BY KEVIN HILLIER
Werribee captain Michael Sodomaco will reach his 50th senior game milestone this Saturday when he leads the Tigers onto Avalon Airport Oval for a crucial game against Essendon.
The unassuming skipper is having a good season which was highlighted by his selection in the state squad, where he was named among the best players in the Big V.
KH: Why did you choose Werribee after your time at the Geelong Falcons?
MS: I wanted to play at the highest level I could after leaving the TAC Cup.
I loved my time at the Falcons because I was surrounded by people who all shared the same goal - to be the best footballers they could be.
Werribee gives you the best opportunity to do this because you are playing for the one club all year, with coaches who are all working to help develop you as footballers.
The consistency of coaching & training with the one club means you are certain to leave as a better footballer.
KH: Give us a little background on your junior days.
MS: I grew up playing for the Lara Cats in the GFL. I have really fond memories of my junior years and was lucky enough to play in quite a talented group coming through the ranks, including Allen Christensen, Josh Walker and Dev Smith who have obviously gone on to play AFL.
Despite having a talented group, I have only played in one grand final at any level, and have never won a premiership, which is a bit disappointing when you look at the success some of my friends have had.
KH: What were your first impressions of Werribee Footy Club?
MS: My first impressions were very good.
I was fortunate enough to play a game with Werribee as the 23rd man when I was still with the Falcons, and I still remember the game.
It was a Saturday night game at Chirnside Park and I was lining up against Brett Thornton at the first bounce. I somehow still remember in the pre-match huddle Dom Gleeson had said "We expect you to contribute, but relax and enjoy it and we'll look after you".
My first 'touch' I got caught holding the ball after being run down from behind...surely that's a more exclusive club than 'first kick, first goal'.
KH: Yes it is but you might be the only member.
MS: But back to the club. There was a really strong Geelong connection with Dom Gleeson as captain, and Michael Rockefeller, Flynn Chisholm, Sam Wormald & Ben Moloney there already, so it was a great environment to walk into.
KH: Taking on the captaincy explain that and the challenges.
MS: I'm now into my second year as captain, and as with everything in life you learn a great deal from experience. It is a challenging role - particularly through the long winter months when you are grinding through your own performance pressures and fatigue - but it is very rewarding.
We have had a large turnover of players this year which means the most important part of my job is to build relationships with the new players and drive the team culture.
I have a fantastic nominated leadership group in Ben Speight, Scott Sherlock and Jake Sharp who help to achieve this, as well as a number of other senior players.
KH: Your hopes for 2016?
MS: My hope is to challenge for a long awaited premiership.
We have a lot of work to do to get there, and have received a harsh reality check in recent weeks but my belief that our best football is good enough, hasn't changed.
The next month of football will define our season and we are concentrating on bouncing back immediately this weekend after a bitterly disappointing fortnight.
Last Modified on 17/06/2016 14:08