[21:00:31] Grant Thomas: You've had enough of me, so I thought I'd get a couple of the players to say a few words. They all have password protected entries so you can be sure it's them. Thanks to Spelly. I'll go and get Roo first.
[21:03:39] Nick Riewoldt: Hello everyone.
[21:03:52] RAPPER: Roo, you’re my hero.
[21:03:56] Nick Riewoldt: Thank you.
[21:04:12] Milne: Nick, when do you think you will reach your peak?
[21:05:11] Nick Riewoldt: Well, hopefully, I haven’t yet, but looking at all the guns in the competition - they are all about 26-30, so possibly not until then – all things going to plan.
[21:05:18] Mega: Nick, I spoke to you at the start of your first season and you were so excited, is the excitement still there?
[21:06:33] Nick Riewoldt: I haven’t nearly accomplished what I want in footy and have only really played for one year, so like last year I can’t wait for the games to begin.
[21:05:31] saintjohn: Nick, how do you cope with the Tassie people claiming you as one of theirs?
[21:07:56] Nick Riewoldt: Our family has a lot of history in Tassie, and I lived on the Gold Coast for the same amount of time, so I suppose I have split loyalties.
[21:08:10] Nick Riewoldt: ps. Go easy on me Spell Checker, I’m new at this!
[21:08:43] Justin Koschitzke is on the chat site
[21:08:54] saintsgal: Justin, where would you like to see yourself play next season?
[21:08:57] SIC: Justin, can you tell us how your back is coming on?
[21:10:08] Justin Koschitzke: My back is coming along fine; into full training now and looking forward to playing at CHB.
[21:09:05] Becc|E: Nick Riewoldt or Justin Koschitzke - who do you think will get the captaincy?
[21:09:37] Nick Riewoldt: I think Aaron Hamill will get the nod because of his example and nature in which he plays.
[21:09:09] Mega: Nick, you’re probably fast becoming the marketing face of the Saints. How do you handle that pressure?
[21:10:41] Nick Riewoldt: I love the marketing side of things, and so far it seems to be a lot of fun. As long as I can back it up on the field, there should be no problems.
[21:10:43] saintjohn: Hey Kosi, is it true you’ve grown a foot taller this year?
[21:11:01] Justin Koschitzke: No, only 1cm.
[21:11:03] Mega: Hi Justin, I bet you're ready to rock 'n' roll this year, mate.
[21:12:10] Justin Koschitzke: Sure am, Mega. I can’t wait.
[21:12:24] Mega: Good on ya, buddy.
[21:11:04] nimmy: Kosi, do you and the boys love to get down to the beach on your days off when it’s hot?
[21:11:35] Justin Koschitzke: I’m not a beach man, but Nick loves it.
[21:11:08] Milne: Nick, how often do you undertake weight training sessions and for how long? I see you've bulked up over the break.
[21:11:50] Nick Riewoldt: I have bulked up slightly, and usually complete three 90-minute weight sessions per week.
[21:11:35] Statsman: Nick, has the club put anything in place to help you deal with the pressure and expectations placed in you from the media and the fans?
[21:13:27] Nick Riewoldt: I suppose if you need help you ask for it, and if anyone can see that you may be struggling with it, they will offer advice where possible. So far, Grant and my manager Ricky Nixon, as well as Aaron, have been great in that department.
[21:12:30] Statsman: Kosi, are you still hoping to spend some time in the ruck this season?
[21:13:36] Justin Koschitzke: Probably not Statsman, maybe when my body develops a bit more.
[21:13:41] Eastern: Kosi, how proud will you be running out in 23 for the first time?
[21:14:16] Justin Koschitzke: Can’t wait for the moment to pull it on, Eastern.
[21:13:46] Milne: Is Nick computer illiterate or something?
[21:14:04] Nick Riewoldt: Don’t be smart Milne!
[21:14:07] Milne: :)
[21:14:27] nimmy: Nick and Kosi, how do you like living by yourselves in the new Brighton home?
[21:14:56] Nick Riewoldt: It’s terrific. I miss the motherly aspects that Virginia provided, but it’s terrific having the freedom.
[21:14:46] dalsantosgirl: Isn’t there someone else in the house, too?
