Heather Quinlan: It’s great to see a ruckman knuckle down to some hard tackling and roving work. Has this part of your game come about since joining the Swans or has it always been a part of your style?
Shane says: That’s something that I’ve done since I was a kid. Playing in Bunyip you had to go and get your own footy, either that or it was kicked to you at your feet or back over your head. It’s something I’ve always done; I’ve always followed where I’ve hit the ball and tried to get it myself.
David: Love your tackling and energy. What do you prefer, the hard tackles or the good ruck taps?
Shane says: The big hits are always nice for the highlights reel and it does get all the other blokes on the field up around you, so they are a good thing. But if you can put a tap out into space for someone to run onto to kick a goal, that’s a lot more rewarding for the team than a big hit.
Timo: Hey Mummy, I think you are the most improved player in the AFL. If you could think of one thing to improve your game further, what would it be?
Shane says: I’d love to be able to go forward more and kick a couple of goals; that would be a rather nice return. Hopefully, by the end of this season or at the start of next season I’ll be doing that. It is something that I need to work on, I probably don’t read the ball as well when I’m playing forward as I’d like to, but that’s something that will take time I think.
Richard: With the return of Mark Seaby next year, how will that affect Mike Pyke’s development? And, with Kirky and Roosy’s impending retirements, is belief around the Club peaking at the right time?
Shane says: When Seabs comes back it will be good for the side as there will be three big strong ruckmen all fighting for two spots in the side. The more blokes you’ve got fighting for spots in the side, the more competitive the team’s going to be, so it’s a great thing.
As for Kirky and Roosy, they’ve been legends of this Club for a long time, so it’s definitely given us that extra gear in recent weeks to get the win on the board for them.
Sophie: What has been your most enjoyable moment since joining the Swans?
Shane says: My favourite moment would be the elimination final against Carlton last weekend. Being my first finals experience, it was something I hadn’t done before and getting a close win on the board is always nice.
Jenny: how does it feel to be named in the All Australian squad?
Shane says: It’s a huge honour to be named in the top 40 players of the league for the year, so I’m pretty stoked about that. I don’t think I’m too much of a chance of actually making the final team, but I’m happy enough with the squad.
