It would be easy to assume it all just happens for Harry Sheezel.
The 19-year-old has swept the competition in the 30 games since he was snapped up at pick No.3 in the 2022 AFL draft, clinched the Rising Star and a Syd Barker Medal.
Seven rounds into his second season, he averages the second-most disposals (32.4) in the competition behind only Fremantle’s Caleb Serong, and has taken the most marks.
In the off-season he was elevated to the Kangaroos’ leadership group, and has set about lifting standards around the club at an age when most players are still finding their feet.
On the field he glides over the ground, steps and spins through traffic, and routinely picks the most appropriate kick from his arsenal.
But while his work on the field sometimes appears effortlessly easy, behind the scenes Sheezel works meticulously to ensure he is forging the tools to become a champion North Melbourne player.
Joining SEN radio’s Dwayne’s World this week, Sheezel shared how he goes about getting the very best out of himself.
Extras at the club
"It’s all about consistency," Sheezel said.
"It’s finding different ways that I can add little things into my routine to make my days consistent, because that’s when I’m at my best."
"I do extra handball touch on every main (training) day at the club.
"I have this little routine I do right before I leave every day.
"It’s doing those hot/colds, my pilates, and eating according to my whole food diet."
Day-to-day habits at home and away
"(It’s) little things like going for a walk every day in the morning, and getting up at the same time … eating at the same time, eating healthily," he said.
"Going to bed at the same time and getting up at the same time is good for your circadian rhythms, and (in turn) your mental health.
"Your body gets used to waking up and going to bed at the same time, so your systems are all functioning at the same time.
"I’ve also started reading a lot more before bed, and trying to put my phone away."
Breath work to manage stress
"(It’s) to get into a more parasympathetic state," Sheezel said.
"There’s a sympathetic state, which is when you’re in your fight or flight mode, and that’s when you’re high stress and a bit more wired.
"It’s a big part of our lifestyle as footballers, so I’m just trying to find different ways to relax and reduce that stress.
"I’m still learning in the space and finding different methods that work for me … I don’t spend too much time on it, I’ll just do 10 minutes before bed or when I want to chill out.
"One I’ve been doing more regularly before bed is nose breathing, four seconds in and six seconds out.
"If you breathe out for longer you’re getting the more parasympathetic response, which is more relaxing, it reduces your heart rate and you have a better sleep."
