Steve Grace describes Thomas Schneider as an “extremely courageous, committed, team orientated” player. It’s an assessment that carries much significance for the young Oakleigh Charger midfielder.
Schneider is determined to have a style that can be his signature. It’s something he took on board after talking to Hawthorn premiership captain Sam Mitchell.
“I spoke to Sam when he was doing a TAC Cup advertisement and he said every player needs to have a trademark if he wants to stand out,” Schneider said.
“I knew that something I always had on my side was my hard ball gets and how hard I worked. It’s pretty much what I’ve tried to work on every game – courageous play and get the hard ball.”
Such a trademark has been evident as Schneider has been a key contributor in the Chargers’ stunning start to the season.
Grace said Schneider was really instrumental in setting up the Chargers win against Calder Cannons and keeping Oakleigh undefeated and giving the club its best ever start.
Schneider collected 31 possessions, took seven marks and kicked one goal as Oakleigh stretched its unbeaten sequence with a two –point win. It earned him five votes in the TAC Cup Coaches Award.
“Tom is really strong. He’s very good at the contested football; he’s built himself up to match the high-power running players in the competition,” Grace said.
“We would like to have two or three Tom Schneiders as his goal sense and work around goal is very uncanny. He’s very strong over the ball and doesn’t often go to ground.”
Last season, Schneider battled a succession of setbacks, most noticeably Glandular Fever, which effectively reduced his season to six games.
With such a backdrop, Grace said the emphasis was on Schneider entering the 2010 season healthy.
“He really worked himself into the ground the year before. We wanted him to trust our program and if he was going to do extras it was off his feet,” Grace said.
Schneider said the most important aspect over pre-season was ensuring his body was “100 percent” entering the season.
“I tried to eat better food and basically keep fit and healthy,” Schneider said.
“I had pretty high expectations coming into the season. I wanted to impress, I don’t think people thought that much of me last season when I played.
“I was probably sick in all the games I played last season and I’m sure some people would have been surprised that I got the call up to come back again this season.”
While Schneider is obviously disappointed that he’s not in the Metro squad, Grace said the focus had been on continuing to do what he can control.
“We spoke about the fact that it is what you do, not what people think,” Grace said.
“If he continues to play consistently well there is the chance to change people’s thinking, but if not Tom will be a fantastic player for us.”
Last Modified on 06/05/2010 14:21