Q. Are you expecting your young players to lift this season - especially after the loss of Dean Solomon last weekend?
A. We are probably asking more than ever for our younger players to step up - guys like Ramanauskas and McVeigh need to go to the next level this year. We have some really good young players at the club and we need them playing well. So the challenges are definitely there this year and it will just depend on whether we can accept those and get on with it. I pretty confident we have a fair bit of improvement in our side and we are going to have a good year.
Q. Has Sheedy done anything differently this pre-season?
A. Sheedy has put out a few challenges to some of the players as he likes to - some senior players and also some younger players. We are probably going into 2002 without six guys we had in the side last year so there are some spots up there for grabs and if you are good enough you'll take them. It is going to be a very challenging year and I am really looking forward and excited about some of the young guys we have coming through the club.
Q. Do you think a few people are starting to write Essendon off?
A.Not really - I think that is the good thing about actually starting the season. Everything that has been talked about for the last month is all speculation - no one has really fired a shot yet. I know the Essendon players are looking forward to getting out there and hopefully show them we are going to be a good side this year.
Q. Have the players put the disappointment of the 2001 Grand Final behind them?
A. It is always disappointing to go so far in the year and then get beaten in the Grand Final - it does hurt a lot. I think the guys are over that now - that was six months ago and it is a new season now. The actual Grand Final feels like about a year ago. Hopefully we will do the hard work again and put ourselves in a similar position this year. That is so far away - we are just focussed on beating Geelong this weekend.
Q.What has the mood been like with Fish being out injured?
A. I think Fish is a little disappointed he has had a set-back - he was really looking forward to getting out there. His attitude has been terrific and it has been great for the club. Even though he is not out on the field at the moment - Fish is one of those characters that gives the place a lift. We have really enjoyed having him at the club and I know all of the young guys really look up to him as all the players do . I think he will play a really important on-field role at the club this year - he is very determined to do well and I know he would not have put himself back up to play if he didn't think he could do the job. His fitness is quite good apart from his latest set-back - he will be out for a couple of weeks and then he is going to have a big impact for us.
