JUSTIN Koschitzke is fighting for his career.
The Brocklesby big man has revealed to The Border Mail he’s been given no guarantees from coach Scott Watters about a regular spot in St Kilda’s best side this year.
He even put off post-season surgery over the summer to ensure he didn’t fall too far behind.
He couldn’t afford to.
“I’ve got a pretty clear message that I’m fighting for a spot,” Koschitzke said.
“The club’s keen for me to play but the coach has been pretty direct in telling me that I need to put my best foot forward each week.
“Reputations are out the window because we’ve got some good kids coming through.”
The heat is clearly on but Koschitzke isn’t flustered.
He said he wouldn’t be rushed into making a decision as to whether this year was going to be his last in the red, white and black.
“It’s still a year by year process,” the Rising Star from 2001 said.
“I’m 31 in September so we’ll see how we go.
“Nothing’s finalised but I am treating everything like it’s the last time.
“I’ll probably reassess halfway through the year and see where I’m at.
“I’d love to play on for as long as I can but I’m realistic about it all.
“I’m more than content I’ve given it my best crack.”
Koschitzke said he had been advised to go under the knife at the end of last season after the Saints narrowly missed out on finals.
But for the former No. 2 draft pick, the extended layoff that comes after surgery wasn’t an option.
Not if he wanted to keep his spot in the side.
“At my age I couldn’t have afforded it,” Koschitzke admitted.
“I had a dicky shoulder and a bit of a hip complaint but now I’m feeling really good.
“It was the right move.
“The body has held up well.”
The Border star has booted 243 goals in a 195-game career played predominantly as a bash and crash forward.
That role won’t change.
That’s Koschitzke’s biggest challenge.
“My role will still be the same as a target forward who can pinch hit in the ruck,” he said.
“I’ll do a bit of mentoring with the kids, too.
“Benny McEvoy is really coming along and has turned into a solid player.
“(Tom) Hickey is a promising young player who can take a catch, as well.
“I’m directly competing with him, probably, depending on our structures.
“I get a lot out of helping the younger guys.”
By doing so, Koschitzke is essentially plotting his own demise.
But he’s more than happy to do it.
Not because he’s done playing at the highest level but his love for St Kilda outweighs his own self-interest.
“It is a bit of a double-edged sword,” Koschitzke admitted.
“Your time’s always going to come.”
