This is his exclusive blog written exclusively for kangaroos.com.au which gives readers a unique insight into what it’s like to play in one of the toughest competitions in the world.
My game: Substitute
You never want to be thrown the green vest before the game but I have quickly realised that it’s a massively important role for the side. The nominated sub can be a game breaker but knowing how to play the part is tricky.
In junior footy, there are no subs. If you are picked in the side, you will play four quarters of footy. Now, it’s totally different and it can change week to week.
I was the substitute for the first time against Port Adelaide and really didn’t know what to expect or how to approach it. I spoke to LA (Liam Anthony) and Cruiza (Cruize Garlett) who had done it before and got some tips.
They both told me that staying focused and warm was vital because you never know when you’ll be activated. It could be a strategic move or due to an injury and both could come at any time without warning. ‘Just be ready to go’, they said.
It’s tough to watch the game unfold just metres away and not have the ability to run onto the ground and have an impact. The energy builds up inside of you and you start the play out the game in your head a bit. You begin to picture the things you will try and do when you eventually get the green light.
Staying in tune with what’s happening on the ground isn’t as easy as it sounds by the way - there are some people who try and distract you in the crowd.
In Geelong I copped it. The Cats had blown the game apart and their supporters were yelling out things like ‘No point going on now Cunners unless you plan on kicking 13!’ and ‘Green looks good on you mate’. It’s all in good fun and you try and block them out but some slip through.
It was much harder coming on late in the game at Skilled Stadium because we were being badly beaten. The week before against Port Adelaide I felt like I was able to inject some more energy, spark the boys up and get to more contests. By the time I crossed the line in Geelong, the Cats were cruising and even had Jimmy Bartel and Joel Corey in the ruck.
Trying to prove your worth in just over a quarter of footy is tough and you really can’t afford to look at the scoreboard. It comes down to a simple situation - If you don’t have an immediate impact, it’s over and you failed. So it’s just a case of putting your head down and having a crack.
One thing the Sub rule has made me realise about my game is that my fitness it the thing that’s holding me back. When I can string together four quarters, I will be able to be much more valuable to the team.
I know there have been some comments about me and my fitness level and I cop them on the chin. I’ve never been a great natural runner but I’ve never shirked that issue and have worked hard to change that.
Unfortunately, a few things have gone against me early on with my first two pre-seasons interrupted with injury.
Last year it was a foot stress fracture and this year a knee. Not having a preseason puts you a fair way back. It even has an impact on the most experienced players like Luke Hodge and Brian Lake. In this day and age, a solid preseason is everything.
For me, it means a hell of a lot of catching up…or in other words, extra training.
After both games when I was the sub, I had to run 10 kilometres on the treadmill the very next day to make sure that I don’t fall further behind. When I’m on that treaddy, it’s really tough because I know I’m on there as a result of not playing footy.
It hurts and your pride takes a big hit, but I have to use that pain as a positive and only I can change it. I have to work hard and get to a point that means I’m not on that treaddy the day after a game. I have to do the work and make sure that I can comfortably run out a full game and play my role for four quarters.
I either do this now, or get used to wearing that ugly fluorescent green vest.
