What did you make of the weather conditions in Darwin last week?
It was probably the most rain I've ever seen. Coming from the country, there's not a lot of rain up there and to see it just keep bucketing down it was amazing. I wish there was a bit more of it down here.
What was the first footy match you attended?
It would have been a Crows game, but it was years ago maybe when I was about 10. I grew up following the Crows and had a membership....but that all changed pretty quickly.
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
Not really. I just like to relax and maybe watch a movie, but once you're at the ground you focus on the game. I dropped my iPod so can't listen to that any more either.
What's your nickname at the club? And the best nicknames among your teammates?
It's recently changed from 'Thommo' to 'A-Rod', because some of the guys think I look like Andy Roddick. I can't see it. Some of the others I probably can't say because they're a bit rude but everyone tends to get funny nicknames from the stupidest stuff and it seems to stick pretty easily.
Who are the biggest pranksters at the club?
Daniel Motlop, Greg Bentley and Tom Logan. They are always pulling little practical jokes around the club with lockers. It all started when we went overseas, they got a group going and now a few guys get attacked every once in a while.
...so what are they putting in the lockers?
No, you don't want to know.
What is in your locker on a day when you haven't been attacked by pranksters?
Smelly jocks, socks, old footy shorts. I do like to clean it out once in a while but sometimes you forget a pair of socks and then open it up the next day...and yeah it's not good.
What's the most memorable match you've played in?
The win against West Coast last year. It was the week before the end of the season so they wanted a bit of a break but we wanted to come out and show the rest of the competition that we could finish on a high. I managed two goals in that game, too.
If I could take one skill from another player, it would be…
Juddy's (Chris Judd’s) running. He seems to be able to bust packs no matter who he's playing against.
You’ve kicked a goal after the siren to win a Grand Final. How do you celebrate?
Take the shirt off and run a couple of laps around the ground I reckon.
What's your special skill away from footy?
Watching TV. I like basically anything to do with the police. The show Cops on Foxtel is good, I also like Border Security, all shows like that.
Who would you like on your table at the Brownlow Medal count?
Pearcey (Danyle Pearce), he's a pretty good mate of mine. I'd probably take my mum, or my girlfriend. I suppose she'd have to go or I'd get in trouble.
If you could add one player from history to your current team, who would it be?
Probably Gary Ablett or Tony Modra. I was a pretty big Modra fan when I was younger like a lot of kids were. I'd take either of those two because you don't get many of the high-flying forwards anymore.
When's the last time you did the washing?
Last night. I did my footy gear because it was stinking out my car boot.
Which of your teammates would you least like to room with on an interstate trip?
Jacob Surjan. I roomed with him for a week when we went to London and he woke me up at all hours of the morning, every morning wanting to go to breakfast and I just slept in. He also likes to chat.
Where would we find you on your day off?
Probably at the golf course or at West Lakes having lunch with the boys or watching a movie. Just getting away from the club a little bit.
Have you ever used your AFL status to your advantage?
No. A few of the guys have and got shut down so I'm too scared now.
What are your goals for the 2007 season?
Just to play as much as I can. I'm aiming for 20 games, but we'll wait and see and hopefully I can achieve that.
How is the groin coming along?
I've had some good treatment and rehab on it so it's ready to go. I'm doing some Pilates, which is actually quite difficult and really helps your core strength.
How hard did Chocco (Mark Williams) work you over the pre-season?
Each year I've been here it's progressively gotten harder and I think the kms that we've done this year far outweigh previous years. It’s good to know in the back of your mind that you have the fitness to run over teams during the season.
What can Power fans look forward to in 2007?
I think we're looking good at the moment. Everyone is pretty fit after a really good pre-season. We have some great leaders at the club in Warren Tredrea, Kane Cornes and Brendon Lade so we'll build on what we had last season and go a long way.