[21:16:02] Nick Riewoldt: Leigh Montagna is also living with us, dalsantosgirl.
[21:14:57] Lil_Sainter12: Nick or Justin, do either of you know when the family day is and where it is being held?
[21:15:13] Nick Riewoldt: Sorry Lil Sainter, I don’t know.
[21:15:26] Lil_Sainter12: ok thanx nick
[21:16:02] Justin Koschitzke: Slow down guys!
[21:16:15] Eastern: Spelly, should we send the boys to Roger's typing school?
[21:16:42] Nick Riewoldt: Go easy on the speling ... spelling.
[21:16:57] Spelly smiles at Nick Riewoldt ... cheeky boy!
[21:17:12] Nick Riewoldt smiles back.
[21:17:07] saintjohn: Now you guys know what GT goes through, luckily he has Spelly!
[21:17:22] Savatage: Sum ov tha spelink in hear is atroshios
[21:17:28] Nick Riewoldt: lol
[21:17:53] nimmy: Do you guys do much rehab down at the beach?
[21:18:52] Nick Riewoldt: We usually walk in the water at the beach after every solid running session.
[21:18:01] Statsman: Kosi, are you locked in at CHB for this season? I'd really like to see you up at FF using your height and strength to pull down marks close to goal.
[21:19:56] Justin Koschitzke: No, Statsman, down back suits me at the moment. Maybe later in my career.
[21:19:39] kosi_rocks: Is Dean Wallis happy with this year’s pre-season effort and fitness levels? I recall that he was critical of the Blight pre-season.
[21:20:24] Nick Riewoldt: I don't know where you heard that, seeing as though Dean was not at the club when Blighty was around.
[21:20:19] RAPPER: I think it is fair to say on behalf of all Saints supporters that we are really happy to have you both at the club and also really appreciate the commitment you have shown to date. Wishing you the very best for the year; awesome coming on to the chat site, hope to see you here through the season.
[21:20:35] Spelly: Nice words RAPPER, well said.
[21:20:41] Savatage: Well said rapper.
[21:20:50] RAPPER: That was dad!
[21:20:21] Savatage: Kosi, how are you fitness-wise compared with season 2001?
[21:20:54] Justin Koschitzke: Flying, compared with last year.
[21:20:32] Statsman: A question for both of you: What's one area you really need to improve on to make yourselves better?
[21:21:08] Nick Riewoldt: Probably ground balls and consistency.
[21:21:19] bails: Justin, will you be playing in the pre-season comp?
[21:22:15] Justin Koschitzke: Bails, yes I will. Just a couple to ease back into it to be ready to fly Round 1.
[21:21:27] saintbrat: Hey Spelly, Nick’s hit the caps lock!
[21:21:40] kosi_rocks: To Nick: I was at a Saints Halo luncheon last year and Dean spoke about the pre-season fitness and comparisons to Essendon.
[21:23:02] Nick Riewoldt: OK, the pre-season has changed immensely, and this year it seems a lot more football specific with the running, so I think the benefits will be noticeable in us running out our games a lot stronger than in previous years.
[21:22:18] saintjohn: Hey hit the caps lock off or Spelly might kick you off
[21:22:47] Statsman: Nick, do you see yourself running in the midfield for short bursts? Might be a good way to shake a taller, less mobile defender as James Hird used to do?
[21:24:23] Nick Riewoldt: I would love to eventually play in the midfield in a role similar to Anthony Koutoufides or James Hird, but when you look at our list I don’t think there will be much room in there.
[21:23:51] Spelly: Hey Nick, if you would like your answers to stand out, click on the blue in the colour panel thingy, next to where you are typing.
[21:24:47] Nick Riewoldt: Thanks Spelly.
[21:24:53] Nick Riewoldt: Got it.
[21:24:36] RAPPER: Nick or Justin, who will play FF this year?
[21:25:16] Justin Koschitzke: RAPPER, Stevie Milne at full-forward.
[21:25:27] bails: Nick, who was your toughest opponent last season?
[21:25:49] Nick Riewoldt: Anthony Rocca. Very strong and quick, but lazy.
[21:25:34] sAiNtA: Nick, saw you train on Wednesday, you were going really well, very hard at the footy Is this one of your better pre-seasons?
