Nickname: Tap dogs
Year joined MUAFC: 2009
So, Deano, 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, claimed the Leagues B&F Award and also had the privilege of being Assistant Coach for the great man DK? What a year, fill us in on your thoughts?
Could not of been happier with last year, had a great group of players, great club support and the rest speaks for its self. I am just glad I came back to football after 3 years off, owe that one to DK, and I am just glad it was a great club like Macquarie University.
On the park, what was the highlight on Grand Final Day 2009?
Seeing and hearing the overwhelming support from our Macquarie University cheer squad and watching a year's worth of hard work come together and a complete team contribution to get the win.
As we attended the AFL Phelan Medal Awards last year, the boys were still celebrating their GF win, give us a quick summary of events of the night?
Great night I think our table at the awards night was the loudest and best dress with stumpy sporting a red bow tie and the rest of us obviously on a bender after the big win were in poor form and the rest of the night was luckily a blur.
Now we have been back on the track since November and are 3 months into our pre season, and 4 weeks from first ball up, what is “fresh” in the air in 2010 with the playing group?
I think this year there is once again a great excitement in the air with a bunch of new faces coming to our club. The reality of playing in the first round will soon hit everyone and all the hard work from pre season will hopefully pay off and all the boys will be prepared.
Which 2009 player do you think will make the step up a grade in 2010 to your side?
I think there are a few sharp players this year, Nate Jackson’s ability to make me happy is a strong characteristic, I like Stump's Endeavour he just trains in what squad he wants. So there are a few on the radar. Can girls from Bells team play up?
Every Coach has his “Project Player”, in 2010 who is that player and why is he the “one”?
To be honest I don’t pick favourites I like to get to know them first. I would like spend some time with Andrew Polkinghorne who is a new comer to the club but I don’t think he needs my help, so maybe just a man date. But some dark horses to latch onto for this year for me are, Pottsy, Harland and fit Geoff.
When footy season is not on, what are you doing on the weekends?
Building an outdoor shower at the new place, bucks nights regardless if anyone's getting married, watching DK workout at the gym on Saturday mornings.
What do you see as the biggest challenge in your role with the Senior boys?
Obviously stepping up a grade the transition of skill level and pace I think will be something we will need to adjust to early in the season.
What is the hardest part of pre-season?
100 people at training and designing drills for all skill capacities keeping in mind having to challenge all grades whilst encompassing players that may not of touched a football before
If you had to describe your leadership style, what 3 words would you use?
Direct, impatient, flirtatious
How should the Coach translate the Club’s culture and vision to their players?
I think our football culture speaks for itself and that’s why we have great retention and great growth over the past two years in particular. Great bunch of boys to be around all with the similar personalities and great passion for the game.
As we all know, Gen Y players are the most difficult to Coach, what special skills do you bring to communicate with them?
I like to make them feel comfortable by wearing no shorts over my skins as I train so they know I am a open forum to talk to about anything. The more relaxed and comfortably they are the more honest feedback we get.
Any superstitions around food and football? If so, what are they?
Heaps, I try to wear the same speedos every game, need honey sandwiches at half time
Favourite smoothie flavour?
A gym junkie from boost hits the spot, not sure what's in it but besides all the kidney cramps its nice.
Name 5 essentials on you shopping list?
4kg chicken breast, taco kit, mince meat, fruit loops, chili flavor country kettle chips
Last Modified on 08/03/2010 10:19