You have a bit of a reputation for enjoying a sing. Where did that love of music come from?
Growing up I used to listen to Dad’s music and I enjoyed the older time stuff. It kind of grew on me over the years and I can be heard having a sing in the change rooms or the shower.
Do you have any preferred songs?
I don’t mind singing a bit of Johnny Farnham or Roy Orbison. I like to think I’m a pretty good singer but the people who listen to me might think otherwise.
At Essendon one of your nicknames was Peter Hore, referring to the serial pest who has interrupted numerous major Australian sporting events. How did you earn that nickname?
Back at Essendon I mucked around a bit playing a few jokes on the boys. As the years went on I found myself doing it a little more regularly. It was all good harmless fun.
What were the thoughts when Essendon delisted you?
I didn’t know what else I would be doing if I wasn’t playing footy. It was a bit of a shock and it really does bring you back down to earth so I am really grateful for the chance Fremantle has given me. It was certainly a couple of weeks I’d rather forget.
How about when you were invited to train with Fremantle during the pre-season?
I always wanted to come back home and all through trade week there was talk of trying to get me home but Essendon couldn’t quite get the right trade. When Mark Harvey invited me down to train I was rapt and then to get picked up, I was over the moon. There is no place like home.
What changes have you noticed in Mark Harvey since his time at Essendon?
Having not been under his coaching since he left Essendon, it didn’t take long to remember how switched on he is. It is amazing when he talks, all the players listen in 100 per cent and what he has to say is spot on. He has got respect off everyone.
What do you bring to the club?
I am happy to fill any role that I am assigned but I have to admit I like kicking a few goals and having a run on the wing. With my height I would like to think I will be able to help out in the ruck when I’m needed.
What are some of the advantages of being back in WA?
Time away from footy is much better because you have your friends and family around. When I was in Melbourne I didn’t really know anyone apart from the guys from Essendon so being around footy all the time wasn’t necessarily beneficial. Being back here with friends and family breaks it up a bit and is a big help.
What sort of a player would you say you are?
I have pretty good fitness under my belt and with my height I like being able to slot into any role I am needed to fill. I like playing on the wing or half forward flank because I can run all day but ultimately I’ll go where the coaches put me and that suits me fine.
How hard was the adjustment trying to being a defender over the past couple of years?
When I went to Essendon I was 89kg and was a wing, half forward flanker for West Perth. I put on six or seven kilos in the first year and then another five kilos the year after that and I turned from 89kg to 105kg and playing on Barry Hall. I was there for two years doing that before playing mostly as a forward last year for Bendigo, which was better.
What was the best thing about your trip to South Africa with the team at the start of the year?
It was fantastic. We went to an orphanage for HIV children and all the kids lived and did their schooling there. When we walked through the door it was amazing to see their faces change and to see how excited they were to see us. We had a kick with them and they were just over the moon. I thought they would have looked at us and thought, ‘Who are you?’ but they were rapt to see us and the players got a lot out of it which was fantastic.
The most eye-opening part of the trip?
We drove through a lot of poor areas so seeing how people lived was confronting. The houses weren’t much more than four posts holding up some sheet metal for a roof. The amazing thing was that even though these people have next to nothing they were always smiling.
You played in the International Rules series in 2006. What was that experience like?
I was pretty surprised when Kevin Sheedy called me up telling me I was in the squad. I’d had an alright year that year so to get a game and play with the better players of the competition was unbelievable. You get to see how good they are and how fit they are. I played at Subiaco Oval in front of my home crowd and we won by a record margin so it was fantastic.
You managed to take out the Bendigo Bombers 2007 Best and Fairest and lead the goal kicking despite playing just 15 games. Were you a bit surprised when you picked up those awards?
It was a bit of a surprise. When I got the phone call from (Bendigo Coach) Matthew Knights telling me I had won the goal kicking and the best and fairest it was a bit of a sweet and sour thing. I didn’t really want to win it (best and fairest) because it meant I spent too much time playing in the VFL but to get that award from playing in just 15 games was great.
People describe you as quite a versatile player for your height. Has that always been something that has helped you in your game?
I think it is an advantage when it comes to selection but sometimes it can work against you when you play anywhere between three, four, five or six positions in four quarters. It makes it hard to get into the flow of the game sometimes when you are constantly getting moved around but it also tests you as a player and forces you to adapt quickly which is a bonus. You can never have too many strings to your bow in the AFL and I have been fortunate to have filled so many positions and roles in my career so far. I think it helps you grow as a player.
