Hi Ash. I was just wondering how water runners are selected for you guys? Is there a process to get selected?
Lee from Caboolture (QLD)

The people who run water - or hydration technicians as they call themselves - are actually Club trainers who do a lot more than just bring us drinks during games.

They also give the boys massages, strap ankles and basically help out with a heap of things on match-day. You have to be pretty qualified to get a gig.

But if you think you can work with our Head Trainer Terry Mooney, then I suggest you apply within.

Hey Ash! Congratulations with the exciting news of a baby on the way! All the best! Will you and Browny be the only dads out of all the boys?
Samantha from Noosa Heads (QLD)

Thanks Samantha.

There are actually a few boys - I think around five guys - who have kids, so Browny and I won’t be the only ones.

Which players will get to go to the Brownlow Medal this year? You have played excellent this year Ash, so i hope you get to go!
Kiri from Balwyn (VIC)

I’m sure Browny, Simon Black and Michael Rischitelli will be among the guys who get invited this year.

Daniel Rich thinks he’s going to go because he loves the red carpet specials.

And Justin Sherman might go as well because he loves to dress up. I hear he has already booked in a spray tan for the event.

Hey Ash! Who do you think is going to win the Brownlow this year?
Kelsea from Echuca (VIC)

Brent Staker reckons he will give it a shake this year.

But probably Dane Swan from Collingwood. Dockers ruckman Aaron Sandilands probably would’ve been a chance before he got injured.

Ash, why is it that in Melbourne, for instance, the players go to the boundary line after the match and really interact with the supporters. But at the Gabba, there is very little interaction. I know for a fact that the cheer squad would love some quality time with the players after a game.
Bjay from Wakerley (QLD)

Hey Bjay. We’ve actually only really spent time going around the crowd when we’ve actually won games interstate. We did it over in Perth a few weeks ago and again last Sunday because it was our last trip to Melbourne for the year.

After every win at the Gabba, we sign footys and go and hand them out to the crowd which is something we don’t do at away games. We like to feel as though we acknowledge our home crowd as well.

Maybe it’s just because we haven’t won a heap of games lately that we haven’t been around high-fiving fans as much.

Hey Ash, I have a question regarding the public engagements that players have to attend. I am sure the most enjoyable evening is still the Club Champion or the Brownlow if you are lucky enough to go. What about some of the other functions? The players go to events such as the Sportsman's Dinner, player sponsorship events, family days, clinics, etc. Is there any one event other than Club Champs that you enjoy more than others? Are they more of a ‘chore’ and just part of the job? Or do you get some genuine enjoyment out of those functions?
Mel from Indooroopilly (QLD)

The Club Champion night is probably the best because there are no set rules. We get to just sit down and spend some time with our team-mates and enjoy the night. The only frustrating bit is when you get asked to sign autographs when you’re trying to eat dinner.

But most of our Club functions are enjoyable and it’s always good to get out and see out fans.

Is Joel Patful single?
Brooke from Mill Park (VIC)

Yes, he is single.

And as I’ve said before, if anyone out there is interested in him, just send me a note - with a photo - and I might be able to help you out.

We're starting to get a bit worried about him so we hope he finds a female soon.

In Victoria we hear a lot of bad press about Vossy's recruiting last summer. The press rubbish players like Fev, Goose, Raines and Buchanan. Does this have any impact on the players, Vossy or the team? Is it discussed?
Darren from Wangaratta (VIC)

Nah, that stuff isn't discussed at the Club. You can never take too much notice of what is said in the papers, particularly this year when most people are having a crack at us.

We all know where we’re heading as a footy cub, and that’s all that matters.

Hi Ash. A few years ago I hurt my neck playing rugby, resulting in a spinal fusion operation. After that I now have a lot of trouble going head first into a ruck. How do you regain that mental edge after big injuries?
Nick from Brisbane (QLD)

Don’t play rugby.

Hey Ash, just wanted to wish you and all the boys the best for the rest of the season. Also, how many of the boys at the Club do Uni or Tafe study outside of footy? GO LIONS!
Jess from Mackay (QLD)

A handful of the guys try to, but footy is a full-time job these days and there is not a lot of spare time for doing studies. Sometimes you might only get one afternoon off each week.

Personally, I like to sleep in my spare time.

I just wanted to thank everyone for sending through questions for my column again this year. There have been some beauties and I'm hoping to be back on deck again in 2010. A special shout out to the boys at the Fire Station - keep up the good work!