[21:26:50] Nick Riewoldt: Probably not as good as last year, however we have been a bit careful because the season was so long. I am feeling very fit, though, and confident of improving again this year.
[21:25:59] Savatage: Justin, which boys have bulked up the most this pre-season?
[21:26:37] Justin Koschitzke: Goose and I.
[21:26:39] Statsman: Nick, are you concerned about the wear and tear on your body playing CHF at such a young age?
[21:27:15] bails: Nick, where would you prefer to play, forward or back?
[21:28:36] Nick Riewoldt: I would prefer to play forward - love to finish the boys’ hard work and I feel like you can influence and change a game more at CHF. Not concerned about the body really. Loewe did it for 16 years, so hopefully I can manage half that.
[21:29:05] Statsman: Nick, we want you to be around for 16 years like Stewie. Not just half that!!
[21:27:22] Statsman: Kosi, do you get back home to visit your family very often?
[21:28:12] Justin Koschitzke: Not in the season as much as I’d like, but off season and Xmas.
[21:27:55] Savatage: Justin and Nick, what are your impressions of Barry Brooks thus far?
[21:29:17] Justin Koschitzke: Learning and bulking up – he should be another ruck option.
[21:28:30] Statsman: Nick and Kosi, all the fans on the chat site are very impressed with GT and his willingness to communicate openly with us. What traits of his really stand out as a coach?
[21:29:45] Nick Riewoldt: Probably summed it up in your question, Statsman. He is so honest and approachable. I’m tipping no other coaches in the AFL would have players over to his house to eat dinner with the family.
[21:28:55] Mega: OK boys, I’m an opposition player and I’m charging straight at ya yelling I’m gonna kill you, I’m also 105kg and the footy is between you and I ...
[21:30:24] Nick Riewoldt: I’ll beat you to it, Mega. If he’s yelling at me, then he’s obviously not interested in the footy!
[21:30:04] Savatage: Nick or Justin, what are your early thoughts on Allan Murray and Jordan Barham. Is he still a rake?
[21:31:16] Justin Koschitzke: I played with Allan at the Bushies and I know he can play a small forward who takes a good over head mark.
[21:31:48] Savatage: Cheers for the answers JK & NR.
[21:32:02] Nick Riewoldt: No worries Savatage.
[21:31:12] bails: Kosi, how good will it be playing a full year with Nick?
[21:32:11] Justin Koschitzke: Bails, it will be great to have a full year with him.
[21:32:03] nimmy: Nick or Justin, how do you think Luke Ball will go this year after playing school footy for Xavier last year, and also having an OP problem?
[21:32:22] Nick Riewoldt: Hopefully, he will bring home the trifecta.
[21:32:31] sAiNtA: How do you think you will handle the pressure this season to perform as well as last season, Nick?
[21:33:25] Nick Riewoldt: I want to be better than last year. No doubt the pressure will increase, so I will just have to work harder and smarter.
[21:33:27] Statsman: Kosi and Nick, my wife wants to know who has improved the most during the off-season?
[21:34:35] Justin Koschitzke: Josh H and Joey.
[21:33:28] dalsantosgirl: Nick - what do you think the chances of the mighty Sainters winning the flag this year are?
[21:34:11] Nick Riewoldt: I think the flag is everyone’s aim, but don’t forget that it’s a long year and plenty can happen.
[21:34:23] dalsantosgirl: kewls thanx nick
[21:34:07] i_luv_aussie: R u two here out of your own free will?
[21:34:59] Nick Riewoldt: Own free will ... but a free dinner, and when you have to cook yourself and aren’t very good at it - it’s a great deal.
[21:34:55] Statsman: Guys, what's your pre-game routine? Still listen to Michael Jackson in the car?
[21:35:43] Nick Riewoldt: Listen to MJ before every game and go and have banana crepes with Bakes before every game.
[21:35:13] Mega: Nick, Justin and GT you guys rock and I hope you guys stay around the club a very long time.
[21:35:15] Savatage: You need to listen to some metal to get pumped up!
[21:35:19] dalsantosgirl: Justin - can u cook?
