Kayne Turner believes his strong preliminary final performance can act as a springboard for 2016.
The youngster had 16 disposals against West Coast in hostile conditions at Domain Stadium.
“It was my highest possession total for the year,” Turner told NMFC.com.au.
PRESS PLAY above to watch the full interview | YouTube
“It gives you a bit more confidence heading into next year, being able to play fairly well in a bigger game.”
Overall, Turner was able to more than double his games count from 2014. With the exception of Round 9 against Collingwood, his 13 appearances for the season came largely in three batches.
- From Round 1-5
- From Round 15-18
- Round 23, Elimination and Preliminary Finals
Unsurprisingly Turner’s summation of his own form reflected his time playing for the Roos.
“I was able to get a few games early, and then lacked consistency through the middle part of the year.
“I was very fortunate to get my opportunity again in the last round of the year and hold my spot for the (last two) finals.”
A three-goal, 12-possession effort in Round 23 was what brought Turner back into the side for the semi-final.
It followed a concussion late in the Etihad meeting which forced him out of the following week’s Elimination Final victory.
“Missing the first final this year was hard for me,” Turner admitted.
“I hate watching so I was really happy I got the opportunity (in the semi-final).
“Having played at that ground (ANZ Stadium) the year before, helped me and the whole team and held us in really good stead.
“We were much better prepared for this year’s finals. There was a bit more hope last year, where this year we backed our own method and thought we were a good chance.”
Although Turner’s frame is still slight after two years in the AFL system, regular conversations with the team’s strength and conditioning staff has the 19-year-old confident he is tracking exactly as required.
“I had a lot of discussions at the start of the year about weight gain and how much I needed,” he said.
“It’s not so much about the gain, it’s about the strength. I’ve still been able to go out there and be hard at the ball and do everything I need to get a game.”