""Last year I felt like part of the team but I didn't really feel like I was up to the other players level because I just look up to them so much - which I still do. This year, I have really felt more like a part of the team and I can contribute a lot more. Doing another pre-season with the guys and going away on the footy trip, you get to know everyone on a different level. As soon as you get out on the field you just want to shepherd for them and tackle for them and be part of it,"" Bannister said.
Bannister has managed three senior games this season and a major highlight was starting on the ground in the Round 15 match against West Coast. The 19-year-old has also been a key contributor in the VFL side this year, playing on the wing and moving forward - he has kicked 26-goals. ""I have tried to improve my goal kicking this year because I kicked a lot of points last year. I have been doing a lot of work with David Flood and trying to get up into the forward line a bit more. This year I have also tried to carry the ball a lot more. Last year as soon as I got the ball I just kicked it straight away. I have got a bit more confidence in the VFL so I have learnt to take the opposition on a bit more,"" Bannister said.
Bannister has also focussed on improving his strength and ground work. ""I have to put a bit more weight on and improve my strength in the gym. John Quinn (fitness coach) doesn't push for me to put on weight too quickly - because if you put on too much too soon you are likely to do an injury. So I am trying to put it on gradually. I have also been trying to work on my ground balls this year. I don't think I got enough of the ball on the ground last year from packs. I have tried to work on that by getting in and under a bit more.”
Bannister is lucky to have a number of role models at his finger-tips at the club and one person who stands out to him is Damien Peverill. ""With attitude, I definitely look up to Peverill. The way he trains and approaches his footy - he is respected a lot and I try to be like him. He trains hard every single night and he is having success now on the field which is good for him,” said Bannister.
With six games to go before finals, Bannister is determined to taste more senior action. ""At the start of the season my aim was to play ten senior games. I have played four now so I pretty much have to play every game for the rest of the season to get it. I also am focussing on getting as many tackles as I can each game and trying to do a lot more physical stuff.""
What development coach David Flood says:
Bannister’s strengths are definitely his marking and running. He has good speed and takes a good mark. He has improved his all-round approach to footy over the past 18-months. He started on the ground against West Coast in Round 15 and that would have given him a lot of confidence, even though we didn't win the match. He reads the game a lot better now, he doesn't just rely on his marking - he can tackle, he can chase and the defensive aspects of his game have definitely improved.
