It’s a daunting challenge but one the former college basketballer can’t wait to tackle.
“It was my birthday in December and Brad Scott came up to me during training and said ‘I want you to be the solo ruckman for North Ballarat and Fitzy (North Ballarat coach Gerard FitzGerald) is on board with it’,” Wallace revealed to NMFC.com.au.
“During a really tough session in the pre-season, that was the silver lining that day. Watching Ben Mabon do it last year for the Roosters and seeing Goldy do it as solo ruck for North, I knew it was the position I wanted to be in.”
The determined 197cm, 102kg man mountain has come a long way and credits his improvement to hard work and guidance from teammates and coaches.
“Battling with Goldy (Todd Goldstein) and Dan Currie in ruck practice all preseason has really helped me improve. Goldy’s one of the best ruckmen in the league so I’m asking him a lot of questions. The coaches and players have taught me a lot.
“Last year was my first year of football ever and after a season in the VFL reserves, now stepping into the VFL seniors, I’m hoping I can continue to take the next step. Nine times out of ten I can kick straight now!”
Wallace admits his fitness was poor when he arrived at Arden Street but he’s doing everything he can to turn it around.
“After the preseason, all the running here and in Utah, and the hard tackling sessions with John Donehue, it’s really helped my fitness and mindset,” Wallace said.
“Last year when I got here I couldn’t run around the field once, I would get tired running from goal post to goal post. It lets you know the hard work over the preseason wasn’t for nothing. I’ve been attacking the preseason the way Brad Scott told me to attack it.”
Wallace is already taking the new responsibility in his stride and is pushing himself to continue improving.
“It’s a higher intensity (VFL seniors), but I’m better prepared for it this year. Last year was about development, learning skills, learning the game, getting some kilometres into my legs.
“This year I feel more prepared, I’m starting to find my niche as a ruckman/forward and how I can help this team out and use my strengths. I want to be a dominant and effective ruck or forward and maybe make a case to wear the royal white and blue jumper one day.”
Wallace will run out in North Ballarat’s practice match tomorrow against Richmond alongside North players Leigh Adams, Trent Dumont, Liam Anthony, Ben Jacobs, Max Warren and Mitch Wilkins.
*Please note, unfortunately no supporters will be allowed admittance to the match on Saturday due to a request from the Richmond Football Club and limited access at Punt Road Oval.
