In an exclusive and revealing interview in edition 58 of the Bomber magazine, Alwyn Davey reveals he didn't feel confident in his knee during the 2009 season.
Despite playing 20 games, the 25-year-old said his first season back from a knee reconstruction would barely get a pass mark.
“I would give my 2009 season about a five out of ten,” Davey told Bomber magazine.
“I was confident that my knee had 100% recovered but I was worried during some games that I would hurt it again. It was always in the back of my mind.
“It’s out of my head now and I don’t think about it anymore because it has been a long-time since I hurt the knee. I have been really happy with my pre-season and I felt I was back to playing my normal game right from the intra-club match in Shepparton.”
Essendon assistant coach Gary O’Donnell is Davey’s duty-of-care coach and says he can see the confidence return in the pocket rocket.
“It just takes time and maybe he gets a few big hits and gets through them and the light goes on in his head that he will be ok,” O’Donnell said.
“The longer it goes the better he gets.”
While confidence might be the key, Davey says the arrival of Mark ‘Willo’ Williams from Hawthorn has also served as a guiding light and will help him become a better player.
“Willo has been in the AFL for 10-years so knows a lot about the game and he has been helping me out. He has been working with me on forward structures and telling me where to run so I don’t get in his way (laughs),"" he said.
The Bomber magazine is available through club memberships, newsagents and on-line at the Bombershop. It will start arriving at homes or be available to purchase from the end of March.
Editor’s Note: Bomber magazine will go bigger and better in 2010 with two bumper 84-page editions (pre and post season). As was outlined last year, one magazine will be sent per household to reduce paper usage in-line with the club’s environmental policy. Please contact crowston@essendonfc.com.au with any concerns and thank-you for your support. .
