It's been a long and busy pre-season for the club and you must be looking forward to the season actually starting?
All the players are very eager. It hasn't been too long, we've been going since China I guess, a couple of weeks before the pre-season started, so that makes it a little bit longer. But it's been broken up nicely, the players are very fit and have got a bit of training under their belt, so they're ready to go.
In terms of the training, has there been a major focus to improve in 2011?
Getting fitter. I think given the fact we've got 21 on the team with one substitute this year, it raises the endurance levels just a little bit, so that's something we've been working on with our speed and endurance. That's become a focus and because of that the players have been putting on some outstanding results.
What are your expectations for the side?
I would like to hope we can certainly figure in the run home. For us, this time of the year when you start the season, it's about jockeying for position. The first 22 rounds are about jockeying for position and hoping you get the chance within the eight, and if you do, then how far up you can go. That's what the 22 rounds are all about and I think we've got a pretty capable group.
You've lost a bit of experience in the trading period - Michael Rischitelli, Jared Brennan and Justin Sherman particularly. Who will replace them in the midfield?
Time-wise, it hasn’t worked out as bad as we would have thought because Jack Redden is ready to come into that area and he hasn't played as a traditional midfielder. Tom Rockliff spent some time in there last year and he's ready to go, and Jared Polec, who is one of our first-rounders, will also get some game time at some point in the season. We've still got Simon Black and Luke Power floating around in there, and I would have thought Matthew Leuenberger has got a chance to really step up. We've got a young, emerging brigade of midfielders coming through that will grow together, and that's what I'm looking forward to in 2011.
How are you looking to use Mitch Clark this year?
Probably more forward, and in the ruck still. He'll spend a fair bit more time forward, and we've also spent a fair bit of time on our combinations and how that's going to work, so we think it'll work pretty well.
Will the substitute rule dictate how you use him at all?
It shouldn't with Mitch; you want your best 21 out there every time. We get to use him (as a back-up ruckman) in those five-minute blocks, so to have him being able to do that is pretty important.
Last year was your second year as senior coach, did you learn anything in particular that you can take into this year?
I think your competitive instincts. Despite the bells and whistles you want to put on your game plan, it's still about being able to win your footy and how efficient you are with it. At times last year we let ourselves down in both those departments, and we just gave up those standards and it's not what these guys are about. If they can follow through on those then I know they'll get the success they deserve.
Gold Coast is coming into the competition this year so you must be looking forward to playing them and this new AFL rivalry starting?
Yeah, we are. It's good for Queensland footy. At the same time, I must admit, coming into the season it's (not until) round seven. It's nice for the rivalry because they're around in the area, and when we get to that time there will be a lot to talk about, but I must admit that's about as much thought as I've given it.
