He’s had personal bests in skin folds and personal bests in the speed components of training. The reality is he’s adapted to the rigours of AFL footy and his body is actually coping with it now."" Assistant coach Dean Wallis said.
Nash is satisfied with his off-season efforts. ""I’ve been really happy with my pre-season, I came back from the Christmas break in really good shape and breaking a few PBs. Before Christmas I wasn’t in the best shape,"" Nash said.
He puts the improvement down it down to some advice he received from some senior players, especially Mark Johnson.
""He sat me down over lunch and gave me some tips on how to get in better shape, often people give you more general advice, but Mark actually was specific in what to do to reduce skinfolds and to achieve my goals. I wasn’t really that educated before then,"" Nash said.
Nash has good finishing skills and is a fast mover who reads the play well and is prepared to back himself. With two pre-seasons now under his belt, Bombers’ supporters are ready to see the promising player make his debut in the black and red in 2005.
""In his first 12 months Jay was adapting to moving away from home and getting settled. Nashy is on top of that now."" Wallis said. ""He will get his opportunity to put his hand up for some of these early Wizard Cup games and hopefully show us some form.""
Nash hopes his hard work over the pre-season will be reflected in his 2005 form.
""Hopefully I can go well this season. I am hoping to get a run in the Wizard Cup and do well in those games and give it a good go. I didn’t really achieve a lot last year so this year I just want to play, I really want to play senior football,"" he said.