[21:35:46] Justin Koschitzke: I cook up a storm, cobba!
[21:36:36] Mega: Cobba, gee Justin, ain't heard that one for a while mate lol
[21:35:37] i_luv_aussie: Do u both have girlfriends??
[21:36:21] Nick Riewoldt: I have a g/f - Jacqui 19.
[21:36:34] i_luv_aussie: thats the one from the brownlow yeah!
[21:36:46] Nick Riewoldt: Yeah.
[21:37:06] i_luv_aussie: u make a cute couple!
[21:37:11] Nick Riewoldt: Thanks.
[21:36:48] i_luv_aussie: wat about u Kosi
[21:37:09] Justin Koschitzke: I haven’t got a girl, so if anyone is interested?
[21:37:15] dalsantosgirl: yep i am
[21:37:19] i_luv_riewoldt: yes kosi
[21:37:21] Nick Riewoldt: Don’t lie Kosi!
[21:37:25] Statsman: Kosi, my wife just put her hand up. hehehe.
[21:37:37] Nick Riewoldt: I’m sure Alicia would love to hear that.
[21:37:39] Nick Riewoldt: woops
[21:38:06] Statsman: Guys, have you had to do any of that isometric technique running at training?
[21:38:15] Nick Riewoldt: Iso what?
[21:38:14] Rhonda: Nick r u a real blonde?
[21:38:38] Nick Riewoldt: I have never ever put any colourings in my hair.
[21:39:36] bails: Kosi or Nick, when do the practice matches start?
[21:40:05] Nick Riewoldt: Play five in Tassie in three weeks, then intra-club at Moorabbin in about a month, I think.
[21:40:05] Justin Koschitzke: So ... are there any girls out there for Joey and I?
[21:40:11] Becc|E: Joey's cute.
[21:40:34] Justin Koschitzke: What are your details, Bec?
[21:40:46] Becc|E: I’m sure my boyfriend would love that!
[21:41:31] Justin Koschitzke: Give us some numbers!
[21:41:14] Nick Riewoldt: Bakes is just sitting down next to me ... any questions for him?
[21:41:39] Statsman: Bakes, how much influence did Stewie Loewe have on your big step forward last year?
[21:42:09] Steve Baker: He was like a second father to me.
[21:41:42] Steve Baker: Hi everyone.
[21:42:09] Mega: Justin, just to get your thoughts above your belt a bit, will your pre-match prep be any different this year as opposed to 2002?
[21:43:49] Justin Koschitzke: Mega, definitely. I have learned a lot about managing my body and how much it can handle.
[21:42:38] Statsman: Bakes, what motivated your change to number 10?
[21:43:00] Steve Baker: Spider is a great mate of mine and he asked me to have it.
[21:43:07] i_luv_riewoldt: hey bakes do u hav a gf at the moment????????????
[21:43:30] Steve Baker: Nah, I’m single, but looking.
[21:43:42] dalsantosgirl: I’m free.
[21:44:48] Steve Baker: I’d have to see what you are like, and what you look like first, babe.
[21:43:54] saintbrat: Bakes, do your grandparents get to many of your games?
[21:44:11] Steven Baker: Nah, hardly any.
[21:44:23] asaintfor53years: Kosi - any chance of playing ruck?
[21:45:08] Justin Koschitzke: Probably not in the ruck this year, maybe as I get older.
[21:45:46] dalsantosgirl: nick - would u ever date a Carlton supporter?
[21:46:06] Nick Riewoldt: No way ... have a girlfriend anyway.
[21:46:24] i_luv_aussie: r u all at grants house??
[21:46:56] Steve Baker: Yeah, had a bbq for tea.
[21:46:59] dalsantosgirl: has anyone met nicks girlfriend - i hear she is really nice!
[21:47:50] Justin Koschitzke: I’ve met her, she is at our place every night.
[21:47:18] Statsman: Who's the better cook - Nick or Kosi?
[21:47:56] Steve Baker: Nick.
[21:48:46] Statsman: Kosi, is there any particular CHB that you model yourself on?
[21:49:49] Justin Koschitzke: Dustin Fletcher, even though he plays a little deeper than me.
