Young defender Ben McKay is relishing the chance to train with and against some of the best key position players in the AFL. 

McKay has a strong role model in his defensive post, in the form of vice-captain Robbie Tarrant. 

“He’s a natural leader (Tarrant), and he shows that in his actions. He’s very demanding of his teammates, which you have to be,” McKay told North Media. 

“I’ve tried to learn off him and develop my leadership and communication skills, as it’s something in my control.” 

With match-simulation drills seeing the number 23 line up on Ben Brown at times, McKay is using it as a chance to improve his defensive craft.

“Training against the best is the best way to prepare yourself for playing in the AFL,” he said.

“You try and put your best foot forward playing on a genuine star, and it’s a great chance to test yourself.” 

Scott Thompson’s retirement at the end of 2019 opens up a spot in the backline, and McKay says the competition for his spot is bringing out the best in the defenders.

“It’s very competitive but we have a lot of respect for each other,” McKay commented. 

“At the end of the day, you’re trying to make the spot your own, but it’s driving good standards.

“We are all really close as well, which is something Shawry (Rhyce Shaw) and the coaches have really worked on.”

Part of the coaching team overhaul was the inclusion of new backline coach, Jared Rivers, who has made a strong impression on McKay.

“He’s got a really good balance of being serious when he needs to and being able to have a joke as well,” he said. 

“He’s built good relationships with us, and it makes training a lot more enjoyable when everyone is getting along and pushing each other. 

“He’s been in the system a while now, and he’s kept things simple which has helped us.”