BRETT KOHLHAGEN: What do you think you got out of the camp at Wangaratta?
LUKE BALL: A fair bit. You just see it as a good chance to get out to regional areas that don’t have the opportunity to see as much footy. We probably take it for granted a bit in Melbourne. The passion amongst supporters in country areas is always strong and becomes very clear when you get out and see it first hand.
BK: Has Matthew Lappin or any of the other Murray Bushrangers spoken to you about their glory days here?
LB: A few of the boys have. Ben Reid tells me he used to play for the arch enemy across the road here at Wangaratta. It’s been a good breeding ground hasn’t it?
BK: Collingwood has had a lot of early injuries to players like Alan Didak, Brent Macaffer, Chris Tarrant and Harry O’Brien. Is that a worry leading into a season?
LB: It’s a little bit unfortunate, but if you are going to have injuries you would rather them now than later in the season. All sides get them and hopefully most of them will be back for one or two NAB Cup games. ‘Caff’ on the weekend was really unfortunate with his knee as he’ll miss the rest of the season.
BK: How do you see Jon Ceglar’s development?
LB: He’s coming along really well. He had a good go at the weekend in Sydney and has put on a bit of size. The big guys tend to take a bit longer, but he’s developing and his confidence is growing. I know roving to him that he jumps really well and can push forward as well.
BK: GWS surprised a few people at the weekend with its performances against Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs. Were you impressed?
LB: They played well. People say they won’t win a game, but I’m not sure about that. I think they will give a lot of cheek and be similar to Gold Coast last year. Certainly early in the year they will be up and about. They will take some beating that’s for sure.
BK: It must have been an honour captaining the club in Nick Maxwell’s absence at the weekend?
LB: Definitely. Even if it’s only for a week it’s a real thrill. It was great.
BK: Can you believe Leon Davis wasn’t picked up by West Coast or Fremantle after returning home to Western Australia from Collingwood?
LB: It does surprise me. We were disappointed to lose him, but understood that he wanted to go home. For him to not be playing on an AFL list is incredible. I suppose in one way it’s a good thing because we won’t be coming up against him. He’s such a good player, but I’m sure he will have a good year and we might see him have another go at it next year.
BK: It’s only been a few months, but have you noticed a big difference between Mick Malthouse and Nathan Buckley’s coaching?
LB: Nathan has only tinkered a few little things in terms of our game style and stuff. Obviously we have been reasonably successful over the past few years and he’s aware of that. I’m sure as the year goes on and he develops and learns more there might be a few more little things introduced.
BK: You aren’t expecting too much grief from Mick in the commentary box are you?
LB: Hopefully not. He might be a good ally to have in the box.
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