Nickname: I guess these days it’s ‘6 goals’
Year joined MUAFC: 2009
So, Scotty, welcome back to Mac Uni after a long 2009 campaign, you joined Mac Uni in 2009, and in 1 season have taken out the title and become known as Scotty “6 Goals” Cations after your Small Forward highlights of the GF. How did you find your first year at the Club and what were your highlights?
Well it is always daunting going to a new city knowing very little people but really Macquarie Uni has made the transition into Sydney a breeze. From day 1 when Frosty walked up and welcomed me to Macquarie everyone has been very friendly.
Obviously I had played a bit of footy before but I came to the club raw and that’s the way I wanted it to be. No reputation, no expectation and just wanted to enjoy meeting people and having a kick. Highlights would have to be as follows:
- My first game at Penrith a great place to stop half way on your way to Melbourne
- First game in the 1’s – only the second half of the game though
- Finals campaign and obviously the grand final win
- Celebrations and footy trip … I think I’m still recovering but it turned footy teammates into real mates
On the park, what was the highlight on Grand Final Day 2009 – other than you kicking 6?
Personally my biggest highlight was probably around 10 minutes into the last quarter when I looked at the scoreboard and realised that we were going to win the game. For so many years at my former club in Melbourne we had choked come finals and the dream of winning a first grade premiership seemed almost impossible. To come up to Sydney and play a major role in a first grade premiership was incredible.
The other highlight was seeing the passion and euphoria shown by the players and both during and after the game. That’s why we give up our time. Seeing that also makes the injuries & heartache that we occasionally have to go through playing football … all worth it.
Who was the funniest player of 2009 and why? And who do you think will be in 2010 and why?
When it comes to funny players in 2009 I think this has to come into 2 categories … on and off field:
On-field: Hobo – in my life I have never seen anyone hit by more Falcons than Deano’s better half Hobo. I think the strategy for the 2010 season should be to put him in the goal square and us small forwards will just read the crumbs off his forehead. Forget Josh Kennedy up front in this year’s World Cup … Hobo doesn’t even try and scores headers.
Off-field: Skinny – A quiet Scotsman by day but something comes over this man when you give him a beer.
I can’t see anyone taking over Hobo on field but after seeing Drew Burden in action a few weeks ago he might give Skinny a run for his money.
Now we have been back on the track since November and are 3 months into our pre-season, and 1 week from first ball up, what is “fresh” in the air in 2010 with the playing group?
The loss of a few older players provides opportunity for a few younger players to step up. I think ‘youth’ is fresh in the 2010 playing group. This is not only great for the longevity of the club but as the 1sts step up a grade the young pace and agility will be very useful.
Also by now people like Carter age backwards which is good news …
Which 2009 player do you think will make the step up a grade in 2010 to your side? Who has impressed thus far at pre season?
Sammy Leehman will be one to watch I think … Some people struggle with the size of people as you move up from Under 18’s to the seniors but Sammy looks like he is adapting well and using his youth to his advantage.
Every Coach has his “Project Player”, in 2010 who is that player and why is he the “one”?
After the weekend I think Polks will be my project player for the year. One of my roles this year is to take charge of the forward line and if we can keep Polks’ fit and playing high on that Half Forward Flank I think we could have a really dangerous forward structure. His deadly left foot passes will give our key forwards every chance to kick a winning score.
When footy season is not on, what are you doing on the weekends?
I usually just like long walks in the park & if it rains I continue with my knitting.
What do you see as the biggest challenge in your role with the Senior boys?
I think coaching your peers is always a big challenge … earning respect is not always easy among mates but if on game day I can keep my primary focus to my game then I hope my performances can provide the base to earning that respect.
What is the hardest part of pre-season?
Finding that balance between too little and too much … & also waiting till the real stuff starts.
If you had to describe your leadership style, what 3 words would you use?
Probably ‘lead by example’ … as a player and assistant coach you can’t expect to make suggestions to other players without following those rules yourself.
How should the Coach translate the Club’s culture and vision to their players?
I think the clubs culture is 95% of what happens off the field. Culture is built from not just turning up on Saturday and playing football but turning up on Saturday and playing football with your mates. You are much more likely to perform on the field when you have mates you know will back you up and vice versa.
I think the way the coaches have and will continue to translate the clubs vision/culture is by judging any guy/girl at the club not on what grade they play in but on who they are and their attitude. Every player in the club should feel free to approach all coaches from DK down to Matt Scoular.
As we all know, Gen Y players are the most difficult to Coach, what special skills do you bring to communicate with them?
Personally I believe I can really bridge the gap between the other coaching staff and the players. Being a Gen Y myself but working closely in work with baby boomers I believe I can find the balance and really communicate between generations. DK is deep down a baby boomer and if you ask me I think Deano comes from a breed of his own. I think I can bridge that gap and act as a translator.
Any superstitions around food and football? If so, what are they?
Never have really been a superstitious person but developed a goal kicking routine late last year. After my 0 goals 6 behinds performance against East Coast early in the season I thought I’d change things up.
Favourite smoothie flavour?
I don’t drink smoothies anymore as I refuse to lower myself to Boost Juices … I’m still waiting for VIVA juice to make a return. Although I’d suggest I needed to have more ‘Gym Junkie’s’ growing up though.
Name 5 essentials on you shopping list?
Saladas, Coola Cordial, Garlic Bread, Mineral Water & Vegemite
Last Modified on 12/05/2010 07:51
