Brent Prismall considers himself “blessed”.
Still able to continue a love affair with the game, Prismall has had a seamless transition from AFL player to still playing at the elite level in the VFL.
Prismall attributes Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney for having a profound effect on his career, first at Geelong then Essendon and now at the Western Bulldogs.
He noted the two talked about what was ahead of Prismall when his injury curtailed 61-game AFL career came to an end in 2012.
Prismall, who plays his 100th VFL game this weekend, moved into a player welfare role with the Bulldogs in 2013.
“This role has been ideal, it’s something I’ve been fortunate to walk straight out of the AFL and into,” Prismall said.
“I can’t be thankful enough for the Western Bulldogs for giving me the opportunity to be part of a really good club.
“I’ve always been interested in player welfare. With all the injuries I had when I was playing that I spent a fair bit of time with the player welfare guys at Essendon and Geelong and built some good relationships.
“It’s a reflection on those guys as to why I was so keen to get into this role. I feel it really suits me, I really do love to go to work.”
An added bonus for Prismall is that he’s been able to continue playing football at a high level, first with Williamstown and this season with Footscray during their inaugural season as a standalone club.
Along with Nick Lower, Jordan Russell and Lukas Markovic, Prismall has provided the core VFL foundation and experience for the Bulldogs’ young list.
“We try to set a good example and communicate with the younger guys … we were once younger guys as well,” Prismall said.
Read the full article in the VFL Record this weekend.
Last Modified on 29/08/2014 10:06