CTV > Watch the Kevin Dyas interviewCollingwood’s latest Irish signing Kevin Dyas says Martin Clarke’s phenomenal debut season encouraged him to make the move to Australia.
20-year-old Dyas, who committed to a two-year international rookie contract after trialling with Collingwood last September, follows in the footsteps of countryman Clarke, who took the league by storm with his 2007 season.
Clarke, who first touched an Australian football late in 2006, played 12 games in 2007 after debuting in round 12, and averaged 17 possessions and showed outstanding composure and skill, culminating in an excellent finals series.
Dyas, a 182-centimetre strong-bodied midfielder, admits Clarke’s rapid development gave him confidence that his move to the other side of the world can be successful.
"Seeing Marty do so well gives you an indication that it can be done," Dyas told CTV at the Lexus Centre on Monday.
"Everybody back at home wouldn’t have been surprised by how well he’s done because he was so good back home, but to see him do really well encouraged me to come over."
The two have developed a strong bond, with Clarke providing Dyas with plenty of support.
"Since I’ve been here he (Clarke) has been really helpful, because obviously he’s been through what I’m going through now, and any questions or anything I have he can answer, because he knows what I’m talking about."
A phone call from Collingwood’s national recruiting manager Derek Hine in the middle of 2007 got the ball rolling for Dyas, who had previously excelled playing Gaelic football for County Armagh at Minor and Under 21 level.
It was positive reinforcement from Collingwood coaching staff, in particular development coaches Brad Scott and Alan Richardson, that gave Dyas the belief he needed to make the move.
Being here in September also gave Dyas the chance to witness finals football first hand, and watch Clarke excel in the pulsating preliminary final against the Cats.
"I came over when the finals were on, so it was a good time to come over.
"I got to go to the Geelong game, and it looked really exciting and something I wanted to be a part of, so it was an easy enough decision to make."
Later this week Dyas will head to Potchefstroom, South Africa with his new team mates and coaches, where Collingwood will hold a three-week high-altitude training camp before travelling to Dubai to take on Adelaide in the opening game of the 2008 pre-season cup on February 9.
"I’m really looking forward to not only the training (in South Africa), but also getting to know the boys a bit better because we’ll be living with each other, so it will be good."
As for his goals for 2008, Dyas remains open-minded about what his first full season in Australia will bring. He simply wants to establish himself at the club and earn the respect of his team mates.
"I haven’t really thought about it in terms of when I’ll play or anything like that.
"I’m just sort of thinking about getting to know the boys, getting my skills right, getting along with the team, and hopefully things will work out for me if I work hard and keep my head down."
