The 18-year-old’s performance on Saturday was described by development coach John Lamont as his ‘best game for the year’, and he’s eager to continue his improvement.
“I had the chance to get up the ground a bit more with Luke McDonald being out because it left the wing position open a little bit,” McGenniss told NMFC.com.au.
“At TAC Cup level I was playing midfield, so I definitely enjoy getting to play on the wing and cover more of the field.”
Team-mates Aaron Mullett, Michael Firrito, Scott McMahon, Leigh Adams and Nathan Grima all started their careers on the Kangaroos’ rookie list, and McGenniss says that gives him the spark to take the next step in the future.
“A lot of people say rookies get a shot at this club if you work hard,” he added.
“Seeing guys like Fishy (Mullett) and how well he’s going early on, it definitely motivates you to knuckle down, do the work and do everything right.
“The boys don’t look at you any differently because you’re a rookie. You’re in everything which makes you feel part of the team and you prove yourself on the training track and in your VFL games.”
As a developing player, role models are key and for McGenniss it’s a former rookie that sets the example.
“Gibbo (Sam Gibson) is someone I look up to because of his work-rate, the way he spreads to get the ball and gets back defensively. He worked really hard to earn his spot.”
While the mentor role of a second-year player might seem a little surprising, McGenniss can also learn plenty from North’s inspirational captain.
“… Andrew Swallow for his bodywork on the inside. He leads by example and is now one of the elite in the competition. Those two (Gibson and Swallow) are the ones I watch and look up to the most.”
Surrounded by a wealth of knowledge at Aegis Park, McGenniss also uses development coach and Werribee team-mate Jarred Moore as a sounding board.
“Jarred’s awesome. He’s probably one of the easiest guys to speak to at the club about your game.
“It’s definitely good having him as a coach because he can feel the game and what it was like. He can relate to us and how the game went because he’s there with us. He’s probably the most influential player out there with his voice and game play.”
The former Dandenong Stingray is the first to admit there can be some challenges playing alongside a coach though.
“It’s different sometimes... if he doesn’t give you the ball you won’t say anything,” McGenniss joked.