[21:49:23] Lil_Sainter12: Nick and Justin and Bakes, apart from all u three being close mates, who else r ur closest friends at the club?
[21:49:45] Steve Baker: Milne, Lenny, Swatta.
[21:49:33] Statsman: Bakes, presumably you're not content to be just a tagger. What are you doing to improve other dimensions of your game?
[21:50:14] Steve Baker: Just get the ball (censored) loads ... haha.
[21:50:15] Steve Baker was kicked from chat site by RoomGuard-AFL -- No Swearing!
[21:50:19] Statsman: Kosi, don't develop Fletcher's habit of sticking out a foot when your opponent runs past.
[21:50:44] Justin Koschitzke: No worries cobba!
[21:51:53] Steve Baker is back on the chat site
[21:53:16] Statsman: Bakes, can you provide us with some goals out of the midfield. You chipped in for a few last season, like in the third quarter of that Carlton game.
[21:54:05] Steve Baker: For sure, I’ll kick 50 ... hehe.
[21:54:00] Eastern: Hi Bakes. Now watch the language !!
[21:54:22] Steve Baker: Yeah sorry about that, first time on here.
[21:54:23] saintjohn: Bakes, you kicked a couple of great goals last year, did you enjoy the freedom?
[21:55:02] Steve Baker: Loved it. Milney always told me it was good fun.
[21:54:49] Saints_RULZ: So Justin, what is your dream gal?
[21:55:38] Justin Koschitzke: Country girl with a friendly personality.
[21:55:33] Statsman: Kosi, in your weight training do you work on any specific muscle groups or do you just try to build up all over?
[21:56:50] Justin Koschitzke: I work mainly on my core strength and my back.
[21:55:43] Steve Baker: Goodbye every one from Roo.
[21:56:39] Steve Baker: luv u all, gotta run ... sweets are served at the boss’s joint.
[21:58:07] i_luv_aussie: Y arent u having ne sweets Kosi??
[21:58:41] Justin Koschitzke: Because I’m talking to u guys.
[21:58:39] St_Zed: Kosi still there? - u right for Rd 1?
[21:59:24] Justin Koschitzke: Sure am – can’t wait.
[21:59:53] St_Zed: Great to hear - good luck big fella! slay 'em!
[21:59:39] Eastern: Good luck for the season, Kosi. Can you pass it on to the other guys too!!
[22:00:02] Justin Koschitzke: No worries, Eastern.
[22:00:09] Eastern: thanks !!
[21:59:58] nimmy: Kosi, how has Stephen Powell fitted into the Club?
[22:01:03] Justin Koschitzke: Powelly is going well. He will be an excellent player 4 us.
[22:02:35] Statsman: Kosi, what positions did you play in junior footy?
[22:03:04] Justin Koschitzke: CHF and ruck Statsman.
[22:03:28] Statsman: Kosi, how hard was it to transition to CHB after playing CHF/ruck in juniors? Is it very different?
[22:04:18] Justin Koschitzke: I find it a lot easier to read the play down back.
[22:05:05] Statsman: Kosi, I've heard a few people say it’s easier to read the play on the backline rather than up forward. Why is that? You still have the ball coming towards you and you still have to go to meet it.
[22:05:42] Justin Koschitzke: The play is all in front of u.
[22:06:11] Becc|E: Justin - which current player (non-Saint) do you admire as a player the most?
[22:06:48] Justin Koschitzke: Cameron Ling, because he is so good looking.
[22:10:06] Justin Koschitzke: Sorry guys, gtg 2 bed, long day tomorrow – it’s been good, hope u all have a great year - keep supporting, the good times are coming!
[22:10:24] Spelly: Thanks Justin, it’s been great having you on here tonight.
[22:27:47] Grant Thomas: How were the boys, well behaved I hope Spelly?
[22:28:34] Spelly: They were very well behaved, Grant, but I have a feeling there will be literally thousands of girls at tomorrow's training session!
[22:30:33] Grant Thomas: Excellent, I hope you all enjoyed it. They told me they did. I think they were a bit shocked by the level of support you guys have for the Saints. They all said they want to log on again now and then, so you must have impressed them. Well done. I had best go, so see you later and keep safe.
(Transcript spell checked, formatted and edited by Spelly!)
