It's good to be a
Ryan, congratulations on winning the Mike and Dan Play of the Day for Round 11 for your snap in the 1st giving Carlton their first goal. Where would you place this award in comparison to the Rising Star nomination and the NAB Cup premiership?
(Laughs) It’s a great honour. Thanks very much. I'd rather win the premiership though.
You started the game on Kane Cornes and ran forward to watch
Absolutely. They're both great players. I lined up on Kane on the wing. I had to rush back when Port attacked early, so I thought it would be good if I sneaked forward and kicked a few goals on him. It worked out pretty well so I'm happy with that.
The
Definitely. I've been through some tough times at the club. But I can honestly say, I have enjoyed playing footy more in the last few months, well the whole year actually, than any time since 2001. The young players bring energy to the place that’s refreshing and it’s great for us older, experienced guys.
Of recent times,
Yeah it was. I can't remember the last time I looked up at the scoreboard at three quarter time and thought that we had already had the game won. I thought I should allow myself to soak it in and enjoy the last quarter.
What was the message for the last quarter from Denis?
Just to keep taking the game on. That’s what got us to the position we were in. Not to back off and try to contain the play because when we have tried that in the past, we've got into trouble.
That's a hard question. I don't know the answer. I guess we've got a developing backline which means we can always get exposed.
Are the coaches trying to slowly tighten up the defence or are we going to keep going as we are?
In the last couple of weeks they've brought back some experienced players like Saddington and Bannister to shore it up. Especially once O'Hailpin moved to the ruck we needed some experience.
You are quickly approaching 150 games which is a great achievement, especially for a 5th round draft pick. How do you and the coach see your role in the team at the moment?
At the moment, I'm getting slung around everywhere. This year I've had run-with roles, on Andrew Mcleod, I've played down back on Didak and played up forward also. On the weekend I was freed up playing on the wing. I'm enjoying slotting in wherever the coach and team need me to play. If the team is playing well I am happy playing anywhere. But if I had a choice I enjoy playing midfield probably and up back.
Who’s the hardest opponent you have played on?
I don't want to mention him because I might get him this week but Shane Crawford comes to mind. He and Glen Archer, 2 very different players but both tough.
You have bulked up considerably the last 3 years. Was that to prepare for defensive jobs or necessary whatever job you do?
I made a conscious decision to do that to take my football to the next level. Half-forward is a hard position to maintain for longevity in the game. I decided to bulk up and get fitter so that I could play midfield. I needed to get stronger to win my own contested ball. That was something I wasn't able to do on my own so I needed to change.
Your debut was Round 11, 2000 in the Grand Final replay against the Roos which was the day Kouta teared them apart. What’s your memory of the day?
My memories are of Kouta playing a great game. Also of my own game, I come on halfway through the first and I was running with Byron Pickett. The ball came down to half-forward and the 2 of us were running after it and I thought “My God, whats going to happen here”. Luckily I tackled him well and got the free for holding the ball, which I was happy about for my first touch. So that's my only personal memory of the day.
Kouta is still playing good footy. What’s it like being alongside the great man?
He's a great player and a great guy. He's an inspiration for all the young players and even for me. At 34, he's still able to adapt to the modern quick game. He'll probably go on next year. I just love playing with him.
You debuted in a very good team, then experienced the lows of football. What’s the feeling around the club at the moment especially having consecutive wins which is rare these days?
We've been up all year. There is a great vibe around the place. Even in our losses we've taken something positive away. It’s usually been a bad 10 minutes that has cost us the game. Hopefully we can keep winning and keep the vibe up.
You were the 3rd boy drafted from your family growing up in Corowa?. What was it like being the best football family in the town?
(Laughs) It was good. There's not too many people there so it’s not hard to be the best footy family. I had the pressure of having my brothers playing AFL. Everyone always expected me to make it too. I learned a lot from observing both of them. Watching what they did right and learning from their mistakes. I used to come down to
Are you more famous back in Corowa or around
I don't get back all that often so when I do, they're happy to see me there. Probably surprised more than anything…
Are you the best Houlihan?
I don't know. We're all good.
Your brother Josh plays for the Bullants. Did you get to his 100th game?
Yeah I did. Me and mum and my brothers got down there to support him in Frankston. He had a good game. We enjoyed the day.
You were touted as a high skilled youngster and over the years you were often the scapegoat when the team played badly. Is that something that affected you?
It did when I was younger. Looking back I learnt a lot from it. I wanted to prove them wrong. I was getting called all sorts of names from fans and especially the media even though I was only 19 or 20 at the time. It probably did affect me but I have hopefully I've proved them wrong.
Did people expect more from you than other players? Do you think the emergence of players like Murphy, Walker, Carazzo, Simpson has helped lessen the load and pressure on you and the more experienced players?
Definitely. You know the lads will always have a crack. It makes your job a lot easier. When I started I had guys like Silvagni, Ratten and Browny to play alongside. It made it easier to get a kick.
The Dalai Lama spoke in front of 20000 people at MC Labour Park. Is it true that in return Denis got him to do the pre-match before the Port game?
I haven't heard that one
Do you think Bryce Gibbs is a chance to be the next Dalai Lama?
No.
We’ve got the Hawks coming up then the mid-season break. What can the fans look forward to from the Blues for the rest of the season?
We play a good brand of footy that's exciting. You can expect 22 guys having a crack for each other.
Did the break come at the worst time for our momentum?
Maybe, I don't know. A few guys need to freshen up and most, including me, look forward to the break.
(At this point Ryan mentioned a 6 letter word that starts with “F” . When Mike and Dan asked him to repeat it, he denied saying it because he didn't want to be looking too far ahead)
Here’s your chance to get a free whack at a teammate. Any player who has a disgusting habit or unusual hobbies or did something embarrassing.
I'd have to say Brendan Fevola who embarrasses us all just by being himself .
Ryan Houlihan has finally delivered the consistency that
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